Ok, I think I might have a good question... (H follow-up)

I believe I have seen everything. How the French does potpourri get in the brake housing on an H? A mouse isn't going to fit in the drain hole much less past the band & housing, is it? It's definatly potpourri, I got it wet & now it smells like a damb gift shop in my garage! Also, what critter eats the stuff? Isn't it toxic? Just don't get it. And, yes, the potpourri packed between the brake band & housing was keeping the band tight to the bottom of the drum. Rolls fine, now. Oh, the RH brake was clean & the drum, nice & shiny. No worries there.

A big thank you to everyone for the help!

Now, to figure out the front half of the tractor. There is barely any compression in any of the cylinders. Not enough to push air out the spark plug hole & past my finger, but if I cover the exhaust pipe with my hand, it will push a little air by. There just dosen't seem to be any resistance in the engine when I turn the fan by hand; like there aren't even pistons in it. The engine shows no sign of being opened to swipe any pats, as best as I can tell. I may have time to investigate further, internally, in the next few days.

Thanks again,
Mike

Well, with zero compression, my opinion is that the valves are hanging. Unless each piston has a hole in it. even sticky rings will provide a little compression.

So, check your valves to see if they have full travel and are closing all the way. Use a small brass hammer or similar. On each valve that has a loose push rod (ie. valve is closed), tap the valve and see if it moves. It should "snap" back with a distinct sound as it seats. If the valves don't snap back or make a sound when seating, you have valve issues. Could be corroded stems or rusted seats. Either will not seat and seal.

Obviously this tractor used to be in use at an early Potpourri farm. They have to grow that stuff somewhere.

(exhaust?) valve hanging up. Pull the valve cover and I'm sure you will get your story.

Mice are amazing.

But hey, at least you get potpouri, all I ever get is mouse crap and corn!

As for the compression -

First, I'd say measuring it by amount of wind passing one's finger isn't exactly an accurate measure! Remember these are very low compression engines to begin with. The difference between "perfect" and "not so good" might not be detectable with a finger.

I'd get a cheap compression gauge and check it before wasting any time with it.

But let's say the compression IS truly too low.

I'd dump a little oil in each spark plug hole and retest it. If compression comes up, you've got worn rings.

Pull the valve cover, crank the engine and watch each valve. If they're stuck, it should be pretty obvious that they aren't coming back up when the rockers lift.

If they appear to be working properly - then check the valve lash. (don't get all super accurate, just a ballpark check) The valves could be coming back up to close, but never making it all the way to seat.

It's unlikely they'd be worn so bad that they'd be no compression - the engine would have stopped working before they got that bad. BUT it is possible somebody messed around with them and cranked them too far down.

If valve lash is in the ball park, and they're all moving, then I'd pull the head and take a look. Make sure the head gasket isn't blown apart.

Do a leak test on the head. Put the head on its side and fill the exhaust/intake ports with kerosene. Watch the valves. If kerosene is dripping past a valve, it's too worn to seal.

Cutter bees?
leaf cutter bees

Valve cover and oil pan are 10 minute jobs each.

I am having issues with my h brakes going back together. could you post pics as you do it?? Let me know. Last thing before this thing gets fired up and painted!

THanks

I'm inclined to agree it's an insect and not a mouse, but mice can get into tighter spaces than you can imagine.
"Evidence" of mice showed up under our kitchen sink last winter and the only holes into the cabinet were where the three holes for the electrical, supply and drain for the dishwasher came through. None had more than about 3/16" clearance and the mouse I trapped under the sink was a large one. All the other holes had spray foam insulation around them that was not disturbed.

Sure can. I'll be getting back to working on the H, tomorrow. My back has been giving me grief, these last few days or I'd have it done. I'll post back on Friday.

Mike