Super M crankshaft timing

Mark Alayne · Jul 1, 2012

I need some help please! I was mowing with my Super M the other day. I noticed a knocking noise and my tractor quit running immediately. Tried to restart it and I noticed the exhaust pipe "flap" wasn't moving. It wouldn't start. After further investigation, I found no compression in cylinders 2 and 4. Cylinder 1 had good compression and 3 had about 30 lbs. All pistons are moving up and down. I have compression at the exhaust pipe. Tried to start after resetting points and distributor timing as this has been an issue before and I hear a knock. I am guessing there is some issue with valve timing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any and all advice.

Mark Alayne · Jul 1, 2012

Subject line wrong. Should read camshaft timing!

the tractor vet · Jul 1, 2012

She broke the cam gear and you will need to pull the ft. off and spend MONEY . Now IF your lucky you will not have to buy a new cam and lifters . If the key way in the cam is wallowed out ya need a cam.

Mark Alayne · Jul 1, 2012

Thanks Tractor Vet. I guess I will cross my fingers. I don't know if I have the means to do something like that. How tough is it to take the front off? May have to rely on the local farm shop.

Bob M · Jul 1, 2012

Mark - I've replaced several busted cam gears on Super M/400/450's. Aside from some heavy, awkward parts (front bolster assembly) replacing the cam gear is not terribly difficult for someone with average mechanic skills. Having an engine hoist or a front loader makes the job MUCH easier/safer. And you will need a 2-1/2" socket to remove the crankshaft pulley. Figure $150 +/- for a new cam gear.

Incidentally all the ones I've done have simply had the hubs break out of the cam drive gears. In all cases the camshafts, lifters, etc. were undamaged. Hopefully yours will be same!

mkirsch · Jul 1, 2012

Back when I was in college, the nut backed off the cam gear on Dad's Super M. We were lucky, no permanent damage. Tightened up the nut with some red loctite and it's been fine ever since.

There is a channel on youtube called "ElderlyIron" who did several videos on the reassembly of a 300 Utililty with the same cam gear problem.

Mark Alayne · Jul 1, 2012

Thanks Bob M Yes, I hope so too. I will start my research on how to get started. I do have reprints of some of the manuals available. I will probably seek more advice from all you "old hands" at some time in the future. Thanks again!

Mark Alayne · Jul 1, 2012

Thanks mkirsch. I am more encouraged with every post. This is such a great site. Thanks to you and everyone for your responses.

Dan MD · Jul 2, 2012

Bob,

Were all these failures due to live hydraulic pumps? If so, is there a better gear or a fix?

Thanks,
Dan

Super M crankshaft timing

Mark Alayne

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Mark Alayne

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the tractor vet

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Mark Alayne

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Bob M

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mkirsch

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Mark Alayne

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Mark Alayne

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Dan MD

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