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Hard Cranking F-30

M

Mark Poss

Well-known Member
I have a 1932 F-30 that cranks so hard it is all I can do to turn it over. A friend of mine has a 1937 F-30 that turns over very easy compared to mine. Any ideas why mine turns over so hard? I never did any engine work to it. Is it possible the previous owner had the head shaved? All I know is I wish this tractor had compression reliefs like the John Deeres had. Thanks for your time, Mark.
 
I don't know The engine ran fine so I didn't tear it down. At this rate I will be due for another shoulder surgery.
 
the early tractors had 1/4 inch piston rings, the later ones had 3/16 wide rings.If the cylinders were honed, new rings and hasn't run much yet, they turn over very hard. Once they get worked hard for awhile and get the hone marks smoothed out they turn over a lot easier. If it has set a long time, the cylinder walls could be rusted or pitted and rings stuck.Put it on a dyno or a Baker fan for awhile or hook her up to a plow, she may loosen up and be easier to spin over.
 
does it turn hard all the way around or just as it comes up on compression ? I have one with 5000ft hi altitude pistons and a head that someone shaved over .220" off of and it doesnt crank that hard, I have a 34 W-30 with distillate pistons and new 1/4 inch rings that hasn't run much and that thing is a beast to turn over.
 
Haha, yes, I've had several F30s and sold them because they are such a big old hog. The last one I had started real easy if the impulse clicked when it was supposed to. (which it didn't always)
I think I'll stick to F20s.
I have a really original John Deere hand start A that I almost never can start by hand. It sets in the museum.
My favorite playing tractor is a work clothes Farmall H with ELECTRIC START
 
Check for space at transmission coupling- can you put a GM flex plate with ring gear for a small block/auto transmission there? Then a couple U bolts on frame for a plate to mount a GM starter on one side of frame aligned to engage ring gear when bendix out, a battery tray mounted on other side for 12 volt battery and park close to a electric outlet once a week to plug in charger for battery--- couple switchs, push button, relay and some welding cable-- Sore shoulder problem solved. Things to do in Wisconsin late winters when cabin fever sets in and lady of house says get out of my way for a day- and welder is available, salvage yard is a couple miles down the road, parts shelf has lots of odd nuts and bolts, bits and pieces.
 
Mine has 8,000ft pistons in it. Right after the rebuild you couldn't even turn it with the crank, had to pull start it. Now I can crank it but she cranks hard. OldF20 grabbed the crank at plow day once and knew immediately that she had High Domes in her. If the mag and carb are perfect it's no big deal but if somethings off you can't crank it long and your done.

Yours could very well have high dome pistons in it. Grandpa put mine in when he was still farming with it, along with a gas manifold and Fairbanks mag. Supposedly added at least 15hp.
 
well, I have an F30 HANT (high altitude narrow tread), and the old girl cranks HARD. But also, it usually starts with 2-3 quick up pulls. Got the F-20 out this past weekend for a parade, and dang near spun her over like a starter. The difference between the 2 is stark. I have an F-14 with HA pistons in her, and she is by FAR the hardest to start. PO must have put new rings in her, because the compression is IMPRESSIVE.

anyway, previous posts have said some reasonable things. Best way to check, is take the plugs out and see if she still turns over hard.
 
Turns over easy without plugs in it. RN, have you ever installed a starter like you described? If so I would like to see pictures of it and get some more info on it. Thanks again everyone for your time, Mark.
 
Get a another crank and add 4-6 in to it. It will make a big diff. Tractor pullers have cranks longer than that.
Earl
 
they did make a long throw crank, I am lucky enough to have one. It would not be hard to make one, and it does make a difference.Good idea and most economical.
 
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