13 yr old and his new to him farmall M. long note.

nephew Jack has always been into tractors. Started working for a contractor that is cleaning up an old tire fire site and saved his pay for a tractor. He asked mom to take him to look at one near grand rapids that he saw an add for. Mom didnt have time. Dad was to busy keeping mr. mcmasters in business. Jack and I have many discussions about tractors and what ones would be safe, reliable and worthy. Talked about what questions to ask a seller. Had done this months ago. He calls yesterday and says,"uncle mike come see my tractor". Apparently he got to talk to the seller and was pleased what he responded. Made a deal. 1945 farmall M. Running(with some crackling in the exhaust), brakes, clutch and tires all in excepted shape. For the bad no charging system, paint in non existant. Tiny hole in bottom right corner of radiator. pto lever is all beat up and dont seem to engage pto. Looks like it had got crushed. and lever to turn on belly pump is missing. No lights. Ignition system has all new wire and components. Is it better to go to alternator since generator is no where. Is the one wire still the choice or is there something better. We his uncles are mediocre at best but want this boy to enjoy his investment. By the way did I tell you that he got it delivered 2 hrs away from sale site for 850.

That is a good start, personally I prefer Denso mini alternators, they are reasonable, reliable, easy to mount and fit under the existing body panels.
Alternator

Here in North MS, NAPA sell a delco 1 wire alternator with lifetime warranty. That is my choice. Right at $60 last time.

thanks guys we have talked of both these options. We will leave it to him with some more guidance on mounting and wiring.

I would highly recommend getting manuals. I got a free seized Farmall M from my neighbor last fall (I was 15). For Christmas one of my uncles gave me a service manual, operator's manual, parts catalog, and hydraulic pump service manual. I would absolutely get a service manual, parts catalog, and operator's manual at the minimum. Running is a nice starting point, none of my 4 were running when I got them. I would change all fluids, filters, and take the oil pan off and clean the sludge out of it. Also adjust the valves, he will have to have the hood off to install an alternator might as well adjust valves (or at the least check the clearances) while it is off. Parts should be easy enough to find at a salvage yard, ebay or craigslist. Personally I would go with an alternator. In my opinion they are more trouble free than a generator and I personally like having all of my stuff 12 volt. I can get 12 volt batteries cheaper than 6 volt batteries.

I used a 3 wire when I switched the 640. I read the 1 wire units had to be spun up to 1700 RPM (or so) just to start charging. Then after that, the RPMs could be lowered. This needs to happen every time the tractor is started. That was the reason I choose the 3 wire.

I have Delco 1-wire alternators on my JD A and M38a1 Jeep. No problems, may need to put the smallest pulley you can on it to start it charging.

I like the mini alts like the denso for farmalls you can fit them under the hood easy.

I like using the Hitachi Alternator. I believe it is #14231, For 79 Nission pick-up truck. Cost is reasonable and can get them at any automotive place.

manuals are on the way and we are already taking care of changing fluids and such. Thanks for the idea of checking valves while hood is off. I would have put hood back on and then went Shiskabob!!!!

Congrats Mike! Gook on your nephew!
I like the mini alternators too, since they fit up under the hood,
No sheetmetal mods and they're virtually invisible.
YT sells a kit for that, but they're not cheap.
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