Today’s tractor run

It’s been a few years since we were able to get out with the club as we usually have hay or straw to put up when they go. Everything was very low key this year, no wagon rides or barbecue afterwards and a pretty small turnout of tractors. There was still 17 of us and we had a great day. Most of the tractors worked well, one poor soul had an engine knocking in an Oliver when he arrived, I had a rad start leaking in our Oliver. The knocking engine drove home, not sure how far he got and he said he didn’t care as he was quite upset. I filled ours up with water every chance I got and managed to make the trip and back home again. I’m going to pick up a couple gallons of antifreeze Monday to top it up and let it circulate so the block doesn’t split. After that I’m going to drain the rad and see if I can get it repaired or find a good used one. The Massey seloniod was sticking but after running for the day it seemed to work a lot better. The picture of the 102 Junior is with my oldest son and the tractor was supposedly owned when new by my great Grandfather. I tried to buy it a few years ago but they wanted $1500. It’s really rough, many parts missing and most things are seized. We didn’t get reported for failing to properly social distance at the coffee shop parking lot thankfully.

Hi, glad you had a good day. Here in South Wales we have a tractor run planned for later this month in memory of a young local family man who lost his life recently in an accident on a quad bike. With the cases on the rise it seems unlikely that this will go ahead. In normal times our runs attract around 50 entries but it will be very difficult to socially distance when we stop for lunch to view a major collection of tractors. Even if we are able to go ahead with the police’s blessing we are likely to attract adverse comment from the general public and people who have had their events delayed at the very least.
Stay safe.
DavidP, South Wales

Doesn't your tractor have a block drain ? Might be better to drain it all out and flush it out.

I’ll have a look it likely does

Would a person be able to trust that it drains out well enough not to freeze ?

is that a McCormick 91 combine in the shed?

I’m not sure what number it is but it’s self propelled ,there’s a
Super 35 Massey combine in behind it.

if it has levers and steers like a zero turn mower it is a 91. you mentioned a super 35, i have a M-H 35 self-propelled combine about a 1960 model.

You usually have to take the drain valve out and poke in and up with a stiff wire to get beyond the sediment in the bottom of the block. Once it starts a good flow it will empty the block completely.

Are there any radiator shops left in your area? Around here they all closed except for the heavy truck/equipment shops. They usually turn their nose up at the small stuff, have to convince them you are serious and not looking for a patch job.

Having it recored will probably be the real fix, especially if it started leaking on it's own, not from damage. Not cheap but better than a Chinese radiator.

Thank you, that’s a lot better plan than wasting antifreeze. I talked to a guy that has a good supply of antique parts. He said if they have one that looks good they can do a pressure test and if not they can send mine to be recored.

Looks like a decent showing, and everyone had some fun. I bet the coffee shop was glad to see you fellas as well!
Great pictures!

Ben