Need Help! McCormick Deering I-12

Hi I am really knew to the tractor world and know almost nothing about them. I will soon have possession of a 1935 McCormick Deering I-12 in pretty good condition and probably has not run in about 5 years or so. I know this may sound stupid but I have no clue as to how to work it and any help explaining how to operate it is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Welcome!

The best place to start is buying a shop manual, operators manual, parts list, whatever you can find. Ebay is a good place to start. Avoid the online download, some are scams or viruses.

If the tractor has been stored outside, expect it to have water in the transmission and differential cases, even in the engine! Look underneath, find the drain plugs. Crack them loose and let any water drip out. It will be on bottom, just let it drip until oil appears. This is best done before trying to start it.

Good chance the points will be corroded and need cleaning to get spark.

Five years is not a long time for a tractor to sit. The gas may or may not still be good. If it smells good, it will probably run on it.

If gas was left in the carb, it will probably be gummed up inside. Don't be afraid of it, old tractors were simple and designed to be serviced by the owner with few special tools and basic mechanical knowledge. Just work over a clean surface, you don't want to loose ANYTHING!

I believe those were all hand crank, I could be wrong. But if it is, please be careful! It takes a special procedure to safely hand crank an engine. Do it wrong, you may wear yourself out and never get it started. Or worse end up with a broken arm should it kick backward!!! Ask someone familiar with starting one, or at least watch some Youtube videos for the safety procedures.

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