1942 Farmall H

BushBandit · Sep 29, 2023

I have a 1942 Farmall H that has been sitting in a barn for at least 30 years. I'm looking to get it out and go through it restoring it. It's been in the family since it was bought new

The engine turns over by hand so I know it's not seized. Nothing was wrong with it when it was parked so there shouldn't be any underlying issues other than what time has done to it

Anything I should be focusing on or known issues that would arise?

Also, any updates that people could recommend would be appreciated. I'm already planning on doing a 12v conversion but not sure if there's anything else that should be done or updated

tomturkey · Sep 29, 2023

My son and I bought one that had been sitting in a barn for about 13 years. Cleaned the points, put on a new rotor and cap, fresh gas and battery, to our
surprise it started on about the third revolution and blew carbon and junk from the exhaust manifold all over us (no Muffler we removed). Runs great, it too has
been converted to 12 volt when the old 6 volt system was giving us fits on a tractor ride. You'll find that all wiring needs to be replaced as the cloth covered
wires are losing their covering at the slightest touch. that's my story btw I think it is a 1944 or5. gobble

Meangreen · Sep 29, 2023

If it was me, I'd replace engine oil before trying to start it. Carb might be a little gummed up, but I'd put in some fresh gas and give it a try.

Clarkbug · Sep 29, 2023

Dont try to do any of the conversions before you try to get it started first is my advice. That way you arent trying to chase a potential problem with the conversion instead of something that was wrong with it that you were unaware of.

I would look to put in some fresh fuel, fresh engine oil, and make sure there is some coolant/water in the radiator and engine block. Look for any mouse nests or bare wires that need to be taped or repaired. You may need to play with the carb if things have gummed up over the years. Probably dont fill the fuel tank until you can see what it looks like in there, might need to flow some through the carb and get scale out of the tank. I would suggest pulling the spark plugs and squirting some oil in each of the cylinders and turning it over by hand just to get some oil in there. Then pull the plug from the coil and crank the engine for a few seconds to build some oil pressure in the system and top end before starting it up.

Great old tractors that shouldnt take much to get them to pop over if nothing is wrong.

J Hamilton · Sep 29, 2023

Something else no one else has
mentioned,check and clean the points to
make sure you have spark. Does it have a
magneto or distributor?

Janicholson · Sep 29, 2023

Clarkbug has it in good detail. Assessment in original, but cleaned up, condition lets thing become clear in fact not wishful thinking. Before operating be sure to crack and loosen to one thread the drain plugs in the Belly pump sump, the transmission drain and final drive case. this prevents inevitable water from being mixed with the oil. It is much harder to remove when all mixed in. Put a pan under each to catch water, then rethread the plug when oil starts to drip. It will be fine. Jim

Rich'sToys · Sep 29, 2023

As mentioned, some oil or ATF in the cylinders would be a good idea before turning it over too much.

used red MN · Sep 29, 2023

BushB welcome to YT! As far as the mice nest it is a
good idea to remove the inspection plate under the
clutch and make sure there is not a mouse
condominium in there. An additional item that may
come into play is the fitting that screws in the carb has
a fine screen on it that may plug if a bunch of crud
comes looses, see first link. In the 2nd link I will attach
the manufacturers online parts catalog, mainly for you
to access the diagrams.
YT part

CNHI Farmall H online parts catalog

ss55 · Sep 30, 2023

Lots of good suggestions have been made. I will add a few more.

If the brakes were set they may be rusted tight, see if you can roll the rear tires forward and backwards with the brakes released. Same with the clutch if it was not blocked, check that it releases when the pedal is pushed in. Maybe pass a dollar bill between closed points in the distributor to clean any corrosion off the contacts. Check for stuck valves, spark from the distributor.

Check fluid levels in radiator and engine oil. Crack the drain plug on both the engine oil pan and the transmission to drain out water condensation before they get stirred up. Shine a flashlight into the fuel tank to see how much rust or crud might be in it, clean the screen in the fuel bowl. Maybe drain out any 30 year old gas and add fresh gas before trying to start it.

1942 Farmall H

BushBandit

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tomturkey

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Meangreen

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Clarkbug

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J Hamilton

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Janicholson

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Rich'sToys

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used red MN

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ss55

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