getting old Model 44 - GR running/ battery

Montana68

New User
Hi! I have an old Massey Harris Model 44 - GR that we inherited. It hasn't run for perhaps 15 years and I'd like to get it running just for fun and to use to plow the driveway this winter.

Took me awhile to figure out whether it took a 12 volt or 6 volt battery. I think it is six volt because the shunt generator says 6 volts on it.

I hooked up a 6 volt battery to it yesterday and it barely turned over. Was wondering if it would damage the starter (an Auto-Lite Max 4080 IF) if I hooked a 12 volt battery to it. Seems to need more juice to start.

Also any advice would be much appreciated. Should I change the oil on it, hydraulic fluid ... ? Does hydraulic fluid go bad? I am not and have never been a farmer. Have cleaned out the sediment bowl and will replace the fuel filter. Thanks. :)
 
First, turn it over by hand several full revolutions, with the ignition off. There should be a hand crank slung on the right side of the frame for this, or you can borrow one . If you can feel compression on all cylinders, it should be in good enough condition to start. Check for spark with each spark plug out with the fuel off. Then, determine if you have a good flow of fuel to the carburetor. If this all is good, then you can change the oil, but first determine if it is indeed oil as you drain it, not a mixture of antifreeze or water. New oil and filter, it should start readily on 6 volts, but 12 volts won't hurt as long as you limit the cranking to 10 seconds at a time to prevent the starter from overheating. Make sure the clutch is not stuck to the flywheel and the brakes are serviceable, and away you go! Lots of info on this site if you have any issues.

Have fun!

Ben
 
If it has sat that long it needs an ATF treatment before you do much with it or you can break rings and or has problem with stuck valves and bent push rods. You need to fill the cylinders with ATF and also pour as much down the exhaust as you can. Then let it sit a few days. Be sure to put the plugs back in so the ATF gets to the valves etc. Then after a few days pull the plugs and spin it over to clear the ATF out of the cylinders. Doing that loosen up stuck rings and valves. And yes it can make a mess due to the ATF in the cylinders spraying out but it is worth it
 
YES, been doing this to engines that have not run in a long time now for decades and it frees up sticking rings and valves and bring the compression back up to where it should be
 

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