Restoring a 1939 John Deere Tractor: Taking on the Rust

🔧Restoring a 1939 John Deere tractor requires dealing with rust and stuck pistons.

🚜The tractor was in non-operating condition due to moisture in the cylinders and surface rust.

🔩The engine head and intake were frozen, but we managed to remove them for assessment and cleaning.

💦After flushing the coolant passages, we noticed rust accumulation in the water pipe leading to the radiator.

🧰To free up the stuck pistons, we applied penetrating oil, tapped them with a wooden block, and used sanding tools to smooth the cylinders.

Why was the tractor not running?

—The tractor had moisture in the cylinders and surface rust, which caused it to lock up and prevent the engine from running.

How did you remove the stuck pistons?

—We applied penetrating oil to loosen the pistons, tapped them with a block of wood, and used sanding tools to smooth the cylinder walls.

Did you encounter any challenges during the restoration process?

—Yes, we had to deal with frozen engine parts, rusted components, and the overall condition of the tractor, but we persevered and made progress.

What equipment did you use for the restoration?

—We used a variety of tools and equipment, including penetrating oil, a wooden block, sanding tools, and cleaning supplies for the coolant passages.

Is it possible to restore vintage tractors like this one?

—Yes, with proper knowledge, tools, and patience, vintage tractors can be restored to working condition. However, each restoration project is unique and may have its own challenges.

00:00Introduction and overview of the 1939 John Deere tractor, which hasn't run in years.

05:57Inspecting and cleaning the engine cylinders, uncovering rust and moisture damage.

09:58Removing the engine head and intake, encountering challenges due to rust and frozen parts.

14:14Flushing the coolant passages and addressing rust issues in the water pipe leading to the radiator.

23:12Freeing up the stuck pistons using penetrating oil, wooden block tapping, and sanding tools for cylinder smoothing.

30:45Conclusion and reflection on the progress made in the restoration process.