Not Run For 15 Years...What To Do?
 

I've decided to try to get a long idled 1864 running that has set idle in a barn for about 15 years. The meter shows barely over 200 hours on it.
I'm wondering what you guys think would be the best steps to take before trying to turn the motor over to avoid (if its possible) any internal damage from being idle so long.
It looks like she will clean up good, just needs some TLC. Its a real shame to just let it sit there.

Any advice appreciated.

change the oil, drain the fuel and put fresh fuel in. it will probably need a carb rebuild but its not necessary to try to start it.

Remove the spark plugs squirt a few drops of oil in there and turn it over by hand after you do as stated above.

I would also prime it with a bit of gas mixed for 2 stroke. Makes it easier on the starter. It should fire up without much effort.

If it dont you will know it is not a fuel problem.

You should check for mice nests and other wild life under the cooling shroud. Make sure cooling fins are clear.

Make sure a mouse did not get into the aircleaner and make a nest. The neighbor just made that mistake of not checking and a mouse nest got sucked into the carb and then into the engine. What a mess that was. Good luck.

I'd take the valve covers off and watch everything move when you turn it over by hand, as Lew says. Mike

All good tips. Plan on removing the fender pan and fuel tank, cleaning the tank out, replacing the tank bushings and all of the fuel lines, filter all the way to the carb. You'll also be removing the rear cover for the rear and cleaning the goop in the tranny case alone with a new filter and fresh hydro oil. Grease the drive shaft CV joints. More on the care and feeding of the Cyclop series. http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33244

1864's are great tractors, take the time to go through it and you will end up with one of the best.

Thanks to you all for the great replies. My intentions are to stay out of trouble from the gitgo when I get started, as well as during the process.
I'm sure I'll be asking a lot of questions while doing this, as I plan to take the advice you guys offer since this is my first attempt.

I'm going to load it up right after Christmas so will provide progress pics when I can.
I don't have a shop manual unfortunately so any help you guys can provide will be greatly appreciated.

My experience with long no run periods is that if it hasn't been exposed to a lot of moisture most of the issues will be in the fuel system. Tank will have jello like crud in it. The carb will be dried out and probably plugged up due to dried fuel. And the fuel line and filter will also be gummed up and deteriorated and should be replaced along with an oil change and filter. Sam is right about the rear end too because any goop in it will be circulated through the pump and hydro system. Even if you do not plan to drive it, the hydro pump will pump the goop on startup. The first thing to do is to remove the plugs and squirt oil into the two cylinders, as mentioned above, and then try to turn it over to see if it is free of binding or seizing. If it is free then go ahead with all the good advice you have gotten so far. It sounds like you have found a good one so take it slowly and good luck. :beerchug:

PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you the service manual for the Cyclops series.