Joh Deere 1948A

Haylough · Oct 23, 2017

Hi all, say I have a 48 A that is not hitting or firing on one cylinder, is this an easy fix or do I possibly have a blown cylinder? Could it be a timing issue or any opinions will help. Wires to spark plug are working (hand tested that):laughing: Thanks for ideas.

Phillip w · Oct 24, 2017

The a was an old "two lunger". I'm not sure it would run on one cylinder. If it did I can't imagine what it might sound like. The old two lingers always sounded like they were missing and on there last leg when everything was working good so to run on only one cylinder is a stretch for me to comprehend. You said the wires are good, might try putting plugs in it. If that don't help, maybe do a compression test. Perhaps you lost compression on that one cylinder.

Haylough · Oct 24, 2017

It sounds fine, It just wasn't pushing as much air through the pet cock when it is running, as the other piston pushes out. Trying to sell it, and the potential buyer said they do run on one cylinder its just that they don't have the normal power. So he said let me kow when you get it hitting on both cylinders.

beenthere · Oct 24, 2017

Phillip w: Yes, the A will run on one cylinder.. not well, but will run.

Might suggest getting some compression test numbers to decipher the problem.

Phillip w · Oct 24, 2017

beenthere said:
Phillip w: Yes, the A will run on one cylinder.. not well, but will run.

Might suggest getting some compression test numbers to decipher the problem.

Well, you maybe right, but I have never seen it. I had an old 730 diesel (a two lunger) and when it got weak, I had to overhaul the motor. It may have been hitting on one cylinder and I didn't realize it. Can't say for sure.