Allis Chalmers B and CA

[flusher]

Thanks for the info. I'll check the tractor again today.

Finally found the S/N for that WD tractor I'm looking at. It was where you said it would be, but nearly invisible.

It's WD94898, making it a 1951 model. Seller thought it was 1954.

The engine S/N is WD303024PA, which correlates to a 1951 model also
(see AC WD Engine to Tractor SN Correlation.

Don't know what the "PA" means in the engine S/N. Any suggestions?

Owner says it's been parked for over 4 years. No battery, fluids drained. Need to see if it runs before making an offer. Concerned that the engine might be stuck. What's the simple and quick way to check this without actually running the engine?

 

[mjarrels]

That age tractor may still have a hand crank backup system... just don't break a arm! Use to hand crank my 1949 Farmall when I was about 12 years old.

mark

 

[flusher]

That age tractor may still have a hand crank backup system... just don't break a arm! Use to hand crank my 1949 Farmall when I was about 12 years old.

mark

Good idea. Evidently the WD has hand-crank capability

Allis Chalmers Model WD Tractor: Retro Electronics and Audio Lab

 

[flusher]

Finally found the S/N for that WD tractor I'm looking at. It was where you said it would be, but nearly invisible.

It's WD94898, making it a 1951 model. Seller thought it was 1954.

The engine S/N is WD303024PA, which correlates to a 1951 model also
(see AC WD Engine to Tractor SN Correlation.

Don't know what the "PA" means in the engine S/N. Any suggestions?

Owner says it's been parked for over 4 years. No battery, fluids drained. Need to see if it runs before making an offer. Concerned that the engine might be stuck. What's the simple and quick way to check this without actually running the engine?

BTW: received an answer to my "PA" question on the unofficial Allis Chalmers website:

PA indicates a gas engine with 5.7:1 compression ratio; GA indicates 5.5:1

 

[oliver28472]

To check if the engine is stuck pull the plugs out, put it in high gear and watch the fan as you try to roll back tires by hand.

 

[flusher]

To check if the engine is stuck pull the plugs out, put it in high gear and watch the fan as you try to roll back tires by hand.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

 

[Soundguy]

Can also pull plugs, block clutch and try to bar it over.. or grab a fan belt..

soundguy

 

[dieselcrawler]

If it has a hand crank, can't you just put the trans in neutral, and try to crank it over a little? Even if there's no hand crank, pulling the plugs, and turning any of the front pulleys has always worked for my on the ol' trucks I've fooled with... I've put a ratchet on the crank bolt a time or 2... prybar between the waterpump/fan hub bolts... anything to get the crank to move a little...

Blocking the clutch was mentioned earlier.... if the motor is seized up, the clutch may well also be... trans in neutral should let it spin... right?

 

[flusher]

If it has a hand crank, can't you just put the trans in neutral, and try to crank it over a little? Even if there's no hand crank, pulling the plugs, and turning any of the front pulleys has always worked for my on the ol' trucks I've fooled with... I've put a ratchet on the crank bolt a time or 2... prybar between the waterpump/fan hub bolts... anything to get the crank to move a little...

Blocking the clutch was mentioned earlier.... if the motor is seized up, the clutch may well also be... trans in neutral should let it spin... right?

Thanks for the suggestions. Both sound like the thing to do.