couple of to-35 issues

s19438

Well-known Member
decided to change plugs and found oil around where the plugs seat. the engine runs well and does not smoke. I put in new auto lite 386's which is what the previous owner had in. is that plug the way to go and what causes the oil to be in the head like that?

the tractor is always covered with a tarp and I was wondering if I could replace the old crappy shifter boot with some silicone around the bottom ball of the shifter. the shifter knob does not want to come loose and I would hate to wreck it as it looks almost new except for fading.

thanksx2
 
It's just like using graphite wires instead of copper wires. The copper wires conduct electricity much better and easier than carbon graphite. Non resistor plugs fire much easier than resistor plugs do because they do not have as much resistance. Non resistor plugs and wires didn't exist when these tractors were built. Save the resistor stuff for your later model cars and trucks. They were only invented to reduce interference in electronics. You can also use a Champion D18Y instead of the Autolite 3116. I have used both and have had no problems out of either plug.
 
Are you saying there was oil around the outside of the plug where it screws into the head? If so, that is leaking from the valve cover gasket. Not a serious problem, has no reflection on the health of the engine. If you go in to replace it, set the lifters while you're in there.

The shifter boots AND the 3 point upper link boot (under the seat) are very important. I would replace them, too cheap and too easy. Without them any rain water goes straight into the transmission. These tractors are prone to collecting water in the transmission even when the boots are good. Might want to check it, change it if it's milky.

The shifter ball should unscrew, try wrapping in a rag and using a pipe wrench. They are available on this site if it breaks.
 
I have had the best results with autolite 3886 plugs in my to35, 1957 model.

Copper wires, with blue streak ignition parts.

Also run non ethanol gas.

So far, so good.
 
I am thinking along the same lines- S19438 lives where it is damp and humid 10 or 11 months a year, there'd be tons of condensation in the tranny, and in this case- the head? Even in a shed or garage- unless it was 'climate controlled' (what a dream I have eh?} I recommend a tank of gas and a straw hat. Heat up these babies till the insides evaporate clean. That's what I had to do to my ol AC's when I farmed up at the Canadian border. By noon, everything was clear dry and fine again!
 
Well...if the oil is grimy, and 'outside' the engine, then it is slowly oozing and weeping down from the valve cover gasket. I have done that on half the cars trucks and tractors with overhead valves we've ever had. Own them long enough, they do that...
 

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