jd36a

Member
Question for all you gravely guys. I came into possession this week of 2 Gravely Model l tractors along with a reel mower, rotary mower and 2 cultivator sets. There is a little difference and I am trying to figure out which is the older one. One is serial number 83088 but the other tag says model l but the number is worn and unreadable. The one with no number has a push-pull rod that will stop and start the attachments. The other has a lever that you switch to off or on. Also the one with no number also has a piece of sheet metal that fits around the plug and covers most of the head where the 83088 has no cover {could just be missing but not to familiar with these machines} The motors look to be the the same except the 83088 has a governor attached to it. Also would they be the 5 hp or the 6.6 hp? I found that the 83088 was made during 1953 I believe. Confusing but any ideas would help.
 
Go back about four pages and the header is "Gravely" I covered much of what you are asking. You have model"L" machines. Early were 5.5hp with early 60s it went to 6.6hp and mid 60s was 7.7hp. The 6.6 has a spark plug on an angle and it is a special short plug. VERY hard to find. The metal shields are for air flow. REPLACE them. There are three pieces. Top and two sides. Find some junk machines at older dealers or machinery junk yards. Also install the oil pressure gauge. Very simple and easy to install. You can use a Fram ph8 filter but they just fit. Better is a ph16 filter. About 3/4 of an inch shorter and much better to squeeze in. The "rod' is an accesory for the snow blower. Very handy with all of the units. By the way ...to engage your mower or blower etc. have the machine just a TOUCH above idle as you apply just a little reverse on the control handle with the HI_LOW in the middle. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the machine. Stops the CRASH!!!.. it will just grumble into gear. Check out "Gravely Tractor Club of America" TONNNNS of information and all for free. You can look up you serial number there. Jeffcat
 
As Jeff said, you want to get that top air deflector and put it on. there are 2 spacers that you'll need too and you'll need 2 longer head bolts. The air deflectors guide the air off the fan over the fins in the head and jug. No air deflectors, no air flow = over heated engine.
 
The two side pieces were for the 7.7 machines and an accesssory for the 6.6 machines. Hotter climate and or heavy use machines. This is what I have found on junked machines out in the junk yard. All of them can be put on as you said with the head bolts but the sides may need a couple of holes drilled for the little bolts. For goodness sakes do it! Machine runs so much cooler!! Also do not forget that oil gauge. All you need to do is loosen the fittings with a wrench and everythig comes apart. the only differance is the little "T" fitting. By the way....on the right side of the older machines just under the power leaver for the attachments is the oil level plug. 1/8 pipe The old machines have a nice little brass fitting with ears on it. That is how you check the level!! NEET! In 1964 that gauge was $15.oo. Now in the junk yard it is $15.oo. For Real!! Jeffcat
 
All my older Gravelys had the side and top deflectors. Some were from the 40's. In fact, I've never seen one that didn't have the deflectors where there wasn't evidence someone took them off. If they were accessories, they sure must have been popular.
 
Thanks for the info. One question for you, Where do you find parts for these machines. Are they available at retail outlets or is it swap meets etc? I am talking about things such as throttle linkage, gasket sets, sediment bowl and things like that.
 
EBAY! Zillions of parts on Ebay. Just type in "Gravely" and there will be a couple thousand hits. Select the ones in lawn and garden and go from there. Or you can go to Richards Lawn and Garden (google it) and pay more but you'll get the right stuff every time.
 

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