Oliver 550

My neighbor has a 550 gas s/n 850519, which seems to make it a 1960. It belonged to his FIL. It has been setting in an open shed for about 10 years. I have told him several times that we should get it into my shop and see if we can get it running. We plan to do just that this weekend (in my shop, not running) . The problem is, This is the only one that I have ever looked at. First thing we need is an operators manual. Where is a good source for a good manual. Several sites on the net have them, but I would like some advice before ordering one.

For what little I can find, it appears to be a 12 volt. At least that is the worn out battery on it now. I have not found an oil pressure gauge yet. I want to prime the oil pump before trying to start it. Don't know if engine is stuck or not.

Not sure what I have gotten into. Any advice would be appreciated.

Floydcountymuseum.org You can get a copy of the original from there. Well worth it. and yes it is a 12 volt system.[/url]

Does not have a oil pressure gauge it has a idiot light in the cluster gauge

A gas engine is easy. Remove plugs and prime bores with something to loosen up any stuck rings - often the case if a non-detergent oil was used - for a few days. ATF might be good.

Drain fuel tank and clean out as necessary. Clean/change any filters and likely clean out the carb, but may not be necessary. Same with engine lube system - drain clean/change and refill.

Remember clutch may need unsticking and the back end will be turning once the engine fires, so don't forget making all normal service checks prior to more than firing up the engine momentarily

Check for rotten water hoses fan belt, etc. Fill and check for leaks.

Probably best to change contact breaker points in ignition (or clean) and check for spark from the system (no need to be turning engine at this point). A new set of spark plugs might make things easier.

Without the plugs fitted, I would usually turn the engine on the starter to see if the oil is picked up (as long as the engine is completely free), or you could pump in some oil under pressure at the oil pressure warning light connection point. Likely other ways to achieve this.

There is some risk of the pot with the open exhaust valve being damaged, corroded or the valve(s) stuck.

A temporary (at least) oil pressure gauge is good to check the lube system, rather than the idiot light. Fast pressure rise, slow fall, correct readings at idle or working, etc.

The above is not necessarily an exhaustive list and you might find an old nest of mud dobbers in there somewhere, wiring chewed through or a multitude of other maladies. The list is too long to account for all possibilities!

You should get a feel for the inner condition of the engine from your observations - plugs, compression, etc

If all checks out as OK, go for it. Start her up.

RAB

PS. Oil type used will likely be clear on checking - non detergent oil will appear clean (cr*p will have settled out over a ten year period), but a detergent oil will still be black. All assuming the oil was not changed after last usage!

If that tractor has a generator, it is likely positive ground!

Thanks Guys. In process of rebuilding carb, tanks has a little gas left in it. ugh!!! nasty. Soaking sediment bowl/cutoff with PB, havn't been able to remove it to drain tank yet, will need to replace gas cutoff. Appears to have a small drain plug in tank just forward of sediment bowl.
Thinking about temporarily removing oil pressure send unit in order to plumb a gauge.

Owners manual on the way.

Progress Report:

Motor was not stuck. Carb kit (TSX 775)ordered while it is soaking in solution. Flushed oil pan and gas tank. Removed oil sending unit and will temporarily plumb a pressure gage in its place. New Autolite 386 plugs, plug wires, points, cap, rotor and condenser, new battery, new operators manual, new sediment bowl assy, new oil and filter.
Clutch seems to work ok.

Have not figured out the odd gear shift pattern


Hope to start it this week.

Progress Report:
Motor was not stuck. Carb kit (TSX 775)ordered while it is soaking in solution. Flushed oil pan and gas tank. Removed oil sending unit and will temporarily plumb a pressure gage in its place. New Autolite 386 plugs, plug wires, points, cap, rotor and condenser, new battery, new operators manual, new sediment bowl assy, new oil and filter.
Clutch seems to work ok.

Have not figured out the odd gear shift pattern


Hope to start it this week.

The gear pattern will come to you as you use it. They are a tough little tractor.
I second the positve ground part. Bought mine that was positive ground and hooked up as negative ground by the dealer. Wrecked some stuff.