550 engine ID

SW3 · Feb 17, 2014

I am planning to rebuild my engine this spring. Maybe myself (with help) maybe pay a shop. What do I need to know to get parts? Is it a Waukesha engine or an Oliver engine? Thanks!

The tractor is a 1973 Oliver 550.
Mod# 515-21005
Ser# 242 635-019
On the left side of the motor I see these numbers cast:
159002A
180220L

J. Schwiebert · Feb 17, 2014

In frame or out of frame? How many hours are on the tractor? Why are you wanting to rebuild it? Are you working with a good machine shop? They may want to and have access to a kit to rebuild it Have you checked the compression? oil consumption? do you have a shop manual?

SW3 · Feb 17, 2014

I use the tractor weekly around the house for summer and winter work. It has never let me down and starts well. It is in good shape and does not leak any oil. I want to go thru the engine before I paint the tractor.
Haven't decided in frame or out rebuild - probably out. 5000+ hours on the tach. Uses about a quart of oil every 10 hours of use. I clean the plugs in the spring and fall or they begin to foul - they get full of black soot. Starts great and runs good, but "rattles" when it gets warmed up - I'd like to check the main bearings. Yes, I have access to a good machine shop. Yes, I have the shop manuals. Compression was last checked in 2009 at 145 on all cylinders. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

oliver90owner · Feb 18, 2014

Seems to me that it might not need any/much remedial work at all.

In addition to JS, oil pressure when hot with correct grade of oil?

You may have some small end rattle or timing or valve clearance due to wear.

If the tractor is not worked hard ever, the oil consumption may
not be a problem or may just be going down the valve guides.

You may need a higher grade of plug or it may be running too rich (the sooty plugs).

From a long distance, I am mystified as to your reasons for a major overhaul.

Diagnosis and rectification as appropriate would seem to be a far more logical plan. The engine may have another couple thousand or more hours before needing a major. Interfering with seated components in an engine of that hours is not a good plan unless changing them out.

RAB

J. Schwiebert · Feb 18, 2014

I sent you an e-mail. did you receive it? On your rattle when hot, we had some problems with pre-ignition when hot . Have you done a leak down test on the cylinders, run a vacuum gauge? How many hours do you get on the tractor a year. We have farm tractors that we don't get a 100 hours a year on. It we had to add 10 quart of oil a year at $5.00 a quart the oil use in 10 years would not pay for the parts & labor to overhaul 1 cylinder in an engine. Have you checked the oil pressure? The guy I help we see a lot of tractors that age. Most of them just need a good tune up including valve adjustment.

SW3 · Feb 18, 2014

Thank you JS and RAB for the sensible advice. The tractor gets approx. 50 hours on it per year. Plowing snow, cultivating, brush hog, and grading the driveway.
Thank You

550 engine ID

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J. Schwiebert

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oliver90owner

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J. Schwiebert

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