Help:Oliver 550 runs strong for about 20 minutes then quits.

Watty

New User
1963 Oliver 550
Model # 45-0592
SN 136 171 519

Initially the tractor started running rough, and eventually would not start.

I took the following action...

I replaced the following:
Battery
Points and condenser.
Distributor cap, and rotor.
Plugs and wires.
Volt regulator.
(Replacing coil tomorrow)

I know I have an issue with the charging system, as the battery constantly goes flat.

Currently the lil' beast will run great for about 20 minutes at working RPM, then misfires and stalls. If I drop the throttle it runs at idle nicely for several minutes then stalls. Sometimes I can rev it up again and continue to work for a short time. If I let it sit for a few minutes time it will fire right back up and run for the same ~20 minute cycle.

I have a couple guesses for the next course of action, but would like to read what the experts here have to offer.
 
You need to make some checks first. When it stops have you checked the quality of the spark. 2 things I would check would be the vent of the gas cap and I think you have dirt in the tank. On the charging problem, does the tractor have an alternator or a generator? We need to know.
 
Thank you for the reply.

I'll check the gas cap vent and for debris tomorrow.

The tractor has a generator
 
(quoted from post at 08:09:10 06/28/16)

Currently the lil' beast will run great for about 20 minutes at working RPM, then misfires and stalls. If I drop the throttle it runs at idle nicely for several minutes then stalls. Sometimes I can rev it up again and continue to work for a short time. If I let it sit for a few minutes time it will fire right back up and run for the same ~20 minute cycle.

I have a couple guesses for the next course of action, but would like to read what the experts here have to offer.

Hi,
sounds like you might have a fuel supply problem. If that has the Marvel Shebler carb, check for blockage in the seat (the seat for the needle, not somebody else's seat). When I bought my 77, it had similar issues. Turned out the previous owner had somehow lost a wad of paper towel in the fuel tank...it does things. In my case, the towel would periodically block fuel flow above the sediment bowl and some tiny bits that made it through blocked the needle and seat.

Hope this helps.
 
thanks for the help... I checked from the tank to the carb, and found no issues. I rebuilt the carb and engine problems solved.

Thanks for the help!!!

Now I get to tackle a serious transmission issue.
 

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