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Diesel or Gas 1850, which is better?

C

chas036

Member
I recently bought an 1800A and love it, but now I am looking for something with more power, so I am looking for a 1850 and would like to know which is the better engine, diesel or gas? When I say better, I mean the more reliable and less prone to breakdowns and repairs. I know the diesel is more economical , but for the amount I will be using it, that isn't an consideration.
 
That Perkins diesel is as tough as nails. If something should happen to it,there are hundreds of those engines with low hours in old combines sitting in the bone yards. If something happens to the gas engine,you might be over a barrel.
 
"When I say better, I mean the more reliable and less prone to breakdowns and repairs."

Gas engines seem to need attention all the time, I quit with them and gained more work done. It is nice to have one that will start well in the cold but some diesels will do that too, the 354 in that Oliver will start well in cold if not worn out!
 
I bought an 1850 gas with a bad engine thinking I would just throw another motor in.... It's been several years and I still have not found the money or the parts. The diesel engine and parts are much more readily available. And more affordable.
 
I agree with all the responses you have received. Go with the Perkins diesel. I like my Olivers and Whites, but whenever I hear 1850 gas I want to run the other way. Been there done that. When your mechanic who has been working on Olivers and Whites for over forty years says they never want to see this tractor again, you take the hint. On the other hand I've run White 2-85 and 2-105 and MF 1100 and 1130 with the 354 Perkins. Good reliable engine. I wouldn't be afraid of a clean 1850 diesel, if you could find one with a three speed over under you'd have it made. Just stay away from an 1850 gas.
 
I?m going to play the odd man out here. I bought a 1850 gas and farmed with it for awhile. It just loved the gas. Parts for simple repairs at Napa. Still have it, one of my favorites. Probably because I started farming with it. Someone made it run hot, we?ll see how long it lasts. It dyno?s at 112hp. 2 feet of flame out the stack working hard at night. Sounds Gooooood too! Picture of it somewhere in my past posts, one of my favorites with dad loading it on my gooseneck with duals on. Not quite legal to say the least
 
This picture? I saved it in to my file of Oliver pictures.
a258660.jpg
 
That is a great picture! And a nice looking tractor. Any 4 digit with duals and fender tanks just looks good!

As for the question of gas or diesel, in My opinion diesel is the only way to go. A 1850 diesel with the 3speed is one of the best olivers made. Not saying anything bad about the gas version. I would just go with the Diesel and did. We have a 1968 1850 WF diesel with a 3speed.
 
Don't get me wrong? I have an 1850 gas and I love it, but IF something big goes wrong then it's a chore to fix it up. The small stuff is usually on the shelf at the auto repair store...( plugs, wires, ignition, filters, oil, etc...) BUT...if I had it to do over again, I would not have bought an 1850 gas with a bad engine.
 
Yes that?s it. Kind of funny. Bet he only drove that tractor 3 times! You do a better job than me of saving pictures
 
Getting hard for me to find them because my Oliver folder is getting so full. I tried to save all of those that Jack posted from the Floyd County Museum.
 
I might need to clarify, the diesel is better. But for the money when no one wants a gasser, they're very economical to buy. Just expensive to keep fed, especially if gas goes to $4.
 
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