1955 Super 55 Needs work, owner is a newbie...

I bought a 1955 Super 55 this past winter. Everything was running great. I have never owned a tractor before, wanted something small for helping me do a few things around here. Took someone far brighter than me along to check it out before purchasing. I snapped a cable on it while plowing this winter and after it sat for a few days during a big thaw, I noticed a VERY large puddle of white-ish fluid dripping from under it. I ordered the Service Tools manual, I&T manual, parts manual and have the original owners manual. It appears the inspection plate is missing and this is where most of the fluid is draining from. The dipstick up by the engine pulls up very black (but full), the dipstick up by the seat opens up to a cavern of white milky fluid. I have not run it since I founds these things, but you can bet I fixed that cable! Ugh. I do not even know where to start. I barely know the front end from the back end. The oil looked good when we bought it, the friend checked. HELP. This is a gas tractor and has been converted to a 12volt system. Last owner was a tractor enthusiast, so I doubt he sold me a lemon. He was very forthcoming about upcoming maintenance issues and known problems (minor).

I don't have a 55, but when I pressure washed my tractor for the first time I was amazed at how much water got into the transmission oil. So now no more pressure washing around the top of the transmission or the PTO area. Any chance something like this has happened?

I'm in Michigan and it was still snowing as of yesterday...so pressure washing has definitely not been happening! However, someone did mention water possibly getting in the shifter boots since it is stored outside? Can I assume that a shifter boot is the rubber seal bulb around the base of the shifter? Water COULD possibly get in there, but where it could go from there...I don't know.

Where are you in Michigan? There are still a few old Oliver dealers here in business who can help you out. Bannister and Fremont would be the first two to come to mind.

I am not terribly far from Fremont. I am on Lake Michigan between Grand Haven and Holland, straight west of Grand Rapids. Or, if you're a local, just a nudge past the bottom of your pinky knuckle. Ha.

Water can definitely get in around the shifter boots. It will drop straight into the transmission from them. During the 5 months I had to park my 500 outside I had a tarp over it to prevent that.

Pell's in Fremont was an Oliver dealer. Agco Massey now.

Gotta ask, when you say you snapped a cable, what cable are you talking about?

Super 55, sorry, I meant to add that in there!! Previous owner welded up a frame and added a winch for the snow plow you work and hang on. Used a couple corroded bolts and cable not rated for the load. All went bang. Fixed it with correct stainless hardware, better cable and allll the hardware he should've used in the first place. So, hey, at least I fixed something.