1959 Oliver 550 Backhoe- won't start

Peteypete06

New User
Hello,

I have what I believe is a 1959 Oliver 550 Backhoe with a 4 cyl. Gas engine.

It's been sitting for an undetermined amount of time. It wasn't seized up. Oil level was good. Took the carb off and disassembled it and cleaned it. It will still not start. I got it to run for about 10 seconds with starting fluid but that's about it.

Is there anyone with experience that could point me in the right direction? Anything I should be looking for ? Thanks in advance
 
If it will run on starting fluid, that proves it has compression and spark.

How is the fuel delivery to the carb? Was the tank dumped, rinsed, and refilled with fresh gas?

I'm assuming this is a gravity flow fuel system with an updraft carb. If so, there should be a drain plug in the bottom of the carb. With the fuel valve open, remove the drain plug, catch the fuel in a clean glass. The flow should start strong, then decrease as the bowl empties, but continue as a stream. If it slows to a drip, or stops, there is a fuel delivery problem. Look at what was caught, if it is rusty, dirty, or has water in the bottom, that is what is in the carb.
 
Well since it did start in starting fluid that says you have spark but is it good enough and does it keep sparking. Me I would check to make sure you have a good blue/white spark that jumps a 1/4 inch gap if it is weak I'd fix that first.

Next pull the carb drain plug and make sure you have a good steady flow of gas for at least 3 minutes and it will fill a pint jar in less then that time

When you cleaned the carb did you poke out all the passage ways?? If all you did was spray them out wit h carb cleaner and compressed air that is not good enough. You need to poke out all the passageways with a small wire of as I use a torch tip cleaner tool
 
I actually made a temporary fuel tank with a clear line to make sure it was clean and flowing. I was concerned with the condition of the tank.

So it should be flowing fine.


I'm dead set on getting this thing running. They are going to scrap it along with some other tractors on the field at a deceased relatives property. They will give it to me for a few hundred bucks if I want it, I just want to make sure it's worth taking.

It's not the prettiest thing and has been sitting for a while but I would love to get it going
 
I forgot to mention I replaced the spark plugs and seem to be getting decent spark on all of them.


What I did notice is that it's cranking but seems to be lagging a bit. Also saw a small bit of smoke from the starter after cranking for a bit. I'm wondering if it's not cranking fast enough ?

What battery should I be using ? And does it use just one ? I have a brand new battery from a Chevy express box truck in it right now.
 
That's a 12 volt. Positive ground if it's original. If it's smoking at the starter,there's likely a loose connection. I don't think a weak battery or that loose connection would cause it to quit after running for 10 seconds. I think your problem is in the carb. Don't let them scrap it. If it'll run on ether,you'll get it going if you keep messing with it.
 
Thanks for all the tips everyone. So I got it running. Still have some tweaking to get it going right but at least it's running.

My next question is about the hydraulic system. I have to get the working to get it out of the field. The pump is spinning but nothing worked.

I am not familiar with the hydraulic system at all for this machine. Looking for any tips or anything I should know.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top