Need help with 1950 Allis Chalmers CA lacking power

Hello everyone,

I have 1950 Allis Chalmers CA that I received several years ago when my father passed away (he used it off and on, mostly for plowing in the winters). I'm not that savvy with tractors and don't use it often, but I have been trying to get it in better operational shape since I got it and have been learning as I go along.

After having the clutch professionally replaced (expen$ive) and some minor cleaning, repairs and new parts (draining tank/fresh gas, clean sediment bowl, air cleaner w/fresh oil, oil & filter change, new 6V battery, new points... and I just replaced the wires and spark plugs Champion J8C a few days ago) the tractor starts easily and runs but it lacks the really strong power necessary to push/pull/climb hilly areas.

I'd like to get the forum's advice on where to start and what to focus on in order to determine why it is not as strong as it should be.

[u:046244b730]A few things:[/u:046244b730]
a) After running the tractor for about 15-20 minutes in the woods trying to push some fallen logs with the front bucket I checked the newly installed spark plugs. [b:046244b730]Spark plugs #1 & #2 were much blacker and sootier than plugs #3 & #4.[/b:046244b730]
b) The hydraulic oil was low and I filled it prior to going to push the logs and the tractor did seem a bit stronger than previously.
c) I have never removed and cleaned the carburetor (didn't want to mess with it and screw things up).
d) The points & condenser were replaced a few years ago (so they are not new anymore)... I lightly cleaned the rotor and points which helped as far as starting.
e) I haven't done a compression test yet.

I know I still have a ways to go to get it in tip top shape, but any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Make sure you are getting spark to all 4 plugs.
Check timing
Sandy Lake Imp can rebuild carb 1-888-252-0656

Have you serviced the air cleaner and cleaned out the mud and replaced the oil in it?? As for those plugs try a set of NGK that are in the same heat range you may find they work better then those China champs do

Make sure you got the wires back on the right plugs.

Old is right, dump the Champions. If all else fails, loose the carburetor and stick your finger up into the intake manifold. Sometimes I have found that area closed off with carbon build-up.

I would do the compression check kinda soon. If it is up it elements a bunch of stuff, then your back to the carburetor after making sure you have good spark plugs.

Thanks for the replies with your suggestions guys!

I'll work on getting a compression tester and will also check the timing. In addition I will buy some better spark plugs and swap out the Champions. I replaced the wires 1 at a time and the firing order is correct (1-2-4-3). I'll see about getting a spark plug tester to make sure each one is putting out a strong spark. If those things are fine I'll move on to the carburetor. Also I'll take a check on the intake and see about clearing out the carbon buildup if there is any.
... the oil bath air filter element had been cleaned up and fresh oil was added to the cup not long ago.

If you can think of other things that are likely to cause the tractor to feel under-powered please let me know so I can look into it. Thanks again for your comments!

Why buy a spark tester when you have one already. Just use a old spark plug and gap it to as close to a 1/4 inch as you can. Then hook it to each plug wire and hold it on the block. You want a nice blue white spark that jumps a 1/4 inch or more. Me I just use a plug wire with no end on it and hold it about a 1/4 inch from the block and watch for a good spark. Simple cheap and even a cave man can do it

Thanks for the suggestion [b:b7aec2bf5d]Old[/b:b7aec2bf5d] I'll have to try that and see how strong the spark is.

Thankfully most of the tools I need I can borrow from a friend (or go the free rental route at an auto store if necessary). Of course some tools I'll just have to break down and buy.

when servicing the air cleaner, remove the cap , and check the tube for blockage, sometimes wasps will build nest's in the tube, or cap. It is that time of year!

Are you using solid wire spark plug wires or carbon fibre?
Solid wire is the way to go. Ca's are great tractor with lots of power. You'll never run out of power, the
wheels will slip first. LOL Bob

Yes I just put on brand new wires, they're NOT the carbon fibre type.

The tractor does seem better since changing the plugs and wires. I was digging into some gravel and it is strong enough to lift the front tires off the ground. I know the thing is 65 years old, it just seems like it should be a bit more powerful. I think I need to find someone nearby with a similar model so I have something to compare it to. Maybe I can find someone demonstrating their Allis-Chalmers CA on YouTube in the meantime.

Just remember it is only a 26HP tractor. 26HP is not all that big when it comes to a tractor. By the way that is as per NEB test