Question from New Owner AC Model B tractor

I'm 61 and a retired Computer Manager and Software Developer. Always tinkered around with working on things of all sorts.

I'm new to the old tractor world and recently purchased a 1938 (determined by the serial number) Allis Chalmers B Tractor. It runs fine. Has a power lift cultivator and a non lift good farm disc.

I purchased the Operator's and the Service Manuals on eBay.

I'm not sure that it has all the same running parts as original.

I have some questions that some of you experienced people might help me with the tractor. Generally they are in order of importance to me. 1 being most important.

Help Question #1 -

The tractor has a starter and it appears to be the only thing that is battery operated, but no generator.

For example, the manuals say that the battery is 6V. It came with a 12V battery that does not hold a charge. I don't know if the starter was converted to 12V or not. The starter number is 1107043 6336 and looks like it might be a 6V. It has an oiler hole and cover on rear.

I suspect that 12V battery would be bad for a 6V starter.

Can anyone tell me whether the starter is 6 or 12V or how I could find out?
I want to buy the right type of battery.

Question # 2-

The Magneto is FM j type. The switch does not turn off the Magneto in either position. One has to brake, slow motor and use clutch out to kill motor.

I checked the switch and it electrically checks good. In disconnects and out connects the poles.
I traced the wire toward the magneto and it was not connected anywhere, it was wound up in chamber under and forward of the steering . Long enough to reach the magneto. There is a small connector bold and two nuts on the outside of the magneto. Is that where the switch wire should be connected?

Question # 3 -

The book calls for AN 7 or AC 45 spark plugs and at another place says Use Alli-Chalmers 212056 plugs. The tractor has two Champion RJ-12Y (Cyl 1 &2) and two HC10C spark plugs (Cyl 3 & 4) . What type of available plugs should I buy to replace them? Hopefully, are they commonly available at auto or tractor supply?

Question #4 -

It has a PTO and hydraulic power system. Both work but have leak in hydraulic fitting or tube.

The hydraulic system only has RAM tube lift. The manual shows two RAM tube lifts and it looks like I could add a second one. There is no switch nor second RAM tube. I did see RAM tubes for sale on eBay but did not realize that I needed another until they had sold. Does anyone know of a source to purchase the tube, switch and new hoses with connections?

Question #5 -

Air Cleaner - Does the element come out of the container or not? I gently pulled and it did not come out bottom easily. If it does not come out, is the cleaning method to remove the canister and clean it inside the canister?

Question #6 -

I've read the recommendations for oil and transmission/PTO lube. 20W for later.
Various weight oils 10W, 20W, 30W for motor. Are there better recommendation based on current oils available, like a good all purpose 10W-30 for engine? What about transmission/PTO?

Bill Hix,

Bloomington Springs, TN 38545
[email protected]
931-858-8609

Transmission oil, you can use Tractor Lube, a general purpose hydraulic and gear oil.

You can clean the air cleaner by taking it off and dumping a solvent in it and shakeing it a bit and dumping it out. Don't recomend it, but gas works.

You have a 6v starter. You can use a 12v battery as long as you don't let it spin too long. Autolite 295 plugs, Auto Zone. Rear end 20w nondetergent, if you use detergent, you'll get foam in your hydraulics. That terminal on your mag need to ground out to stop tractor. There's a lot of different configurations of lift cylinders. I have a one bottom plow, so I have one cylinder. If I had a two bottom 2 way, I'd have 2 cylinders.

Someone has altered your tractor. If it's a '38, you shouldn't have electric start or hydraulics. I don't think they were even options then.

Have fun.

Starter/battery. Starter is probably 6 volts. The 6 volt starter works well with the 12 volt battery. Stick another 12 volt battery in the B. It won't hurt the starter.

Kill switch on the magneto. Start the engine. Place the tractor in neutral and lock the brakes. Take a screwdriver and short the bolt on the side of the magneto to the magneto body. This should kill the engine. Make sure you hold on to the insulated handle of the screwdriver. That bolt is where the kill switch wire should go.

Spark plugs: Auto parts store will have the spark plugs. Just ask the parts man for plugs for a 38 Allis B.

Air cleaner. About once a year (under normal farm working conditions) you are supposed to remove the entire cleaner from the tractor. Soak in a solvent for a day or two, slosh up and down every so often. You can take them apart but no need to. Clean the cup and replace the oil every so often - depends on usage.

Question 4: Pass. Someone who knows how the B is configured will be able to answer this question and provide more information on transmission oi.

Oil in the transmission. Partial pass. If the manual recommends 20# oil that's 20# non detergent. You will get a discussion on this topic.