50 or 51???

Second time post, but I've been reading this board for a while now. I've looked at Smith's web-page and many others, trying to date my 8n. I gave 1800.00 for it and it still has the original single rib front tires, cyclone "jar" breather, and original rear top-hat rims. The guy I bought it from said it was a 50 8n, I looked on the engine block and came up with "8N371295". Wouldn't this mean the engine is a 51?? I also looked for stamping on the axle trumpets, but I cannot make all the #'s out due to wear and rust. According to Dave Smiths page, a stamping on the casting just behing the block, before the transmission, reads "8N B". Which makes sense and leads me to believe I have a 51 8N. It also had the original tool box with the ford wrenches. The only thing in bad shape is the battery box, and a few minor dents in the hood. I also noticed it does not have the wingtips for the front lights. Do 51's have wingtips???

Sorry for the long post, but I need second opinions.

Thanks

I haven't did a compression test yet, but the guy I bought it from raked hay with it and used it pretty often. It's still a 6-volt tractor and the oil pressure is over 40 when it is cold and is a little under 40 (35 to 40) when its warm. I took my wife to our property and we drove it around for a good while, (enough to get it warm) and it did great. I just need to replace the draglinks (ball joints) and go thru the hydraulics. Brakes are on the list first. The hydraulics work smooth but they leak down as soon as you shut the tractor off or if you disengage the pto. I know they will eventually leak down, but the arms fall pretty quick after you shut the tractor off. From my experience with "good hydraulics on 8n's" they should hold for a little while after the tractor is shut off. Shouldn't the hydraulics hold for at least 10 to 20 minutes, even with a disc or mower on them?

Anyway, this gives me another good winter project, (after deer season that is)

I need to get my carry-all built and lift it a few times with some weight on it to really check how bad the hydraulics are. I can stand on the lift arms and it will lift me up (235lbs) and hold me up as long as the clutch is out and the pto is engaged. As soon as you shut the tractor off or disengage the pto, the lift arms start to settle. I plan to use the NAA washer on the rebuild.

I'll send some pics as soon as I get my digital cam-corder.

Also are there any good carry-all plans out there? I'm thinking about a 6ft wide by 5ft long platform with stake pockets for sides if I ever need them.

Thanks again.

Yeah a 1951 seems to fit the bill for what you have. Sounds like it has some great accessories and original items. (the tools are a huge bonus - I think most were lost or removed from the tractor in the last 50 years!) Now, what condition is the engine in? Do you have any surprises there or is everything ok?

you might want to check the oil & pressure, hydraulic levels and colors - do a compression test on each cylinder (yeah Claus I know, I know - haha), make sure that all of your connections are clean, bright and tight (thanks Dell) - Also, does it have the original 6V system on it or has it been converted to 12V with alternator?

Well, you sound pretty aware of everything so if I have been mundane then just ignore it. Just trying to help you get off to a great start. Welcome --- shoot up some pics when you get a chance and have a great day with your new pride and joy.

Regards,
Andy

The 8N dealer installed headlights had "bells" for reinforcement. 9N & 2N's had wingtips. Most N owners think the wingtips are better looking and use them when they can find 'em..... ...Dell