White 2-70 drive train

I'm looking at buying a 78 2-70 diesel. It's got a several issues that I haven't been able to find info on other places.

First off, the over/under is out of oil. It seems like it still works, but driving it was hard to tell because of stiffness between the throttle and 3spd levers. What kind of damage is done when those are run low on oil? How tough is it to find parts or where can I find them?

Second, the PTO doesn't shut off. What would cause that, and how tough are parts to locate.

The last big issue is almost no brakes. I know they aren't hard to repair, but is there anything I should know about them before buying it?

Any info or resources are appreciated

first that we need to know is how much are they asking for it, if it's a walk away or RUN away from it!! there was a reason they require oil in 3sp shift, NOT GOOD. How long has it sit??? when they are well maintained they are a good tractor. when abused anybody guess??

Well the PTO was not kept in adjustment and the PTO clutch plates are warped and will need to be checked and some may need to be replaced. They are on the back of the tractor and easy to get to. Are the brakes also out of adjustment or do they need new linings? What about the over under? Does it show anyplace it has leaked oil?. Send me an e-mail and include your phone number.

I don't know if you know or not, but it's a 1655 Oliver if that eases your mind at all. As J said, don't sweat the brakes or PTO. Is the O/U dry or just not showing on the stick? Put a few quarts of ATF in it and try it. If it shifts crisp, it's good.

Your post makes this tractor scream of lack of maintenance or outright neglect. How many hours? Stored indoors or out? I always look at the rubber gearshift boot right away. I know it's a trivial item, but it sits right between an operator's legs and it's a $10 fix. If neglected, moisture gets into the rear end, which isn't a deal killer for me, but just further demonstrates pride of ownership.

The PTO isn't a huge deal, new clutches and/or just adjustment. $$
Brakes aren't a big deal, new discs and adjustment, etc. $$
The hydraul is the biggest headache if it's not working. $$$$

You shouldn't have a problem getting parts.

Another common issue would be the hydraulics- does it have fluid on the stick? Does the fluid disappear over time? Steering work? Three point? Remotes?

And then the engine/fuel system/injection pump- does the tractor start easily? Any smoke? Are there coffee grounds in the pump? Pull the rectangle timing cover on the pump and see if there are little black specs in there. If yes=rebuild time. What does the inside of the tank look like?

What does the coolant look like? Ditchwater or coolant? Can you pop a drain petcock and take a further gander?


All those things aside, the 1655/2-70 was one of the best tractors they made. Whether you should buy this one or not depends on the price. So far from your description I would have a hard time paying over scrap+tire value.

J,
The tractor isn't bad other than those
few things. That rubber boot is in great
shape, not even any cracks to speak of.
The Guage reads just over 3000 hours. It
is very possible that those are accurate,
as the tires have good tread but are
peeling and cracking (hopefully due to
age).

The guy who has is has only had it for a
couple of years. His story is that his
father-in-law bought it on auction, but
quicky realized he didn't have a use for
it. So he ended up with it. All he says
he's done with it is graded his driveway
and pounded posts in his vineyard.

There is no hyd fluid on the stick.
However, the steering works real well and
aside from a whine when all the way up,
the 3 point does too. The only hydraulic
leaks I could find were under the dash and
below the radiator.

The tractor was warm when I drove it, but
it started right up and didn't smoke a
lick. I didn't look in the tank, but it
didn't show any direct signs of engine
issues.

I also forgot to check the coolant. I
will talk to him and find out.

I don't think the o/u is totally dry. I
managed to get the lever to move well once
and it seems like it shifted real well.
The guy didn't know what it was, so he
never used it. It was mostly left in under
drive, and since he uses it so little I
doubt it ever shifted out (the throttle
and o/u levers are sticky, but not stuck
together.)

Over all the thing isn't in terrible
cosmetic shape, (especially for a white)
it's still got some silver paint on it and
all the panels are straight. It's got a
couple engine oil leaks from the
exhaust/head gasket area, as well as a
couple of electrical issues. He's asking 5
grand for it, but I'm thinking it's not
worth more than 3,000.

Thanks for your help

Well then that doesn't sound as bad. They hydraulics need to be filled. Something is going to burn up otherwise and that whine when up is most likely the pump straining because the lever is out of adjustment. That will cause problems. Likely causes for low hydraulic fluid are a simple leaks (as you have found), or worse (and common with age) a pump seal or pin hole in the hydraulic reservoir pan (leaking into rear end). The steering can be a little bit of a pain to get at.

Loosen up the throttle/hydraul levers by soaking the shaft with PB Blaster or similar. My 1655 was the same way until I got into it with some penetrant.

As far as testing the hydraul unit goes, you can't tell much other than having a definite shifting feeling when shifted (that's a good sign). FYI- the tractor will freewheel in under, so with your brakes I'd keep it in direct when on any sort of slope.

Seen that tractor on craigslist.I live nearby, been for sale for awhile.Those tractors are easy to work on.Offer 3500 and see what happens.
Paul

If it was mine, you wouldn't even get it fr $5000. I'd top off the O/U and hydraulics and put 6500 on it. Last Oliver I saw sell that was anything even close to it was a 1600 gas that had a huge boot in a rear tire and had been sitting outside unused for about 7 years. That brought $3000.

The guy is asking 5k or offer.

Ya I saw that. Like I said, top off the fluids and maybe a little elbow grease. With around 3000 hours as has been stated, if that's correct, he's low.