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I can let you know what I know, which may be more than some others know,... But I don't know it all. First off,... It had a Waukasha Diesel engine, 6 cyl, 310 cubic inch. Turbo charged. It is a good motor if the updates are in it. (I can hear the other fella's laugh !) But it is known for throwing rods through the side of the blocks. Here are some of the updates, and explanation. First off, they would run hot on the lower end (Oil Temp too High),... So, the later models had a Oil Cooler built into the block, to have the crankcase run cooler, and helping keep it from spinning a rod or main bearing. The second thing was they used a 2 piece wrist pin bushing, so it would wear slightly, and work itself out, and have a rod failure, or the piston would slap the head and injector. The fix is a 1 piece bushing to be installed in the rod. The worse thing, is someone who tried to start it on a cold day with Either,.... Would flatten the rod bearings, leading to rod failure. Also, the Turbo's were known for cracking if they shut them down right after working them hard. It says all over the tractor to let them idle 3 minutes for the turbo to cool properly. Turbo's cost some money, especially if there is an unexperienced fella working it. No Turbo, then your 108 hp tractor is now a 78 Hp one. I have been told by Old Oliver Fellas, that if you treat them with respect, do the updates, then they are a good engine and tractor. I have a Oliver 1855 which I rebuilt the engine (Had rod through block when I got it) and now has all the updates, with the block with Oil Cooler integeral on block. Was updated to the 1955 engine specs. I would ask to drop the pan and a few rod caps before you buy it. You can see if it has a scored crankshaft. If you show up with a check, and really serious, they shouldn't have any objection. If they object, then there is a problem they know of, and that is too much $$$ for that tractor with a problem. You will have to do the updates to the engine if you really wish to work it without any unforseen problems in the future. Especially since you know the problems facing a stock engine. The value of a late model is about $9000.00 in real good shape with over/Under drive, good rubber, 3 pt hitch, wide front end. Cab makes it another $1000.00 or so in value I am told. So, the price isn't too bad. Tractor itself is good in my opinion. It has tilt and telescoping steering, adjustable seat, power steering, heater in cab, over/under is great when working in changing conditions. Depending on cab, and configuration (Wide or narrow front) it is overall a good tractor. May be hard to shift as transmission is very tight on all the 55's I have seen. But, Buyer Beware! and If you do get it, do the updates. Not too expensive considering it is a diesel, and a mechanic can do it somewhat easily. Rod Bushings are $9.00 each,... Head Gasket is $110.00,... Pan Gasket was $55.00,.... Rod and Mains were about $500.00 If I remember right.
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