"Ask The Oliver Mechanic" - December, 2013 Archives


Oliver 1650

IP: 74.207.186.227 Posted on December 31, 2013 at 12:48:24 PM by Warren

I have a 1650 that is pumping hydraulic fluid into the transmission. Why? Have it all apart and can't find the reason. Thanks

Re(1): Oliver 1650

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on January 2, 2014 at 08:23:09 AM by Larry Harsin

If that oil pan isn't leaking, it is probably going through the pump seal. I would probably install a new pump. Larry


1755 vs 1855 vs 1955 rear ends

IP: 70.192.194.246 Posted on December 30, 2013 at 11:17:41 PM by John

What are the differences between the rear ends and transmissions in the 1755 /1855/ 1955

Re(1): 1755 vs 1855 vs 1955 rear ends

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 31, 2013 at 08:31:14 AM by Larry Harsin

The transmissions are all the same. The differences are in the differential assembly and ring gear. The 1855 has saddles that fit on the brake housings to help maintain the correct alignment under heavy loads. In the 1955, in addition to the saddles, has a roller that helps hold the ring gear from getting away from the transmission bevel pinion, to help with extreme load conditions. The 1755 doesn't have any of this stuff, just the transmission. Larry


1955 trans hydraulic pump

IP: 166.147.104.175 Posted on December 30, 2013 at 08:34:53 PM by Austin White

I've got a 1955 diesel. This summer after the oil warms up (mowing hay for 30 minutes) the transmission pressure light comes on at an idle, but goes off if you speed up the engine. after it's run for an hour the lights on all the time. I speculate that the chain driven pump inside the rear end is failing. Would that be a correct assumption?

Re(1): 1955 trans hydraulic pump

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 31, 2013 at 08:27:01 AM by Larry Harsin

Do some further checking on that. It might be wise to put on a different pressure switch and see how it acts. Larry


Oliver 550 problem with inj. pump timing

IP: 50.51.0.179 Posted on December 30, 2013 at 06:54:58 PM by Donald

I have an Oliver 550 Serial #193007-484 year 1967 I think. I'm having trouble finding information on engine, serial #135807 is on right front boss of engine. I have manuals, but they don't seem to cover that engine.I'm having trouble with the injection pump timing. I would like to rebuild the engine but I need information on it. It has yellow paint, 588 White loader and Davis backhoe, and no PTO or 3 point. Thank you. Any info is very much appreciated!

Re(1): Oliver 550 problem with inj. pump timing

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 31, 2013 at 08:25:05 AM by Larry Harsin

It has a Roosa-Master pump on it. As far as the engine specs are concerned, they are the same as the 550's that used the Bosch pump. The injection pump timing is going to be 3* before TDC. Otherwise the engines are the same. That's the only thing that is different. If you need more info, call me. 712-362-2966. Larry


550 won't hold time

IP: 70.198.69.58 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 09:55:37 PM by Jamie Bultemeier

I have been working on an ignition issue on a 1958 Oliver 550. When the tractor gets warm it misses and stumbles. Often even using the choke will not keep it running. After checking all aspects of the ignition and carburetor I checked the timing. The timing is erratic and inconstant. When the timing light is strobing and catching the timing mark, the tractor is running smooth. Without making any adjustments the timing will then be off and the tractor runs rough. I have been unable to get the timing to stabilize. I have since pulled the distributer, the advance weights seem ok, but the drive ears on the distributer have wear patterns that indicateÒchatterÓ in the drive. Any ideas on what might be the cause of the chatter and thus the erratic timing?

Re(1): 550 won't hold time

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 31, 2013 at 08:19:41 AM by Larry Harsin

I would guess that the cam part of the dist. where it sits on the shaft is sticky, and I would take the cam assembly up and out and clean it up and oil it. That should help. Be careful and reassemble it the way it was taken apart. It could be off 180*. Also, if the points show any evidence of pitting or burning, replace them. Larry


1655 injection pump

IP: 75.100.6.36 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 01:39:48 PM by Travis

Hello again, I have the 1655 from yesterdays post. The leak on the head gasket has quit leaking all together. rather then take it apart to replace it they are going to extend the warrenty. Now after breaking the tractor in on a 3 point snow blower for two hours, I have noticed that the fuel injection pump is making a prominent "ticking" sound. It speeds up when the throttle is increased and slows down when the throttle is decreased. I had the fuel pump rebuilt and new injectors put in at the same time as the rebuild. Is this normal, I don't remember hearing it on any other injection pumps. Thanks again for offering your knowledge to all of us Oliver owners.

Re(1): 1655 injection pump

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 31, 2013 at 08:15:06 AM by Larry Harsin

I don't think it is anything to worry about. I've heard that ticking before and I don't think you need to worry about it. Larry


oliver 1655 head gasket

IP: 75.100.6.36 Posted on December 27, 2013 at 08:50:20 PM by Travis

Larry, I have learned so much reading the archives. I just bought a 1655 diesel. I had the engine overhauled, and as long as I had it out I had a new seal kit put in the over under, a new clutch put in and several other new parts put in. I like to do things once when possible, plus I gave 1500 for the tractor so I had room to spend some extra. The question is, at first start up the engine is leaking oil externally from the back right corner of the head gasket. I was told by a different mechanic that this is because the hollow head bolt that delivers oil to the rocker arm shaft needs to have thread sealant put on the threads. We did this and the leak has all but stopped. A very small amount of oil does still come out. The mechanic is going to put a new head gasket in and re seal the head bolt thinking this will solve the problem. Is this the right thing to do, or is the problem deeper in the engine and this is the quick fix. It is under warranty so I want to make double sure it is fixed right. Thank you very much for any insight.

Re(1): oliver 1655 head gasket

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:54:49 AM by Larry Harsin

I think that your person doing the work, is on the right track. That should take care of the problem. Larry


1855 leaking around pto

IP: 70.194.7.49 Posted on December 27, 2013 at 10:02:05 AM by Jerry Shannon

Hello Larry. I have gear oil leaking around the 540 pto shaft when tractor is just sitting. This is an 1855. Enough oil that it leaves a little puddle under the tractor. On the parts catalog it shows a round seal behind the pto shaft and the bearing. Is that what could be leaking? How ugly of a job is it to pull off the "housing" and change out the seal? Thank you in advance for your advice.

Re(1): 1855 leaking around pto

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:52:55 AM by Larry Harsin

It's a big job to change the seal that you are talking about. I would be reluctant to do this unless it is leaking badly. You may have to get a qualified service person to take care of this problem. You may want to get the Service Manual from Charles City Museum. 641-228-1099. Larry

Re(2): 1855 leaking around pto

IP: 70.194.7.119 Posted on December 30, 2013 at 11:34:44 AM by Jerry Shannon

Thank you Larry. It is not leaking that bad. I thought if it was a simple job I would do it myself, but based on this I wont worry about it. Thank you again. I do have the service manual as well and will look it up as well.


1953 OC-6D

IP: 24.113.245.223 Posted on December 26, 2013 at 11:56:04 PM by Greg

What are the fluid capacities and where are the inspection holes located?

Re(1): 1953 OC-6D

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:49:46 AM by Larry Harsin

You need to get an Operator's Manual from the museum in Charles City. 641-228-1099. I don't know all the things about the crawlers. Larry


oil soaked cylinder

IP: 24.255.142.224 Posted on December 22, 2013 at 10:40:53 AM by david Canfield

Have a good running 550 but this summer the #3 cylinder started pumping oil through the exhaust and engine smokes heavily. Wonder if the head gasket may have blown or possibly lost a ring????

Re(1): oil soaked cylinder

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:47:54 AM by Larry Harsin

Those are 2 possibilities. You didn't say if you have a gas or a diesel. Larry


Oliver 1850

IP: 173.225.201.183 Posted on December 21, 2013 at 07:37:39 PM by Randy Covey

We have a Oliver 1850 gas and it make a bad noise in 3,5,6,r2 so waht is wrong.

Re(1): Oliver 1850

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:46:32 AM by Larry Harsin

I'm guessing that you have a problem with the cluster on the input shaft. This possibly have been caused by a lack of lubrication. Larry


putting a larger clutch in a 88 deisel.

IP: 72.35.58.207 Posted on December 21, 2013 at 06:04:38 AM by ben w.

I am wanting to know if a 1650 flywheel will fit in a 88 bellhousing.If so this should give me a 12 inch clutch , correct. Let me know the answer,Thanks.

Re(1): putting a larger clutch in a 88 deisel.

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:44:37 AM by Larry Harsin

You may encounter a problem with the bell housing fitting the 1650 fly wheel. Larry


1800 Diesel

IP: 70.194.133.72 Posted on December 20, 2013 at 09:42:04 AM by hrRoss

will a 1800 Diesel head work on my 302 waukesha motor. looking at the bigger intake and exhaust manifolds and maybe the ports and valves are bigger?

Re(1): 1800 Diesel

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 28, 2013 at 07:43:13 AM by Larry Harsin

It won't work. The 1800A diesel is a completely different family of engines. Even the head bolts and the bolt patterns are different. Larry


1850 Oliver carbeurator

IP: 74.38.78.73 Posted on December 16, 2013 at 02:42:53 PM by Brad Swanson

Has anyone ever bought a rebuilt carbeurator (Marvel-Schebler USX-37 is the model I have ) from All States Ag Parts or Yesterdays Tractor Co? Are they one-size-fits-all companies? Has anyone tried these companies remanufactured/rebuilt carbeurators? I'm worried I won't like what I get.

Re(1): 1850 Oliver carbeurator

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 17, 2013 at 07:55:12 AM by Larry Harsin

I don't know. You'll have to talk to them. Ask if you can return it if it isn't right. We haven't dealt with them. Larry


880 Hydraulic Pump

IP: 71.87.25.74 Posted on December 15, 2013 at 08:40:23 AM by Bobx427

I have an 880 Oliver with a loader on it. The hydraulics are weak. I put new seals in the pump last year and had the pump inspected by an Adco dealer and he indicated the gears, etc. were ok. I have 1150 lbs pressure but the pump does not seem to have much lifting power and I am wondering if the oil I am using is the issue. I am using 5-20 universal hydraulic oil. Should I use a heavier grade?

Re(1): 880 Hydraulic Pump

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 17, 2013 at 07:52:39 AM by Larry Harsin

Yes. I would use a heavier grade, like a medium or a 20 weight. If you live in an area where you don't have cold weather, you could even go to a 30 weight. Larry


Oliver 88 shifting problems

IP: 70.194.132.209 Posted on December 11, 2013 at 07:15:51 PM by John Erbentraut

I am experiencing problems shifting from high range to the lower range.It catches but will eventually shift after trying over and over again.Any thoughts on how to eliminate the problem?

Re(1): Oliver 88 shifting problems

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 12, 2013 at 08:31:03 AM by Larry Harsin

It probably has a worn poppet block, causing the ball to wedge in the poppet block. Larry


Open & Closed Center Systems

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 11, 2013 at 09:00:06 AM by Jerry Shannon

Hello Larry. Keep up the great work. Love it. Can you tell me the difference between a "Open Center System" and a "Closed Center System". I believe my 1855 is a Closed Center System but is that better than an Open Center System or just different. I have seen the terms used in your forum but did not know what each meant. Thank you Larry for all you do for us Oliver owners. Jerry

Re(1): Open & Closed Center Systems

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 11, 2013 at 09:01:38 AM by Larry Harsin

In a Closed Center System, there is no oil moving unless there is a "call" for it from one of the components that uses the oil. This requires the use of a variable displacement pump, such as the one the 55 series tractors use. Closed Center Systems are the norm these days. The main reason for the Closed Center System is that at times a lot of oil is needed and then after that particular function is finished, not much oil is needed. For me, the Closed Center System is harder for me to trouble shoot and understand. It is simply what was needed for the times. Closed Center Systems mainly started with John Deere in 1960. The Open Center Systems are seldom used anymore. It has oil flowing all of the time, as fast as the pump will deliver it. Larry


Oliver 1750 long pto shaft length

IP: 199.120.122.44 Posted on December 9, 2013 at 08:18:02 PM by Steve

I have a question related to the long PTO shaft on an oliver 1750. The parts book shows two different lengths. I recently bought a different rearend/transmission for my 1750, to replace my old one that had a seized gear. I noticed my long pto shaft splines were wore bad and need to replace it. However which shaft do I use? My tractor is a late serial number (which calls out the short shaft (67 1/8 in), but the transmission is older and I didn't get the shaft from the guy I bought it from. When comparing it to a 1850 shaft that he had the splines are located in different spots. Is there a number on the rear end that I can look at to determine which shaft is needed? Thanks

Re(1): Oliver 1750 long pto shaft length

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 11, 2013 at 08:02:53 AM by Larry Harsin

I think the shorter shaft is the one you will want. The main difference on the shafts is the front end. Otherwise, they are the same. Larry


1855 Hyd fluid condition

IP: 70.194.0.57 Posted on December 9, 2013 at 01:02:39 PM by Jerry Shannon

Hello Larry. When checking my fluid levels, I noticed I had little clear fluid under the PTO shaft. Just enough to make the Hittch shindy as it dripped on it. This was after using the tractor a week prior pulling a rear blade leveling a horse pen. I took out the "test plugs" to check the level of the Hyd fluid. First the top then the bottom. Whenb the bottom plug came out, the oil that rolled out was light brown and foamy or frothy. I put the plug back in. What would cause the Hydro Fluid in the PTO to be real thick, brown and frothy? Should I change it out?

Re(1): 1855 Hyd fluid condition

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 11, 2013 at 08:00:21 AM by Larry Harsin

You need an Operator's Manual. You have mixed up where the hydraulic fluid is checked and where the transmission lube is checked. The test plugs on the PTO are to check for the transmission lube, which is 80-90 transmission oil. A dipstick on top of the hydraulic unit is where you check for the hydraulic unit. You can get an Operator's Manual from the museum in Charles City. 641-228-1099. Larry

Re(2): 1855 Hyd fluid condition

IP: 70.194.5.13 Posted on December 11, 2013 at 10:10:59 AM by Jerry Shannon

Sorry about that Larry. I mis-spoke myself. Yes I have the manual and I was referring to the Transmission and Final Drive fluid. When I took out the bottom test plug to check the level, the fluid was light brown and frothy and came oozing out when the plug was taken out. I never filled it that full so I was wondering why it was that thick and foamy and why it looked like more was coming out than what I put in. I used the recommended fluid from Agco 80/90 Gl-5. Could it be foaming and that is why it has increased in volume? If so what would cause that and should I do a system drain and replace with new Transmission and Final Drive Fluid along with a filter change? When I topped the fluid off earlier this summer, I did so according tot he manual and to the top of the bottom of the lower test plug. Any ideas would be great. Thank you Larry

Re(3): 1855 Hyd fluid condition

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 12, 2013 at 08:33:52 AM by Larry Harsin

Then, I would change the gear lube! The manual tells you what to put in there etc. Larry


550 three point hitch

IP: 72.78.200.98 Posted on December 8, 2013 at 11:15:31 PM by Terry

Hi Larry, I purchased a 550 with a 588 loader that runs off the pump mounted up front. It also has a grapple that is operated by a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the remote valve by the seat. These all work fine. My problem is the 3 point hitch will only lift a few inches with weight on it but moves up okay without any weight. Is there any chance the hydraulic cylinder is affecting the 3 point or something is not set properly or do I just have a weak pump or lift cylinder? Just asking before I have it torn apart. Thanks as always for your advice. Terry

Re(1): 550 three point hitch

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 9, 2013 at 06:40:15 AM by Larry Harsin

The first thing you should do is get a pressure gauge to measure the pressure in the pump that lifts the 3 pt. arms. It should have 1000 lbs. of pressure. This will tell you which thing is wrong. Larry


1555 with loader

IP: 71.13.54.9 Posted on December 8, 2013 at 07:23:22 PM by Alan stroebel

I have a 1555 with a 1609 loader. I would like to know if there is a place on the hydrolic system where I can tap in to get live hydrolic pressure so I can use a separate control valve for the loader, instead of using the rear couplers

Re(1): 1555 with loader

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 9, 2013 at 06:36:17 AM by Larry Harsin

Yes, there is. We have explained this many times in our Archives. Give me a call so I can talk you through this. 712-362-2966 Larry


Super 88 front wheel fix

IP: 166.181.83.249 Posted on December 3, 2013 at 08:52:33 AM by jason jones

Hi. I posted this on the yesterdays tractors Oliver forum as well, but am posting here in case I don't get a response. I had a bad inner wheel seal on the front wheel of my Super 88. I have the cast iron wheels. I replaced the seal, however now the wheel will not seat back into its original position. It looks to me like the new seal is too thick and prevents the wheel from being pushed all the way on to the spindle. This also prevents the large inner bearing from seating into its race. I tried putting it all together and tightening the nut on the spindle to try and force into place, but that just bound the smaller outside bearing without seating the large inner bearing. I ordered a new seal from a different parts company to make sure the first one didn't send the wrong seal by mistake, but I tried last night to reassemble and had the same issue. Have you encountered a problem like this? And if so, might you have any ideas as to how I might remedy?

Re(1): Super 88 front wheel fix

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 4, 2013 at 07:21:16 AM by Larry Harsin

I havnt encountered that problem. I always get my seal from my AGCO Dealer and they have always fit. Larry

Re(2): Super 88 front wheel fix

IP: 166.181.80.220 Posted on December 4, 2013 at 04:39:19 PM by jason jones

Thanks for the reply Larry. I tried Agco and they say they can see the diagram on their system, but the part isn't available. There is a Standard Bearing company here in Des Moines and I think I will take the old and new parts there and see if they can find something that will work.

Re(3): Super 88 front wheel fix

IP: 184.21.185.185 Posted on December 5, 2013 at 07:47:12 AM by Larry Harsin

The seal is part number 163101A and the wear ring is part number K738. AGCO has them, that's where I get them. Larry


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