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shattercane 
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Joined: 23 Jul 2011
Location: Aurora, KS
Points: 305
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 Topic: 1954 WD-45 Restoral Question
Posted: 17 Oct 2012 at 1:20pm |
I am currently working on tearing down my WD45, the engine is loose and the valves look pristine. The former owner told me that the tractor ran when he parked it under the tree 20 years ago. I am wondering how you professionals handle this type of situation, should i put the bare essentials back on and see if it runs, then if it is burning oil and decide on a full overhaul at that point or should I pony up the 500-700 bucks for an overhaul kit and just do it up front? I have noticed on the overhaul kits that they come with various overbore options, is there an easy way without removing the head to see what I would need to order if I go that route? Also can someone post a picture of an original seat for the 54 as mine was apparently manufactured in Columbus Nebraska, but I can't tell who the manufacturer was as that information is rusted over. Thanks for your assistance,
Travis
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29 L Case, 37 CC Case,40 A-C allcrop 40, 43 B Allis Chalmers, 50 DC Case, 54 WD-45 WF, 67 190 Gas
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CTuckerNWIL
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: NW Illinois
Points: 22825
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Posted: 17 Oct 2012 at 2:29pm |
If it was mine, I think I would put it back together and see what I got. Get it running and check compression. You don't need to know what's in it to order any of the overbore kits as they come with pistons rings and sleeves to match, hopefully  You will have to check out the crankshaft before ordering to see if it needs ground and find out what size bearings you will need. Here is a picture from the back. Looks like this belongs to Danny R. 
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jeffsh
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: michigan
Points: 269
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Posted: 17 Oct 2012 at 2:31pm |
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be nice to hear it run before you tear it down.check compression.a little investigating is always nice before dismantling.
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shattercane
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Joined: 23 Jul 2011
Location: Aurora, KS
Points: 305
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Posted: 17 Oct 2012 at 4:50pm |
Thanks for the replies, I forgot about the new sleeves that come with the overhaul kit. I think once I get the water pump free, the gas tank cleaned out and a new starter (special thanks to the guy that stole that and the arm that connects the hand clutch) installed I will try to get it fired up and see what I'm up against. Does anyone know what kind of compression range I should be obtaining if the rings are in good shape?
Thanks again,
Travis
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29 L Case, 37 CC Case,40 A-C allcrop 40, 43 B Allis Chalmers, 50 DC Case, 54 WD-45 WF, 67 190 Gas
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LouSWPA
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Clinton, Pa
Points: 25146
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Posted: 17 Oct 2012 at 5:20pm |
If I were you, I would avoid a rebuild if possible, if your only reason for doing so is to use the tractor. If this one cannot be revived, good running engines are available for far less than the REAL cost of a rebuild. However, if your goal is for a total restoration then have at it. Just be advised that a real complete overhaul will be more like $2K. Other than that, what the guys said above, get it running and see what you have first
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I am still confident of this;
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps 27
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shattercane
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Joined: 23 Jul 2011
Location: Aurora, KS
Points: 305
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Posted: 18 Oct 2012 at 12:21pm |
Thanks again for the updates; I went back to the books and found out I actually have a 53 not a 54. Were there any seat variations between the two years?
Thanks again,
Travis
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29 L Case, 37 CC Case,40 A-C allcrop 40, 43 B Allis Chalmers, 50 DC Case, 54 WD-45 WF, 67 190 Gas
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Gary
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Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: Peterborough,On
Points: 5899
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Posted: 18 Oct 2012 at 4:50pm |
Seat changed at WD127007 in 1953 with the transmission and curved shifter. Revised seat bar and seat support (adjustable) Gary
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Leonard
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Joined: 06 Nov 2009
Location: Deer Park, WA
Points: 558
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Posted: 18 Oct 2012 at 5:01pm |
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Shattercane, I rebuilt the engine in my WD45 this past summer. The tractor was still running and had been used for tillage this spring. Reason I rebuilt the engine was fuel economy was really poor. After the rebuild, using a 4.125 overbore kit from Tony, a vendor on this site, fuel economy has shot through the roof and I am having a bit of trouble putting the increased power to the ground.
Was plowing some ground that was hard as concrete and both rear tires would spin at times.
Leonard
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Brampton 02 gt
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Joined: 07 Apr 2011
Location: Erin,ON, Canada
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Posted: 20 Oct 2012 at 6:51pm |
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$2000 is a good estimate. I ended up needing a new crank and a cam gear plus the full rebuild kit. I also had the head rebuilt and machined. It all adds up before you know it.
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shattercane
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Joined: 23 Jul 2011
Location: Aurora, KS
Points: 305
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Posted: 23 Oct 2012 at 10:30pm |
Thanks again for the assistance....I think this site is probably more valuable than any tool in my shop. Thanks to my new buddy in Beattie Kansas I have a few more parts and a few new additions to my education on my tractor. I thought my instrument panel (with Temp, Oil and Amps) was original since it was orange but came to find out it was cobbled (it is viewed through the steering wheel not down on the battery box where it should be.) Some of these "modifications" seem way too difficult to make sense...as there is no way oil pressure could have been obtained with no oil line running to the gauge...at least not to my limited knowledge. I'm taking it back to original unless this is some rare treasure that we all dream of.
Thanks again!!!
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29 L Case, 37 CC Case,40 A-C allcrop 40, 43 B Allis Chalmers, 50 DC Case, 54 WD-45 WF, 67 190 Gas
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