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Model B Stiff Rotation

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=210755
Printed Date: 15 Apr 2026 at 8:13am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Model B Stiff Rotation
Posted By: TL73
Subject: Model B Stiff Rotation
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2026 at 10:23am
This tractor is a 38 and as you know hand crank only. Complete tractor was restored probably 15 years ago and has seen little use. To me, the hand crank seems much harder than expected. Even with the spark plugs removed the rotating assembly feels like it's way too tight. Even cranking it over with no sparks plugs shakes the entire tractor. I've seen people who can turn their engine over by rotating the cooling fan with the plugs removed. There is absolutely no way I could rotate this engine by turning the cooling fan. Is this normal?



Replies:
Posted By: Eric B
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2026 at 12:54pm
How have you tried disengaging the clutch turning the engine over? If there is no difference you may have to remove the oil pan and plastigauge the bearings. I definitely this was the case with one B where the bearings were too tight, with correct clearances the problem was fixed and the engine turned over easy. 

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Currently- WD,WC,3WF's,2 D14's B. Previously- I 600,TL745,200,FL9,FR12,H3,816 LBH. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!


Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2026 at 1:07pm
did the tractor run after the rebuild ???  Has it been setting for a while ???

You could have some rust on the liners / pistons / rings causing things to drag.. If you KNOW the engine ran good at one time, i would put some penetrant or oil acetone mixture in each cylinder and let it set for a day or two.. Crank the engine over and push this out the spark plug hole... If it seems to help, you could drag the tractor around with the truck with the spark plugs OUT and in gear.... should loosen things up..


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Like them all, but love the "B"s.


Posted By: TL73
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2026 at 8:30pm
Originally posted by Eric B Eric B wrote:

How have you tried disengaging the clutch turning the engine over? If there is no difference you may have to remove the oil pan and plastigauge the bearings. I definitely this was the case with one B where the bearings were too tight, with correct clearances the problem was fixed and the engine turned over easy. 

This is what's odd to me. I'd been turning it over by hand with the clutch disengaged. I released the pedal lock and tried it with the clutch ENGAGED and it turned over easier. Maybe I'm missing something but I can't understand how the engine turns over easier with the clutch engaged. It's still stiff but significantly easier than before.


Posted By: TL73
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2026 at 8:33pm
Originally posted by steve(ill) steve(ill) wrote:

did the tractor run after the rebuild ???  Has it been setting for a while ???

You could have some rust on the liners / pistons / rings causing things to drag.. If you KNOW the engine ran good at one time, i would put some penetrant or oil acetone mixture in each cylinder and let it set for a day or two.. Crank the engine over and push this out the spark plug hole... If it seems to help, you could drag the tractor around with the truck with the spark plugs OUT and in gear.... should loosen things up..

Yes, the tractor runs pretty good; we've been pulling it off until I can figure out why the hand crank is so stiff.


Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2026 at 10:46pm
Originally posted by TL73 TL73 wrote:

... I released the pedal lock and tried it with the clutch ENGAGED and it turned over easier. Maybe I'm missing something but I can't understand how the engine turns over easier with the clutch engaged. It's still stiff but significantly easier than before.

Originally posted by TL73 TL73 wrote:

Complete tractor was restored probably 15 years ago and has seen little use.
Could the throwout bearing be dragging on the bearing carrier? Is the linkage properly adjusted?



Posted By: Phil48ACWC
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 4:43am
Could the bell housing be full of a mouse house? 


Posted By: TL73
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 6:13am
Originally posted by Les Kerf Les Kerf wrote:

Originally posted by TL73 TL73 wrote:

... I released the pedal lock and tried it with the clutch ENGAGED and it turned over easier. Maybe I'm missing something but I can't understand how the engine turns over easier with the clutch engaged. It's still stiff but significantly easier than before.

Originally posted by TL73 TL73 wrote:

Complete tractor was restored probably 15 years ago and has seen little use.
Could the throwout bearing be dragging on the bearing carrier? Is the linkage properly adjusted?


I'm checking that this morning and I will let you know.


Posted By: TL73
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 6:13am
Originally posted by Phil48ACWC Phil48ACWC wrote:

Could the bell housing be full of a mouse house? 

I'll check that out this morning.


Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 8:07am
dont push in the clutch... leave the tractor in neutral... check the PTO lever is DOWN and not engaged during cranking..

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Like them all, but love the "B"s.



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