oliver super 55 questions

[Jared L]

Hi I am fixing up my dads 1955 oliver super 55 for a early xmas present and i have a few questions.

there is a part that is located below the distributor that has a silver part coming from it. To me it looks like a cable of some sort would plug into it, im thinking its for the tach but im not sure.

The pto shaft spins all the time but has no power as i can stop it with my boot.I have pulled the pto inspection plate and found what looks to have been a mouse haven inside, I did not see any pieces of the pto clutch laying about and the adjustment "nut" seems to have never been adjusted. I have cleaned out all could reach with a shop vac but from what i have read dirt and oil between the plates can cause the shaft to spin could I use some type of spray cleaner such as brake cleaner on the cluctch to attempt to further clean it up?

Thank you for your help in advance
 

[Dick W.]

1. That is for the tach cable. There are 2 little gears in that housing and both must be good for the cable to turn.
2. The PTO is no problem if it works ok with a load applied. Most of them turn without a load. If it stops easily you won't want to spend any money on that part. Could you post the serial number of your tractor? I also have a 1955 super 55 diesel that my Dad bought new. # 19916-518
3. Enjoy your 55.

 

[Jared L]

Thank you for the help and ill have to get the serial number tonight but from what i can remember it starts 18-3xx
 

[Jared L]

Ok the serial number is 18-337-518

So i adjusted the pto and it will not stop with the force of my boot so thats positive but iam not getting the "pop" feeling in the handle just pull it back and its full force if i leave the lever forward it will stop with my boot again. I think im going to borrow a friends brush hog to se if it works under a load
 

[J. Schwiebert]

Do you have the short handle as was original on the early models or is the long handle? You need to adjust that clutch so it snaps overcenter. Now how much effort it takes will depend on which handle you have. Also see if you can find an operators manual for the tractor.
 

[Jared L]

It is the long handle. Operators manual states 35lbs 2ft up from the bottom of the handle.
 

[J.Wondergem]

You can pull it with a fish scale. That's what I use.