Oliver 88 Shifter Rails

[38F-20]

Hi:

I have a 1952 Oliver 88 that frequently will not shift between the low and high ranges. I was told by some on this site that the problem was likely the shifter rails.

I have never had an Oliver transmission apart before. If the rails are the problem, will they have an obvious wear spot or are they adjustable to match the shifter? The wear on the gear shift lever has been welded and ground down so that shouldn't be the problem.

My grandpa had an old Oliver mechanic help him put the gear shift lever in about a year ago without much improvement. I just want to fix it so I can rely on the tractor around the farm.

Thank you.
 

[J. Schwiebert]

The problem is in the notch that the detent ball engages. There is no adjustment. I would take the shift rails out as an assembly. If you have a pulley drive housing it will need to be removed first. Once you have the rail assembly out, remove the center rail and you will see where the atra had worn down. Questions?
 

[38F-20]

Thank you for your help.

Would you get another set of rails or would it likely be easier to get mine welded? I'm just trying to plan ahead. I was scared that we would have to take the belt pulley off. It's a good thing I have four weeks off for Christmas...

Additionally, when I rev the engine and idle it quickly, I get a slight clunk in the rear end. It's quite a bit louder than some of our other Olivers. I'm assuming that would be wear in the bull gears? I'm just trying to have a good idea where to look, and what parts to buy prior to tearing it apart.

Thank you.
 

[chucksoliver77]

38F-20, there's a good chance the clunk is coming from the pinion shaft. the nut on the end often comes loose and allows the gear/shaft to move back and forth causing a clunk. there is a cover under the pulley housing that you have to remove and there is a big nut under there that needs to be tightened. i took mine off and put loctite on it, end of problem. chuck
 

[38F-20]

Thank you for your help. I'm excited to tear it down and fix it.
 

[chucksoliver77]

38F-20, another thought i had is that sometimes the ring gear on the bull gear comes loose and causes a clung, but i think it most likely caused by the pinion shaft being loose, chuck