Help finding parts for a ‘59 Ford Select-O-Speed tractor

[TractorBird22]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in the process of attempting to repair what I’m pretty sure is a 1959 Ford 601 Select-O-Speed tractor. It was passed down to me from my late grandfather, and there isn’t any documentation for me to work with as far as I can tell.

After examining it with some friends for several hours, we believe the issues are:

The ignition circuit isn’t working properly, because when I turn the key it isn’t cranking;

When I bypassed the ignition with jumper cables from the battery to the starter motor, it cranks very slowly, maybe indicating a bad battery (I didn’t have the wherewithal to use a multimeter on the battery under load/while it was cranking, but I know I need to do that);

The adjustment knob on the fuel shutoff valve had been broken off, so I need to buy and install a replacement for that;

It seems like the starter solenoid isn’t working, so I need to replace that as well.

That’s about as comprehensive a list as I can put together with my limited knowledge. What I’d greatly appreciate help with is, first, helping me figure out which parts I need. As far as I can tell, it’s a 6 volt positive ground system (still has a generator instead of an alternator), so I need a new 6 volt battery and a 6 volt solenoid. Second, finding the correct fuel shutoff valve. I think the shop here has the correct parts, but there are a few options, and I want to make sure I’m getting the right ones. And finally, third, any additional repair/troubleshooting/general restoration or even handling advice you guys might have would be welcome and much appreciated. I’m pretty new to tractor repair and mechanic work in general, so please feel free to explain anything to me like I’m five.

Thanks for welcoming in a new and inexperienced (but very enthusiastic) amateur tractor mechanic!

FYI, I included a photo of the tractor. My camera isn’t great, but hopefully it gives an idea of what I’m working on.

 

[TractorBird22]

One more thing I forgot: is it worth it to try and find a manual for this thing?

 

[Gold 871]

I would suggest that you find a wiring diagram for the select o speed tractor. These tractors originally had a starter button above the key, so turning the key would not crank the engine. There should also be a safety switch in the transmission so that it must be in park (possibly neutral?) for the engine to crank. Over the years, it is hard to tell what has been changed in the wiring.
With the wiring diagram, it is possible to trace where there is or isn't voltage between the battery and starter
You should be able to find the wiring diagram on the internet. Good Luck

 

[Gold 871]

For safety, I would also suggest that you disengage the transmission coupling on the round plate at the rear of the left footrest as you are trying to get engine running. Once running, the tractor can take off if transmission not exactly in park

 

[560Dennis]

Check YT parts for manuals and related obsolete parts YT salvage here . Search YT posts
For Ford Like posts for ideas .
I ve seen a lot of salvage Fords Chalkers Southington Ohio +1 (330) 974-1376
You would also do well by joining suggested

Home - Ford Fordson Collectors Association

Madison, SD

fordtractorcollectors.com

 

[TractorBird22]

For safety, I would also suggest that you disengage the transmission coupling on the round plate at the rear of the left footrest as you are trying to get engine running. Once running, the tractor can take off if transmission not exactly in park

Thank you for the wiring diagram tip, I’ll look around and try to find that. I did find a starter button, and I’ve been making my start attempts with the tractor in neutral, as you suggested… but I think that the diagram would be helpful just to get a few things clarified. I assume that would also be helpful in case I need to rewire the thing.

As for that transmission disengagement tip, that’s a great idea! I’d been kinda worried about that, because I’m not sure exactly what quirks this specific machine has… so thank you for bringing up that option. Does that require much dismantling to make the disconnect, or do I just need to loosen a couple bolts?

 

[TractorBird22]

Check YT parts for manuals and related obsolete parts YT salvage here . Search YT posts
For Ford Like posts for ideas .
I ve seen a lot of salvage Fords Chalkers Southington Ohio +1 (330) 974-1376
You would also do well by joining suggested

Home - Ford Fordson Collectors Association

Madison, SD

fordtractorcollectors.com

Gotcha, thank you! I’ll take a look at those resources.

 

[Gold 871]

Thank you for the wiring diagram tip, I’ll look around and try to find that. I did find a starter button, and I’ve been making my start attempts with the tractor in neutral, as you suggested… but I think that the diagram would be helpful just to get a few things clarified. I assume that would also be helpful in case I need to rewire the thing.

As for that transmission disengagement tip, that’s a great idea! I’d been kinda worried about that, because I’m not sure exactly what quirks this specific machine has… so thank you for bringing up that option. Does that require much dismantling to make the disconnect, or do I just need to loosen a couple bolts?

just behind the left footrest on a round plate you will find the disconnect. it is a shaft with flat sides, which has a retainer bolted over it. you remove the retainer then you can turn it with a wrench. it doesn't turn much, a quarter or half turn if i remember correctly

 

[used red MN]

As far as I can tell, it’s a 6 volt positive ground system (still has a generator instead of an alternator), so I need a new 6 volt battery

Hello Tractorbird, welcome to YT! Just because it has a generator does not mean it is a 6 volt system, that series of tractors came in both 6 and 12 volt configurations. However if it currently has 6 volt battery with 3 cell level check caps hooked up positive ground then you are correct. I would recommend you place future queries about this tractor on the Ford forum in the Manufacturers section. There you will have far more folks that know about these Fords viewing your thread. You might even consider using the Contact Us button down below in red and request this thread to be moved over there.

 

[TractorBird22]

Hello Tractorbird, welcome to YT! Just because it has a generator does not mean it is a 6 volt system, that series of tractors came in both 6 and 12 volt configurations. However if it currently has 6 volt battery with 3 cell level check caps hooked up positive ground then you are correct. I would recommend you place future queries about this tractor on the Ford forum in the Manufacturers section. There you will have far more folks that know about these Fords viewing your thread. You might even consider using the Contact Us button down below in red and request this thread to be moved over there.

Thank you for the advice! My problem was that it didn’t even HAVE a battery in it to begin with, but based on the battery that was available in my grandpa’s shop (three caps on the battery), I think it has to be a 6 volt. I will heed your suggestion about requesting for the thread to be moved to the Ford page. For future reference, is that where all Ford posts should go? Is this particular forum more for general “how do I connect this generic part to this generic part” type of questions?