Diesel vs gasoline

[Oliverguy-NE Ohio]

I am in high school and I am in FFA. I am going to do a tractor restoration project for it. I am still learning but getting better at fixing and working on tractors. Me and my grandpa have rebuilt two engines together but this will be my first solo rebuild. He'll obviously be there if I need help with anything but for the most part I'm going to try and do it myself. I have already chose the model of tractor I want to do, and Oliver super 55 but can't decide whether to buy the diesel or gasoline variant. I'm trying to consider whether the gas or diesel would be easier. I am pretty well experienced with gasoline engines and not as much with diesel but I like the idea of not having to do as much maintenance after the restoration I.e. new spark plugs cleaning the points carb tune-ups etc. So anyway what do you think would be the better option, diesel or gas. Thanks for your help.


Edit: if my situation stays as it is now I'll be putting about 75 to 100 hours on it a year pulling logs in the winter and driving it around in the summer and doing little jobs like mowing our pastures. I do / have been considering getting into hay and mowing our pastures for hay so then I would use the super 55 for hay in the summer which would mean I would be putting on more hours doing a little more hard work.

 

[timcasbolt]

As difficult as it can be to find quality tune up parts for old gas engines, I think you'd be happier with diesel.

 

[old]

I am in high school and I am in FFA. I am going to do a tractor restoration project for it. I am still learning but getting better at fixing and working on tractors. Me and my grandpa have rebuilt two engines together but this will be my first solo rebuild. He'll obviously be there if I need help with anything but for the most part I'm going to try and do it myself. I have already chose the model of tractor I want to do, and Oliver super 55 but can't decide whether to buy the diesel or gasoline variant. I'm trying to consider whether the gas or diesel would be easier. I am pretty well experienced with gasoline engines and not as much with diesel but I like the idea of not having to do as much maintenance after the restoration I.e. new spark plugs cleaning the points carb tune-ups etc. So anyway what do you think would be the better option, diesel or gas. Thanks for your help.

When rebuilding an engine a gas engine cost less to do and is a lot easier to rebuild due to many factors like the diesel has lot higher torque ratings when tightening things etc.

 

[rustred]

I am in high school and I am in FFA. I am going to do a tractor restoration project for it. I am still learning but getting better at fixing and working on tractors. Me and my grandpa have rebuilt two engines together but this will be my first solo rebuild. He'll obviously be there if I need help with anything but for the most part I'm going to try and do it myself. I have already chose the model of tractor I want to do, and Oliver super 55 but can't decide whether to buy the diesel or gasoline variant. I'm trying to consider whether the gas or diesel would be easier. I am pretty well experienced with gasoline engines and not as much with diesel but I like the idea of not having to do as much maintenance after the restoration I.e. new spark plugs cleaning the points carb tune-ups etc. So anyway what do you think would be the better option, diesel or gas. Thanks for your help.

For a beginner I would say go with the gas engine. Once it’s tuned up properly and looked after you are good for a few years. And don’t forget in a diesel engine u might not be doing tune ups , but the end result is thousands of dollars for a tune up doing the pump and injectors. And make sure they are in shape before buying one . And also overhauling a diesel engine is not really for a beginner. As for torques , well yes the head has a higher torque , but that’s no excuse to be picking one or the other. They are good little tractors. Plus your climate comes into play also. A diesel tractor has to be warmed up in cold weather where a gas will start. Pick which ever one you feel comfortable with.

 

[Jim.ME]

Somewhat depends on your budget. The following is my opinion, others may vary. Diesel specs need to be adhered to more closely than gas, if you want the best starting and life. There will be more work needed to do that right for a diesel than a gas engine. Valve protrusion needs to be right which means new valves and seats may be needed and sleeve protrusion may require having the block decked. Work that needs a machine shop, do you have such or a shop that will do those things for you? Then you have the injection pump and injectors which will cost more to bring up to snuff than a carb and distributor. If you are going to keep it for years and you have the funds, invest in the diesel.

A gas engine in general will be more forgiving on holding tolerances and still run satisfactorily if things are beyond spec some.

The difference in fastener torque is nothing to worry about, that is easily overcome.

 

[Oliverguy-NE Ohio]

Somewhat depends on your budget. The following is my opinion, others may vary. Diesel specs need to be adhered to more closely than gas, if you want the best starting and life. There will be more work needed to do that right for a diesel than a gas engine. Valve protrusion needs to be right which means new valves and seats may be needed and sleeve protrusion may require having the block decked. Work that needs a machine shop, do you have such or a shop that will do those things for you? Then you have the injection pump and injectors which will cost more to bring up to snuff than a carb and distributor. If you are going to keep it for years and you have the funds, invest in the diesel.

A gas engine in general will be more forgiving on holding tolerances and still run satisfactorily if things are beyond spec some.

The difference in fastener torque is nothing to worry about, that is easily overcome.

yes I do have a local machine shop that has helped me in the past. from what I'm reading I think I'm going to go with the gas for the restoration. I like to buy fix and sell tractors so after the restoration of that tractor which I will keep then I'll just keep buying and selling until I have enough to buy tractor like that that's diesel that can be my everyday work horse

 

[TractorDad3]

Great choice on the Super 55. I grew up with gassers but definitely now prefer diesel. Points above are key to evaluating which will be best for your project. Only comment I’ll add is that the American Bosch injection pump used on the Super 55 / early 550 have internal parts which are no longer available. So you have to find one that is either running or the engine has not been spun if sitting for a while, as the internal IP parts can stick and break if not taken apart before spinning the pump.

 

[moresmoke]

To me it depends what your plans are for the tractor after. If it is just a toy, gas will be fine. If it is something that you want to use, making hay or some other job the will accumulate run time I would look towards diesel. A diesel will cost more to fix, but that is moot if you are going to do work with it.

A gas is reasonable to fix up even if starting with a seized engine. I would make sure any diesel you acquire runs reasonably well to start with.

 

[Oliverguy-NE Ohio]

I forgot to mention that if I do end up buying a diesel it will be running before I restore it. if I go for a gas I might buy one not running but get it running before it restore it

 

[johnnmr]

No experience with those particular Olivers but overhauling a gas VS diesel engine is essentially the same labor-wise. You wouldn't necessarily have someone go thru an injection pump and injectors when doing the engine work but it would be silly not to. Would be frustrating to have that much time and expense in a new diesel engine that refuses to start in the winter or restart in the summer.

If you know you're going to use the tractor a couple hundred hours a year doing real work I'd consider a diesel otherwise a gas engine should be easier/cheaper to keep running long term with limited use.

 

[Ray,IN]

IMO replacement parts are much easier to locate, and less money for a old gas engine than a diesel engine.

 

[560Dennis]

I was wondering what is your budget is ? Can you complete your project in the period of time alotted in budget
Im thinking a diesel could get very pricey .
have fun

 

[Oliverguy-NE Ohio]

I was wondering what is your budget is ? Can you complete your project in the period of time alotted in budget
Im thinking a diesel could get very pricey .
have fun

I'm planning to buy one for about 2500. my budget is 5 grand.

 

[caterpillar guy]

The diesel is the only way to go. Did I mention I hate Gas engines also.

 

[Sprint 6]

I had a late 1957 Super 55 gas, so it was factory Positive ground 12V, better hydrualics, key start, and factory red wheels. It had been in my family since new, until I sold it due to non-use. Ran great and not horrible on gasoline. Was a great all-around tractor.

You don't want a diesel version. Especially DO NOT buy a non-running diesel Super 55. As built, all Super series have a Bosch injection pump that the pump head is prone to sticking and breaking. The pump heads are no longer made, and parts are hard to come by. If it has had the Roosamaster upgrade done with parts from a 550, that would be okay. But swapping to the Roosamaster setup would basically require an entire 550 engine because almost everything in the drive and injection system is different.

 

[Dieseltech]

I'm a diesel guy at heart but in this case I would go gas as there are NO parts available for the American Bosch PSB pump on that tractor anymore. If the pump hydraulic head needs replaced good luck finding a good one as most are long gone. This applies to any older diesel with the PSB pump.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

Diesel no question, todays gas is crap especialy the ethanol.

 

[scootergmc]

If you're going to buy a runner, go the diesel route. I'd probably be more inclined to find a 550, but I wouldn't turn up my nose at a Super 55. If you're looking at a running diesel, I'd just make sure it starts easily. If the pumps are in good condition, they usually don't need much cranking. Of course other things can affect it, but it's generally a good indicator if it fires right off.

 

[Oliverguy-NE Ohio]

If you're going to buy a runner, go the diesel route. I'd probably be more inclined to find a 550, but I wouldn't turn up my nose at a Super 55. If you're looking at a running diesel, I'd just make sure it starts easily. If the pumps are in good condition, they usually don't need much cranking. Of course other things can affect it, but it's generally a good indicator if it fires right off.

okay. thanks. the reason I'm not going with the 550 is because we already have one on our farm and I've always wanted a super 55

 

[kencombs]

I'm a diesel guy at heart but in this case I would go gas as there are NO parts available for the American Bosch PSB pump on that tractor anymore. If the pump hydraulic head needs replaced good luck finding a good one as most are long gone. This applies to any older diesel with the PSB pump.

This would be the definitive answer for me. I prefer diesels, even little guys like lawn tractors. But parts availability would kill it for me,

And this advice comes from a good source. Not me, the guy above.