McCormick Deering Identification

[Jimmy0331]

Good afternoon my name is Jim and I recently acquired a 1952 or 1953 W4. This is my first bigger tractor that I have owned. I mainly have Wheel Horse tractors but could not pass this one up. Anyhow so I am having a difficult time identifying the exact year due the serial plate being worn. The two numbers in the middle are super hard to read. Does anyone know of any tips? I tried a little oil pencil and paper and cant think of anything else. I think Im reading WBH 31381 WI but in my research I do not see that serial listed anywhere. Also what I find odd well it may not be odd it just may be my lack of knowledge on these machines. I am learning though. The W4 in what I have read came with the 152 cubic inch engine. Now on the W4 I have the block is stamped with C-169. So Im assuming the engine was possibly replaced? I am not sure as I am learning. But any help and guidance is greatly appreciate. I just need to pointed in the right direction. Thank you.

 

[D Slater]

If that is the correct serial number it was built in November 1951. Does the block have a casting number above the C-169 ? to get a idea what it is. Size is usually in raised letters on production blocks. If stamped in it could be a replacement. Correct a C-169 is not a original engine.

This post was edited by D Slater on 11/15/2021 at 12:35 pm.

 

[Jimmy0331]

Thank you.Yes the number is 362743r2

 

[Bob M]

Does it have band brakes (sheet metal covers) or disk brakes (cast iron covers)?

Band brakes make it a '52. Disks will be '53 - though it's possible the final few '52's off the line came with disk brakes.

Also check the casting codes on major castings - engine, transmission, axle housings, etc. Date codes are in the format aa*bb*c. aa and bb are the numerical month/day the casting was poured; c is the year code where X = '52 and Y = '53. Generally a tractor was assembled within a month or two of the casting date(s).

 

[Jimmy0331]

The numbers are raised they are not stamped in.

 

[Jimmy0331]

On the transmission there are several numbers the top number is 8276-DE. Below and off to the left is 3A and to the right it has a plate with 128W on the top next to the starter it has 6966-D than there is an F and below the F is a plate that reads 1214 W is there a book I can purchase with all of this info? The Block has a plate that reads 411A. The axel reads 6940DL I appreciate the help.

 

[D Slater]

Number tells me engine is from a 300 with a dipstick to check oil. 350 blocks had the same casting number but C-175 below the number.

 

[used red MN]

1st link shows you examples of ..casting codes.. the
first photo shows a 4-28-Y which means the part was
cast on April 28, 1953. Which per the list in the second
link, Y is 1953. If your serial number is 31381 that
makes your tractor and early 53 by the serial number
list in the 3rd link. The C169 block was used in 300 Farmalls and Utilities,
built from 1954-56.
Edit: Sorry was posted that in a hurry, as others have said your tractor is an Early 52. And welcome to YT!
Casting code pics

Letter ID of casting codes years

Serial number list


This post was edited by used red MN on 11/16/2021 at 05:17 am.

 

[D Slater]

Could there be a mistake in serial numbers you posted? First built in Dec. 51, 31543. First built in 52, 31832.

 

[D Slater]

If tractor has a December 51 date code on casting the serial number must be different from what you make out. Or my numbers are off. Probably a 52 model with the Dec. 51 date codes. Could number be 31881?

This post was edited by D Slater on 11/15/2021 at 04:20 pm.

 

[rustred]

my 1953 w4 is serial number 34113 and is 63 tractors from the end of production. so with a # of 31... yours would be 1952.

 

[rustred]

here is the numbers

 

[Jimmy0331]

Serial plate

 

[Jimmy0331]

Great thank you all. this is a step in the right direction. I am trying to upload pictures but everytime i do i get a messaging saying some of my words are restricted. trying to send from an iphone

 

[D Slater]

Monthly list in IH records lists a I-4 IBH 31214 as first built in 52. W-4 WBH 31832 as the first built in 52. O4 - 31833. OS4 - 31840. W-4 month 2 of 1952 first built 31218, 3- 32274, 4 - 32575, 5 - 32930, 6 - 33244, 7 - 33550, 8 - 33595, 9 - 33658, 10 and 11 none built. First 53 WBH - 33906. Forgot to add, 33067 first built in 53 was a 0-4. Since the tractor is not original it doesn't make much difference on a exact date. Also should put it looks like tractor 33658 started
month 9 wasn't completed until December. Or was listed to be built then but was delayed.

This post was edited by D Slater on 11/16/2021 at 04:41 am.

 

[Jimmy0331]

 

[Jimmy0331]

 

[Jimmy0331]

There could possibly be a mistake its difficult to the the 3rd and the 5th digit. It definitely starts with 31. I posted a picture did the best I could to try and make it clear as possible. Any thoughts on how to try and get that number legible? Maybe a little spray paint and very lite sanding? Im out of ideas on how to read it to know for sure. Thanks

 

[Jim Becker]

A 31xxx serial number has to be either late '51 or early '52. It is pretty well established the engine is later, apparently 1955. You have date codes from 1953. Looks to me like there are more parts than just the engine that didn't leave the factory bolted to that serial plate. Did you find a date code on the cating the serial plate is attached to? If so, it is probably a "W", maybe "X".

 

[Jimmy0331]

Thanks everyone for the great information. Now I know what to look for for the next time. In everyones professional opinion is this tractor worth restoring? I didnt pay for the tractor just gas and time removing it from a property.

 

[F-Dean]

Didn't IHC start their Year in November? That could explain the casting codes.

 

[used red MN]

Depends on what your meaning of ..worth it.. and
..restoring.. are? To most that would mean the tractor
would have its original engine and all parts would be as
close to the day it arrived to its first owner. So to
..restore.. would mean finding an original W4 engine. If
you just want a nice painted up W4 then go ahead.
Most times once you get the engine in good shape,
stop any transmission/rear end leaks, clean and paint it
you have more in it then what it will sell for. You are a
little ahead of the game with what you had to invest in
it.

 

[rustred]

Restoring is a funny word. Some call restored painted as
yours is. But there is a lot more to it than that. The super W4
models are worth quite a big more than the standard 4. They
are a handy nice little tractor to have around. Do it to your
satisfaction.

 

[Jim Becker]

IH started their financial years on November 1. Most of the production numbers you see will be based on a November 1 year. Serial number lists for some of the very early tractors (don't ask me which ones) may have been based on a November 1 year. However, at least by the time the letter series tractors were produced, the serial number lists were based on calendar years. So no discrepancies should show up between casting codes and serial number lists. The difference in November 1 years and calendar years does introduce some apparent contradictions between production numbers and serial number lists.

 

[Jimmy0331]

Yeah Ill get her cleaned up and running good and take it from there. Its a cool machine.

 

[55 50 Ron]

Mighty nice. You indicate that it was given to you? Do I understand that correctly? If so, you are one lucky person!

What's your general location?

 

[Jimmy0331]

So the story behind it is I had a dirt bike Im 37 by the way. So this dirt bike was given to me by a friend it didnt run so I took it cleaned carb got it running. I had no use for it so I posted it. The same day I posted this kid contacted me and asked if I wanted to trade for a tractor I said sure why not. Hooked up trailer drove 2 hours and loaded it up. Used a 3 ton come a long to winch it up.
And now she has a new home. Just got her to fire. She runs ok shes back firing thru the carb so needs some
Fine tuning Id imagine possibly timing not to sure. But Im located in colts neck NJ.