WD Manifold Plate

[thdrduck]

I have a 53 WD (fairly recent purchase) and there is a thin plate on the side of the manifold. It's very rusty, some of the screw heads are mostly gone and there is a hole in one corner. What is this plate for? I don't recall my last WD having one. It runs good and doesn't seem to be leaking or anything. I gave my books to my kid so thought I could just ask. One day I'll replace them. Thanks

 

[DrAllis]

There was more than one manifold for a "WD" tractor. Many have had the newer WD-45 manifold installed on them (which a WD never came with) over the decades of use. It is what it is. Don't worry about it. It will work fine.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

I have a 53 WD (fairly recent purchase) and there is a thin plate on the side of the manifold. It's very rusty, some of the screw heads are mostly gone and there is a hole in one corner. What is this plate for? I don't recall my last WD having one. It runs good and doesn't seem to be leaking or anything. I gave my books to my kid so thought I could just ask. One day I'll replace them. Thanks

You could add or remove that plate seasonally for manifold heating, or for different fuels.
As the Dr indicates, just run it.

 

[thdrduck]

Thanks guys. That plate wouldn't come off without a fight so it's going to stay there. I was just wondering because I know my last WD didn't have it and all the replacement manifolds I've seen don't either. As long as the hole in it doesn't matter, it's good by me.