New to this

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

Bought this guy off Facebook and do t know a lot about them but my boys and I love it! A gentleman on Facebook told me about this group and was hoping I could get some help. I don’t know the model of this wheel horse. And I feel like the carb is running high. I have shot a flame from the stack. Also it idles very low and dies. But starts right back up. Any suggestions? 

[Handy Don 12,232]

Welcome to the forum. You are definitely in the right place.

You have a ’60 or ’61 tractor. The model depends on the engine--they were Kohler or Tecumseh--from 5 to 7 horsepower. Yours might have had the engine replaced.

Getting a close image of the data plate on the engine will help a lot. Also a picture from the right side that shows the belt guard.

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

I believe the motor has been replaced unfortunately. I would of loved to have it all original but that’s a lot to ask for. This is a pic of the belt guard and I have some more. Also the gas cap looks like a modified one that doesn’t fit. If I could find an original or an after market one that is like the original that would be awesome. 

[Handy Don 12,232]

60 year old machine has probably seen a few different owners but at least it’s been kept running! 

Advice on running will depend on what engine is on there now. Picture isn’t real clear but I’m guessing a newer Tecumseh, maybe 6 or 7 hp. Flame shooting could be an issue with the exhaust valve not closing or not having a reliable spark.

How are your mechanical skills?

 

 

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

I have rebuilt small engines here and there through my life. I was thinking about sending it into a local shop I trust and have them do a once over on it. I bought it for my boys and they love being pulled around. I can smell gas and the exhaust smells like gas, I feel like it’s running really rich. I can get a pic of the motor in the morning. 

[Handy Don 12,232]

10 minutes ago, Jeremiah elliott said:

I have rebuilt small engines here and there through my life. I was thinking about sending it into a local shop I trust and have them do a once over on it. I bought it for my boys and they love being pulled around. I can smell gas and the exhaust smells like gas, I feel like it’s running really rich. I can get a pic of the motor in the morning. 

Might be running rich, but there’d likely be black smoke.

Valve and ignition are still on the table--you’d smell gas this way too.

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

I may check the spark plugs and see if there is fuel in there. I do get black smoke when it does it. I just got it yesterday and haven’t had time to really mess with it. My son seen the wheel horse on the front and asked me if I’d paint it white. After doing some research, I think it’s suppose to be white lol

[Handy Don 12,232]

11 minutes ago, Jeremiah elliott said:

My son seen the wheel horse on the front and asked me if I’d paint it white.

If he’s older than, say, seven, hand him a paint brush and a small bottle of model enamel paint and let him have at it.

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

He is 8 but I think I will let him try. May tape it off to make it a little easier. Someone on another post said something about a big show? Is there a big wheel horse show? If so where is it? Me and my boys would love that so much.

[Handy Don 12,232]

10 minutes ago, Jeremiah elliott said:

big show

Wheel Horse Collectors run it at the South Mountain Fairground, Biglerville PA

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekend after Father’s day

Biglerville is ~20 minutes from Gettysburg

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

12 hour drive but I believe we are gonna make the trip. It will be fun and make memories 

[Handy Don 12,232]

Taping will be more work than careful painting. Have him practice on something before going after the horse and teach him how to carefully wipe off the mistakes with thinner. Take the hood off to put it in a more comfortable position.

[Handy Don 12,232]

1 minute ago, Jeremiah elliott said:

12 hour drive but I believe we are gonna make the trip. It will be fun and make memories 

It is memorable for sure. Lots of mentions in threads here on the forum, and pictures. Very family friendly (if you like little tractors 😄)

Plenty of history around there, as well.

[Ed Kennell 38,178]

2 hours ago, Jeremiah elliott said:

12 hour drive but I believe we are gonna make the trip. It will be fun and make memories 

to the Stop by and check out my buckets of Wheel Horse parts at the BIG Show.

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

Just now, Ed Kennell said:

to the Stop by and check out my buckets of Wheel Horse parts at the BIG Show.

I will I’m currently looking for original boot or replica boot for bottom of shifter. Trying to find shift pattern sticker, would like to try to redo the face plate and gauge. The gauge is shot, I don’t even know what it is suppose to be telling me. I don’t know what all I’m missing but would like to make it mostly original. I kinda wanna paint it candy apple red but not sure I wanna get away from the original red.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,572]

[953 nut 55,255]

8 hours ago, Jeremiah elliott said:

I will I’m currently looking for original boot or replica boot for bottom of shifter.     Lowell at Wheel Horse Parts and More can fix you up, link below. Trying to find shift pattern sticker,Terry at Redo Your Horse has what you need, link below. would like to try to redo the face plate and gauge. The gauge is shot, I don’t even know what it is suppose to be telling me. That would be your AMP METER and in mu opinion you would be better off replacing it with a voltage gauge, we can give you guidance on doing the wiring. I don’t know what all I’m missing but would like to make it mostly original. I kinda wanna paint it candy apple red but not sure I wanna get away from the original red.Custom colors are very acceptable, we like originality but we love well done customs.

https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/shop-now/

https://www.redoyourhorse.com/

Looking at the photos of your tractor I think it is probably a 1962 model. Here is a link to several manuals including the change over from an amp meter to a voltmeter.

 

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

16 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Welcome to the forum. You are definitely in the right place.

You have a ’60 or ’61 tractor. The model depends on the engine--they were Kohler or Tecumseh--from 5 to 7 horsepower. Yours might have had the engine replaced.

Getting a close image of the data plate on the engine will help a lot. Also a picture from the right side that shows the belt guard.

This are some pics of the motor but I have no clue what any of the numbers mean. 

[Handy Don 12,232]

I’m assuming you haven’t found the numbers stamped into the cooling shroud of the engine? They might be paint-obscured.

 

The S5H on the engine tag might indicate a 5hp, electric start, horizontal shaft engine. That is completely consistent with a 552 model (5 hp, electric start, 1962). The other number is possibly the date of manufacture--1 for 1971 (or 1961?) and 203 being the 203rd day of the year--July 22nd. The 19 0 80 on the block is a casting number but I don’t know how to decode those.

 

If it wasn’t for all the grey paint and that bolt-on tag, I’d suspect it IS the original engine. Much more likely, though, you have a newer, “like for like” replacement--possibly even dealer-installed, given the attempt to paint it and using the proper mounting plate.

 

It is equipped with the 3-sheave pulley. One for the drive belt to the transaxle, one for the mower deck or show blower, and one for the optional hydraulic lift unit. Curiously, the two out sheaves are rust pitted and, with the paint, show no signs of recent use. A belt would have kept them smoother and paint-free.

 

The 5hp Tecumseh was an “economy” engine of its day--priced and designed for moderate duty applications. Very suitable for a small tractor. Basic repair parts like carb kits are readily available. They were commonly found on tillers and snowblowers that saw only intermittent, seasonal use.

Edited December 5, 2023 by Handy Don

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

2 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

I’m assuming you haven’t found a data plate or decal on the cooling shroud of the engine and the decal that’s visible isn’t helpful?

 

The S5H on the engine tag might indicate a 5hp, electric start, horizontal shaft engine. That is completely consistent with a 552 model (5 hp, electric start, 1962). The other number is probably describing the “build” features or possibly the date of manufacture. The 19 0 80 on the block is a casting number but I don’t know how to decode those.

 

If it wasn’t for all the grey paint and that bolt-on tag, I’d suspect it IS the original engine. Much more likely, though, you have a newer, “like for like” replacement--possibly even dealer-installed, given the attempt to paint it and using the proper mounting plate.

 

It is equipped with the 3-sheave pulley. One for the drive belt to the transaxle, one for the mower deck or show blower, and one for the optional hydraulic lift unit. Curiously, the two out sheaves are rust pitted and, with the paint, show no signs of recent use. A belt would have kept them smoother and paint-free.

 

The 5hp Tecumseh was an “economy” engine of its day--priced and designed for moderate duty applications. Very suitable for a small tractor. Basic repair parts like carb kits are readily available. They were commonly found on tillers and snowblowers that saw only intermittent, seasonal use.

I haven’t been able to locate the tag on this thing anywhere. Those are the only things I could find. My overall goal is to keep it as original as possible with minimal upgrades. I found fuel leaking out of the carb today and figured it was running rich. I found a local toro dealer and they are going to take a look at it and see what it will take to fix what is there. I told them if anything needs to be replaced to let me know so I can find a rebuilt original or a manufacturer replica of the original. Once all is said and done it will be getting a fresh paint job. Are the gas tanks normally chrome or were they painted red also?

[Handy Don 12,232]

Fuel flowing out of the carb likely means that the float valve isn’t working properly.

 

There may not be a tag. It might well be the numbers are stamped into the shroud around the flywheel. They’d be near the bottom toward the front of the tractor. Look for H50-xxxxx and a bunch of other numbers/lettters.

 

The tanks are aluminum and normally painted red with the tractor. Many POs have painted them with chrome paint. Be VERY careful with the screws that hold the hood to the tank. An over-long screw will push in too far and either break out the threads or, at worst, puncture the tank.

 

There are sources for original-looking thumbscrews and other parts starting with placing a classified “want” here on the forum. Also look at the classified “Vendors”. Wheel Horse Parts and More has many OEM-equivalent replacements, KP Parts has lots of NOS (new old stock) and refurbished stuff, and A-to-Z Tractor sells new and used parts.

 

A carb overhaul is pretty easy (and there are lots of YouTubes to show you how!)

Using a dealer for repairing an old engine can be pricey. Qualify them for their experience before committing. 

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

Fuel flowing out of the carb likely means that the float valve isn’t working properly.

 

There may not be a tag. It might well be the numbers are stamped into the shroud around the flywheel. They’d be near the bottom toward the front of the tractor. Look for H50-xxxxx and a bunch of other numbers/lettters.

 

The tanks are aluminum and normally painted red with the tractor. Many POs have painted them with chrome paint. Be VERY careful with the screws that hold the hood to the tank. An over-long screw will push in too far and either break out the threads or, at worst, puncture the tank.

 

There are sources for original-looking thumbscrews and other parts starting with placing a classified “want” here on the forum. Also look at the classified “Vendors”. Wheel Horse Parts and More has many OEM-equivalent replacements, KP Parts has lots of NOS (new old stock) and refurbished stuff, and A-to-Z Tractor sells new and used parts.

 

A carb overhaul is pretty easy (and there are lots of YouTubes to show you how!)

Using a dealer for repairing an old engine can be pricey. Qualify them for their experience before committing. 

Thank you for all of this. You have for sure been a huge help starting this journey. I can’t wait to update pics as progress goes on. 

[D_Mac 8,619]

If you become a supporter you can post as many pictures as you want. Worth every penny !!!

[Jeremiah elliott 29]

2 minutes ago, D_Mac said:

If you become a supporter you can post as many pictures as you want. Worth every penny !!!

How much is being a supporter?

[rjg854 11,366]

20 bucks a year or 35 for 2 years