TexasJohn 9 #1 Posted July 23, 2017 Hi, I'm new to the forum and WH tractors. Picked up a 1961 suburban 551, no motor. Installed a 5.5 Honda and ran good for a day. Had drained tranny water with fluid. Now it's stuck in 3rd and locked down. Shifter moves but will not free up. Any help? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,881 #2 Posted July 23, 2017 It's hard to say what you have going on here, but this is where to start. Lift up the shifter boot and loosen the lock nut and allen head screw 1/8" wrench. Pull out the shifter and see where the forks are. If you are in 3rd, the back fork will to the right. The other fork (which does 1st and rev) could be in one of those gears...thus locking up your trans. Take a heavy screw driver and align both forks to form a square...that will put the trans in neutral. If that was your problem, it is fixed and you can replace the shifter. You need to be sure to come to a complete stop before shifting and shift slowly. The shift rails in these early transmissions form a suction and can sometimes suck back into gear so you are in 2 gears at the same time. If that is not the problem, let us know. You may have to open up the trans. Not hard to do, and we have plenty of help with videos on how to do it. Your transmission should be a Wheel Horse #5007. It is the same as a #5025...check in the reference section (transmissions) for some threads and videos. BTW...welcome to Red Square. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #3 Posted July 23, 2017 Thanks, that's good information, will give it a try. Would like to overhaul the transmission in the future as it seems most if not all parts are available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,881 #4 Posted July 23, 2017 This thread is of a 4 speed, dang near the same as yours. Check it out, it should help you a ton. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #5 Posted July 23, 2017 That's awesome! Thanks so much. When the heat index drops to under 100 degrees outside I going to tinker with the transmission and check the shift fork(s) position. After your comments I remember I was rolling and tried to shift from 2 to 3rd when it locked up. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #6 Posted July 23, 2017 I'm back up and running, turns out the shifter was not down in the proper position. No lock nut and the set screw/pen had backed out so it was not in correct position to manipulate the shift forks. She is a little rough looking now but slowly making progress. Doesn't seem to be many early WH in Texas. Seen two at tractor shows over the years. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,881 #7 Posted July 23, 2017 Excellent...these machines are pretty simple and easy to work on. I like your horse. Thank you for the picture. I know Texas is a big state, but we do have a few great members down there, maybe you are close enough to meet them some day. It's always a good day when we can help somebody get a horse running again...enjoy the site and the people here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,875 #8 Posted July 23, 2017 Welcome @texasjohn. I'm in Marble Falls and pass through Bastrop frequently visiting family in LaGrange There are usually a few horses at the Fredericksburg and the Temple tractor shows. The member map will show you where a few other Texas members are. I have a horse similar to yours in pieces but progress is very slow 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #9 Posted July 23, 2017 Thanks for the information, will take a look at the members map. What a great source of information for a tractor addict such as I. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,875 #10 Posted July 24, 2017 @texasjohn where did you find the suburbanite Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #11 Posted July 24, 2017 Found it on letgo. Nice lady in Phulgerville posted it as old lawn mower used for yard decoration $80.00. I looked over it several times then zoomed in and identified it as a WH. She said they had moved from Michigan and brought it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,881 #12 Posted July 24, 2017 That is a diamond in the ruff...especially in Texas. Those foot rests may be worth that down there. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #13 Posted July 24, 2017 It's exciting to me, fun to work and play on. The 551 doesn't seem to have been produced in great numbers like some of the earlier models. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #14 Posted July 25, 2017 I don't find any reproduction belt guards to cover motor to transmission. Anyone know of a source? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,134 #15 Posted July 25, 2017 Search Ebay "wheel horse RJ"... you'll see this belt guard there. Contact the seller there... ask him for the correct guard for your machine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #16 Posted July 25, 2017 Thank you AMC Rules! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,134 #17 Posted July 25, 2017 Same guy that sells them here... & priced the same too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,875 #18 Posted July 25, 2017 When you order a belt guard tell him it is for a 1961 Suburban. The 58-59 RJ guard is as pictured above The 1960 Suburban guard has a vertical rib for reinforcement in the middle. The 1961Suburban guard has a vertical and horizontal rib (makes a + sign) for reinforcement in the middle. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJohn 9 #19 Posted July 25, 2017 Thanks, I will include the year and model. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
