Dad's WD project

Well I started another project. This time it is a WD my dad repowered with a 262. He had found a WD diesel complete but not running. His BIL in southern Mo. ran a dealership and found a gas engine to swap in. Dad passed in '89 but I kept the tractor. It was smoking pretty bad then and then just sat till now.

Engine is stuck. One rear rim was shot but I was able to salvage a piece to repair a rim for uncle's 170 and the complete tire/rim is also on the 170 for now. Planning to post more pictures and of course look for advice along the way.

Lol. The tractor wasn't moving, but the tree that hit it was doing 140 during the Derecho.


Here it's being dragged in off the tilt trailer. Since the tires are off, I removed the snap coupler set up so it would roll on the wheels. I put 2xs underneath to prevent them from gouging the floor and new trailer deck. In another thread there was discussion about hoists. Here I'm using a chain fall anchored to the lift to pull in. Funny, just yesterday I saw Ian on Full Custom Garage do this very thing.That's 3 time in 6 months I've had to do this. Now considering an anchor on the back wall with a winch should work better.

I've seen a couple like that over the years. How did they compare to a wd45 gas powerwise?

Rear wheels off and on the skates to spin 180 and to the right.


In position for tear down
My stepson says this is where the magic happens. He redid a Nova here and is where the 170 got an engine overhaul and new clutch.

     Will be interesting to see your progress. Keep the reports and pictures coming.

Oh shoot!  I thought that was those new style foldable fenders, so when you get in a tight spot, ya just fold em' in....  No?  Anyway, great project. Best thing is it was your Dad's. That's really great!!  If you need a special built wiring system for that when the time comes, let me know. I can work with ya on a new harness for the ole' girl......

That is a neat idea! thanks! Now to remember it!

Lol. Took me a while to figure that one out. Was there a conversion. Seen em on Fords

There's a big dent in the bypass tube for the cooling system.

I'll just put it in the vise and tap a ⅝ rod through and push the dent out.

Ok what just happened?

That's not the rod.



Please tell me this is not someone's diabolical plan to restrict flow in the bypass. Unless someone has one, I guess I will try to braze this shut.

Yeah, I don't know maybe. Would there be need to restrict flow there?. Anyway time to the rails and steering off to remove engine. I cut and drilled some 3" channel to support the torque tube once the rails are off. Had a devil of a time separating the frame from the steering box. I used pry bar at the end w/ pressure as I tapped(well, hammered) on the rail to get them apart. In hindsight maybe a large cold chisel would have been better as a wedge? Now to the steering shaft u-joint.
I could not steer this thing at all and figured moisture had gotten to the gear box.
Much easier to get to shaft pin. It's a solid pin not a roll pin and stuck good. Using a separator tool to drive out the with a series of nuts and bolts as drive pins.


Turns the gear box works fine. The u-joint is seized up. There is no grease zerk in it or the shaft support bushing.

More progress


Edited by plummerscarin - 10 Mar 2021 at 9:00am

Send that PP & clutch assy off to Rick. He'll take care of that puppy!

Wow! You have been busy! Lots of parts and piece. Looks like everything needs touched. I am going to get popcorn!

The ignition coil bracket is bolted the aluminum governor cover and yes a bolt broke off in the cover. Removed the cover to get to governor and it is crusty.
Looks like a cage bearing will need a close look.

I held a nut over the broken bolt and used a transfer puch try center punching the bolt. Reasonably to drill and use an easy out. The easy out was a fail so I welded a washer and nut to it.

That process has worked several times for me. But I was concerned initially because I didn't want to hurt the aluminum.