WD45 power
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=49138
Printed Date: 25 Aug 2025 at 11:11am
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Topic: WD45 power
Posted By: jerrys
Subject: WD45 power
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 12:10pm
| Hi all!! I am a new owner, and have bought a wd45 mainly for basic bushhogging chores. Before I bought the tractor I went and took a look at it, and it seemed to run ok, but not great (I thought to be expected from a tractor thats almost 60 years old. It had a rythmic poping noise about once every 3-5 seconds. Anyhow, I went to do some cutting with it and using a 5ft hog and in first gear, it seems very low on power to me. It seems to really struggle. I have yet to do a compression test or to check timing or any diagnostics. My question is... A WD45 in good running condition should have plenty of power to bushhog right? I was under the impression that they ought to be able to handle that very easilly. Thanks in advance guys!! |
Replies:
Posted By: JimD
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 12:18pm
|
Depends on many things, but essentially, yes, it should have plenty of power. Start with a good carb cleaning. When the tractor is loaded and working it draws much more fuel than idling. Clean all lines, sediment bowl, and the carb. Then adjust the valves. Not as hard as you may think. If you need directions let is know. The popping sound a little like a badly adjusted exhaust valve. As the seats wear, sometimes the valve loosens up and failes to seal as well. JimD ------------- Owner of http://www.OKtractor.com" rel="nofollow - OKtractor.com PM for an instant response on parts. Open M-F 9-6 Central. We have new and used parts. 877-378-6543 |
Posted By: jerrys
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 12:24pm
| I don't think its lean on fuel, it actually puffs black smoke under load. I have leaned it down to where it stops doing that, but the popping continues. I will do a compression test and run a timing light on it this weekend, and im thinking that should tell me what i need to know. |
Posted By: JimD
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 1:49pm
|
I Don't think the 2 tests would reveal a valve that needs adjusting. It might a little, but setting the valves take about 20 minutes including removing hood. ------------- Owner of http://www.OKtractor.com" rel="nofollow - OKtractor.com PM for an instant response on parts. Open M-F 9-6 Central. We have new and used parts. 877-378-6543 |
Posted By: jerrys
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 2:33pm
| yeah I will check the valves if there is no major problems with the timing and cylinder pressure issues. My thinking and experience from the automotive world is that a leaking valve will show up as lower compression on that cylinder. I do understand that at times and under a load they leak more than just with the starter turning it. If I have good compression and fairly even between the cylinders then I will move on to other things and start some double checking such things as valve clearances and such. Is it common for these engines to have extensive cam lobe wear? |
Posted By: Brian G. NY
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 3:56pm
|
Make sure it's a WD-45.
Lots of WDs have been repainted and "rebadged" as 45s.
The WD will handle a 5' bush hog quite nicely.....but......not quite
as nicely as a WD-45.
|
Posted By: Dave in il
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 4:09pm
|
Spark plugs and wires make a big difference too. I'd suggest Autolite or AC plugs for best results. If a WD45 is in good condition a 5' mower should be fairly easy unless you're in 4' tall grass and weeds trying to mow in third gear. Plus check your mower blades, it takes more power with dull blades. ------------- AGCO My Allis Gleaner Company |
Posted By: jerrys
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 4:28pm
| I have verified it as a wd45 by the serial and by the shift lever being curved and by not having a side plate on the dist side of the engine, so I feel like it truly is a 45. I took a good look at the cap and rotor and they look good, I know sometimes there can be misfire issues with a bad cap rotor that might cause poor running. while I had the cap off, I checked to make sure the advance was working and it seemed to be. Just think this thing is exceptionally tired and in need of a rebuild. The oil pressure is also pretty poor, I think maybe 5lbs at full throttle when warm. The main thing for me is just that if this tractor in good working order has the power potential to actually bush hog and other normal chores |
Posted By: Gary in da UP
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 4:35pm
| The compression test is a good idea, and checking timing. I'd check the vacuum at the manifold too.Vacuum gauges are inexpensive and good diagnostic tools . |
Posted By: dallas
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 5:25pm
| Popping could be bad manifold gaskets |
Posted By: j.w.freck
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 8:52pm
| before you start any diagnostics,ck the valve lash on all 4 cylinders.if you have a valve too tight it will give you a false reading.also if you have a low cyl.reading,stake the valves in that cylinder,and see if the compression comes up... |
Posted By: BoBMeL
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 8:58pm
| after all of your diag. tests i reccomend a bottle of sea foam can be picked up at your local store for about 7 bucks put it into your gas tank and fill up completley to top run till empty i do it with my d 12 and it works like a charm. also a good carb clean really helped |
Posted By: Allis-chalmers wd45
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 9:07pm
| I would suspect new manifold gaskets, rebuild the carb adjust float, clean fuel line, make sure there's no use in the tank, adjus points check wiring then see how she runs |
Posted By: Hubert (Ga)engine7
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 9:21pm
|
A straight WD in decent condition will handle a 6 foot bush hog with no problems. A 45 should just play with a 5 footer.
------------- Just an old country boy saved by the grace of God. |
Posted By: 79fordblake
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 9:42pm
| You for sure have some bugs to work out of the WD45. 5ft mower behind a WD45 seems like a waste of power and fuel to me...I use 7 foot 6. |
Posted By: jerrys
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 11:55am
| Thanks guys, that helps out to know that these tractors are actually capable of doing this work. Any of you guys know if severely worn camshaft lobes is a common problem on these? I have dealt with that before on a truck that i had and it had similar issues. Have yet to do any testing, but just looking for opinions. |
Posted By: CTuckerNWIL
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 12:17pm
|
I have never heard of the 45's wearing a cam out.
------------- http://www.ae-ta.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.ae-ta.com Lena 1935 WC12xxx, Willie 1951 CA6xx Dad bought new, 1954WD45 PS, 1960 D17 NF |
Posted By: j.w.freck
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 7:54pm
| 45 diesels will wear out camshafts |
Posted By: wdforty5
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 8:48pm
|
I pull a five footer in 3rd through near 3 foot tall fescue with no problems. Im with the others who said a 6 foot+ is no problem for a strong running 45. ------------- "Old Iron...built to last" |
Posted By: wdforty5
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 8:50pm
Oh and not to be a smart allek, but check and make sure the brake is not set. I uhhh  know of a person who has been known to drive off every once in a while with it on ------------- "Old Iron...built to last" |
Posted By: jerrys
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2012 at 3:00pm
| haha... no brakes definitely not on |