Farmall A questions - new owner

mark2009 · Jul 14, 2009

Just bought a Farmall A, and I'm trying to figure out a few things

One, I can't find the serial number. Is there actually supposed to be a tag, or is just stamped into the metal? I looked on both the seat support, and what I assume is the pedal cover (the metal footrest I assume) and there wasn't any tag.

If there is no tag, can I go by casting dates? I've found a table listing codes for Farmall Cub's that tells what year by the casting marks, is there a similar list for A's?

On the rear end, how much oil does it take to fill. I need to drain since there is water in it, and I'd like to know roughly how much to buy. Also what weight oil - I think I read anywhere from 90-140 would work, but I'd like to make sure.

I think that's all for now, I'm sure I'll have more until my manuals arrive.

RICHMONDRON · Jul 14, 2009

Check out this link

http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/snlookup.cgi?mf=FARMALL&md=A,+AV,+B+and+BN

Red Dave · Jul 14, 2009

The serial number tag should be on the inside of the left-hand seat support bracket. Sometimes they get painted over, sometimes they get removed.
Very, very early ones might be on the pedal cover, which is the sheet metal cover over the shaft that the pedals are on. They tended to collect dirt and moisture, so a lot of them are rusted away.

As far as I know, the casting dates codes should be the same for all IH tractors of that era.

90-140 will work just fine. It will take roughly 5 quarts. There is a fill level plug on the left-hand side of the transmission, under the left brake rod. It will look like a pipe plug. Fill until you get oil there, don't overfill it.

mkirsch · Jul 14, 2009

Casting codes are the same for all IH tractors, so the list for the Cub will work for an A.

mark2009 · Jul 14, 2009

Ok, another question here. Looking at the casting dates, on the engine, it has a J, which is 1940. On the bell housing it looks like an R(1948), or a slim chance of an H (1938), both would be outside of the years I have the A being produced (1939-1947).

Where else can I look for casting dates? Didn't see any indications of a serial tag anywhere else.

Red Mist · Jul 14, 2009

(quoted from post at 19:11:44 07/14/09)Where else can I look for casting dates? Didn't see any indications of a serial tag anywhere else.

All over it.
mike

Szrachnor · Jul 14, 2009

I have a hypothesis!! Your engine code says it's a 40, your bell housing says it's a 48. Well, how could this be? On A's before serial number 54386 the clutch housing had no hole for a starter and any A before serial number 54386 was made in 39, 40, 41 and part of 42. So after the 2nd big war in Europe, the elderly farmer who owned the tractor was getting to weak to hand crank so he had the folks from the local IH dealer come down and install a starter on his faithful little tractor. The whole job was probably done for $43.28 including oil change and a firm handshake. That would explain your 1948 code on your bell housing.

Hey, it's a working hypothesis, please feel free to modify until we solve this mystery.

-Leon

Farmall A questions - new owner

mark2009

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RICHMONDRON

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Red Dave

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mkirsch

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mark2009

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Red Mist

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Szrachnor

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