Hi all,

Thanks in advance for any and all help provided!!!

Here's my challenge ... I inherited a tractor that I have very little history on, and I am new to the world of tractoring. Please offer as much advice as you can and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong in my assumptions.

I was told my tractor is a Super M (gas) and I'm not sure if the live hydraulics are an add-on or OE. The serial number plate is missing from the bell housing and all the decals are gone, so I can't identify what year it came off the line. The battery is located under the gas tank. At some time the electrical and charging system was converted to 12 volt but it is in a state of disrepair. My major dilemma is the starter ... Before I got the tractor, a Son of the deceased owner tried to get the tractor running and had trouble with the starter engaging the ring gear (grinding). He decided to rebuild/replace the starter and could not get it out and ultimately destroyed it in the process (cut off the back with a sawzall). As it turns out, I found out from another Son that the starter that got destroyed was off of a diesel tractor and was oversized and would have never came off without removing the gear case cover in order to get additional removal clearance at the back of the starter. So I have no starter to rebuild, or get a part number off of, no core to return, and even if I did it would not be the starter that is supposed to be on my tractor. The mangled starter is somewhere in the scrap pile up at the farm the tractor came from. So I need to know what starter I need to buy that will work on my tractor ??? It is a 3-Bolt configuration. There is an aftermarket push button starter switch on the tractor mounted near the steering wheel. It doesnt matter to me if I have to convert back to the pull type starter switch or not, I just want the correct starter for my tractor. I live in the extreme north, so a 12 volt starter would be nice if they make one that fits, or 6 volt is ok as there is a coolant heater on my tractor and I won't abuse the cranking times. Can anyone help to more closely identify my tractor and also to get me a part number or lead on which starter I need ???

Thank you very much ... There is a lot of sentimental value attached to this tractor and I can't wait to get it running and put it to use !!!

I can provide a phone number and photo's if anyone would be nice enough to speak with me or e-mail directly to get more specific.

From the 3-bolt starter description, it sounds like you have what is called a "Stage II" Super M. Most were built in 1953, and a few in early 1954.

A Stage II Super M should have a battery box under the seat, though... There is the possibility that this is a "transition" tractor, because IH would substitute the new design parts in when they ran out of old parts on the assembly line.

All you need to do is go to a local CaseIH dealer and ask for a "3-bolt" starter for a late Super M. The same starter also fits the Super MTA, 400, and 450.

They'll probably ask you if it's after serial number XXXXX. Answer "YES." If you answer no, you'll get a 2-bolt starter.

The starter being a 3 bolt mounting is probably the same as one for the Super MTA. Your NAPA store should have the cross reference. I will check on the Delco number this afternoon on our SMTA as I have to go down to oil the disc anyway. Somebody will probably get on here with the correct info. first, so just wait for the info.

Sounds like you have a MD and early SMD type housing. If a pulley gear box or other things are not in the way of seeing. On top should be a cast #. 4 numbers not counting letters would be the MD type. If housing has 6 numbers ending with a R number its a later SM gas and SMD type.
Several different starters will work on that type. If its the MD type other than the diesel starter I think a gas starter or nose for a W6 is needed to work. Can't remember for sure all about it. Have to look and get back to be sure.

Delco starter numbers that fit Super M:

1107448: Six volt, two bolt mounting. Threaded stud cable connection.
1108012: Six volt, three bolt mounting. Button for rod actuated switch.
1108038: Six volt, three bolt mounting. Electric switch mounted on case.
1108173: Twelve volt, three bolt mounting. Electric switch mounted on case.
1108626: Twelve volt, three bolt mounting. Electric switch mounted on case.

Numbers on SMTA starter are 1108012-----4014 this is the Delco number.

EXCELLENT !!! Thanks guy's ...

In speaking to some others off line I've figured out that I've got a 1953 Super M (Louisville). I got the power steering, wide front end, live hydraulics, good tires, 12 volt conversion, and was lucky enough to find a ready to ship and ready to crank replacement starter from a salvage vendor right here in Minnesota. I don't know if it's ok to give names on the forum, so e-mail me if you want to know who he is. He's a VERY NICE guy and extremely knowledgeable !!!

One more thing I should ask also ... Was the block heater installed in my coolant system something that Farmall provided as an option, or was it an add-on. If anyone knows where these came from and if they can still be found. I tried mine out and it pops the breaker Gonna take it off and clean it up and hope fully it will work (had a lot of cord strung out too which probably didn't help).

Thanks again ...

Hate to beat this to death, but the other posters don't realize just because its a 3 bolt starter any 3 bolt will work. All MD and whats now called stage 1 SM used a 3 bolt starter. stage 2 SM used a 3 bolt center housing also but IH standardized it for use on both gas and diesel. On the early 3 bolt housing the starter mounting is farther away from the crank center line than the later housing. Yes the starters they listed will bolt up but the starter drive gear won't mesh correct. Stage 2 SM transmission top covers and belt pulley gear boxes have clearance to remove diesel starters, so you must have a Stage 1 type unless someone put a early pulley gear box on.
Stage 2 or other newer diesel and gasoline starters won't work on a Stage 1 housing.
W6 and early SW6 used the same starter bolt up housings for gas and diesel. W6 diesel starter is the same as a stage 1 SMD starter. Gasoline W6 and early SW6 starter should bolt up and work or the starter drive housing for a w6 could be put on several other gasoline starters.
Bolting a stage 2 type starter to a stage one housing results in instant lock up when engaged.

Good if someone put a stage 1 SM diesel starter on a stage 2 housing that may account for the grinding. Gear usualy goes in and locks starter though. No Diesels were made at louisville so if it is a louisville 3 bolt stage 2 tractor it came as gas. But If tractor has a rear tank support it doesn't have the standard live IH hydraulics.
If they can tell 100% sure its a Louisville SM without a serial # plate they got me beat.

still wonder what you have, a stage 2 SM should of had clearance to remove a diesel starter.
Does you housing look like this with the boss castings sticking out on the left side? If so you have plenty of starters that work. If no bosses or a casting # as pictured you have a diesel only housing.

Thanks much D Slater !!!

I had to read and re-read these posts a few times, but I"m pretty sure I got the message. It"s been a long week, and all the abbreviations and variations are a bit confusing.

I"ll go out to the barn and check the numbers on the housing tomorrow, and maybe even take some pictures. Don"t think your beating this to death at all my friend. I appreciate all of the information and would guess that anyone else would too !!!