Md0418 7 #1 Posted September 8, 2016 I have an older wheelhorse that I have had in my family for the last 30 years. I found the serial number but I can't find the model number anywhere. By comparison it looks like a 551 but I'd like to know exactly what year and model so I can rebuild it for my children. I have the hood at my moms house across the state. So that isn't helping any with verification 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prondzy 3,889 #2 Posted September 8, 2016 Appears to be a 550 suburban, if you can get more pics it would help a lot! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,285 #3 Posted September 8, 2016 That looks like a 3 piece transmission, and it has the swept axle in front. If the engine is a Tecumseh it is a 550. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Md0418 7 #4 Posted September 8, 2016 It does have a Tecumseh on it now. I don't know what the original engine was. 5 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: That looks like a 3 piece transmission, and it has the swept axle in front. If the engine is a Tecumseh it is a 550. When you say 3 piece transmission what exactly do you mean. I'm new to wheelhorses I've got it down to here now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,408 #5 Posted September 8, 2016 Foot rest are for a 1960 also. Check your hood 1960 had throttle and choke levers, thus 550. 1961 had throttle and choke pull knobs, thus 551.. 2 minutes ago, Md0418 said: When you say 3 piece transmission what exactly do you mean. I'm new to wheelhorses Cast iron center with steel plates on each side. 2 piece would be 2 cast halves bolted together. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,285 #6 Posted September 8, 2016 The transmission has a center casting and 2 side plates. The 551 has a 2 piece transmission. You transmission is a Wheel Horse #5010. Looks like a nice project. Have fun with it and keep posting pictures. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Md0418 7 #7 Posted September 8, 2016 Thank you. I actually have two of these. This one is the better. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,408 #8 Posted September 8, 2016 10 minutes ago, Md0418 said: I've got it down to here now I see that there is no shifter boot. Make sure you drain the transmission (remove a lower side plate bolt) and check for water. If you find water in there you should disassemble the trans, clean it up and replace bearings & seals. Hopefully the correct gas tank is still on the hood. Feel free to ask questions. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Md0418 7 #9 Posted September 8, 2016 42 minutes ago, achto said: I see that there is no shifter boot. Make sure you drain the transmission (remove a lower side plate bolt) and check for water. If you find water in there you should disassemble the trans, clean it up and replace bearings & seals. Hopefully the correct gas tank is still on the hood. Feel free to ask questions. I removed the boot when I was taking the seat off and tearing it down. you It has been garage kept for the past 30 years but I plan on tearing the transmission down and clean it up anyways. Thank you 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,285 #10 Posted September 8, 2016 We have threads with videos of rebuilding that transmission when you are ready. They are in the "Reference Section" under Transmissions on the Main Page. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #11 Posted September 8, 2016 I think it's great to restore what I would call a family heirloom to gift to your children! I hope they are old enough to help dad work on it so they can appreciate the amount of love you are putting into it!!!! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Md0418 7 #12 Posted September 9, 2016 I've got three boys 3,5,and 6. The older two help a lot the youngest he likes to think he's helping lol 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites