'74 C160 Tecumseh engine tractor. Let's put it to use!

[ebinmaine 76,466]

1 minute ago, AlexR said:

Boy that is lucky that nut didn't get in there while it was running and destroy a bunch of things. 

 

 

Agreed!!

[ebinmaine 76,466]

Got a few minutes to work on cleaning the engine flywheel and inside the housing. 

 

Not sure how I'm gonna degrease this beast. Open to suggestions there.  

 

 

[sqrlgtr 1,765]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Got a few minutes to work on cleaning the engine flywheel and inside the housing. 

 

Not sure how I'm gonna degrease this beast. Open to suggestions there.  

Do you think if you were reeeal carefull might use carb cleaner?

[ebinmaine 76,466]

2 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

Do you think if you were reeeal carefull might use carb cleaner?

 

 

Mebbe. I've considered both carb clean and brake clean. 

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,917]

Ever tried Super Clean in the purple spray bottles? I buy it by the gallon and use it on everything. Rubber gloves strongly recommended. Rinse off with water.

Second application and it is ready for paint.

[ebinmaine 76,466]

11 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

Ever tried Super Clean in the purple spray bottles? I buy it by the gallon and use it on everything. Rubber gloves strongly recommended. Rinse off with water.

Second application and it is ready for paint.

 

 

Ya know what? 

It's been years since I've had Purple cleaner here. 

Thanks for the reminder! 

[Handy Don 15,593]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Not sure how I'm gonna degrease this beast. Open to suggestions there.  

Wiring with varnish insulation and any solvent that can dissolve grease are not gonna play well together.

There are special cleaners for electronics that are useable safely on printed circuit boards, variable capacitors, etc. etc

[ebinmaine 76,466]

4 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

Wiring with varnish insulation and any solvent that can dissolve grease are not gonna play well together.

There are special cleaners for electronics that are useable safely on printed circuit boards, variable capacitors, etc. etc

 

 

Fair amount of area to clean. Might be easier to remove the magnetos or mask. 

[Bar Nuthin 2,036]

I've had good luck with this stuff (and using my air compressor) on things like electric fan motors and such. 

 

[ebinmaine 76,466]

On 12/22/2025 at 9:37 PM, Bar Nuthin said:

I've had good luck with this stuff (and using my air compressor) on things like electric fan motors and such. 

 

I've used that in the past as well. Good product as are all CRC. 

 

Around here it's about $9 a can. 

 

I've also had good experiences with the WD40 brand. 

They have a large line of "Specialist" products. One I've not seen before is an electric cleaner. 

I ordered some of that and a degreaser to try them both. 

 

 

[ebinmaine 76,466]

Good progress today. 

The engine is off and setting in a roller dolly. 

Battery tray is out too.  

 

Next is the steering system. 

I've decided that since this tractor has great potential as a worker I'll install one of the Gear ⚙️  reduction steering setups I have. 

 

 

 

 

[sqrlgtr 1,765]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

Next is the steering system. 

I've decided that since this tractor has great potential as a worker I'll install one of the Gear ⚙️  reduction steering setups I have

I really like the swept forward axle and the reduction steering idea but must confess I don't anything about them. What or where is the gear reduction at on these and what would it take to talk you out of "one of the gear reduction setups"?

[Handy Don 15,593]

2 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

I really like the swept forward axle and the reduction steering idea but must confess I don't anything about them. What or where is the gear reduction at on these and what would it take to talk you out of "one of the gear reduction setups"?

Reduction steering can replace the standard “bevel-to-fan gear” linkage with a “bevel-to-bevel-to-fan gear” in most 3, 4, and 5 series tractors (except the lx models) as well as some earlier models. The constraints are room to mount it, possibly needing to drill new mounting holes in the frame, and the steeper steering shaft angle. Practically speaking, it is an “engine off” exercise to swap in.  

Standard steering has the steering wheel needing one full turn lock-to-lock; reduction makes that two full turns. Less effort over a longer distance. 

[sqrlgtr 1,765]

20 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

steeper steering shaft angle

@Handy Don Does this require moving dash and or tower? Apologies @ebinmaine for stepping on your thread and will create a new thread if I continue this endeavor 

Edited January 1 by sqrlgtr

[ebinmaine 76,466]

15 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

@Handy Don Does this require moving dash and or tower?

 

Not on this particular chassis type. 1977 and older.  

 

15 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

Apologies @ebinmaine for stepping on your thread and will create a new thread if I continue this endeavor 

 

NEVER apologize for derailing one of MY threads. 

A. I really don't mind. 

B. We often learn something new - related or not to the topic -  from a slide off the edge. 

 

Babble away!!

 

[sqrlgtr 1,765]

23 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

Not on this particular chassis type. 1977 and older.  

 

 

NEVER apologize for derailing one of MY threads. 

A. I really don't mind. 

B. We often learn something new - related or not to the topic -  from a slide off the edge. 

 

Babble away!!

 

 Thanks, some get a little upset but like you I don't mind and sometimes you do learn sumin new. So that would go on a 77 back c series with out too much modification very interesting. May have just found  my next project, like I need sum more . Continue the good work and will be following with great interest...

[ebinmaine 76,466]

1 hour ago, sqrlgtr said:

What or where is the gear reduction at on these and what would it take to talk you out of "one of the gear reduction setups"

 

They're available occasionally by getting a parts chassis 520H. 

That was the only Wheelhorse to have that setup originally. 

The  splayed forward front axle and the gear reduction steering is worth around $450 alone.  

A set of the wiiiiiide 520H rear wheels is another $100 or more. 

So a non running but complete one is worth $550 without any questions. 

 

I have no setups for sale having multiple tractors that I'll be using them on.  

 

Definitely worth keeping your eyes on the for sales...

[ebinmaine 76,466]

2 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

77 back c series with out too much modification

 

Any 77 back LONG frame. 

The only modification I know of is the need to drill two holes in the frame to support the pillow block.  Original has two holes. 520H style has 4.  

 

The other thought is, the 520H upper steering shaft is a good 2" longer/ taller than the original C series. The steering wheel will be higher. 

I find this to be a positive.  

 

[sqrlgtr 1,765]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

They're available occasionally by getting a parts chassis 520H

I have one pretty close but have to take to tractors to get it but its a runner and would be 600 a piece for the 520h and a 312-8 or 310, cant remember at the moment but both runners really worth it and may have to go get them. The 520 does have the forward sweep axle and wide wheels I did check that out before contacting owner.

[ebinmaine 76,466]

Got the steering wheel hammered off. That was easy considering it was only just out on a few months ago. 

 

The upper shaft however was..... challenging. 

The locking collar below the dash panel was frozen. The lower gear was well worn and upon inspection we found a chipped tooth. 

I elected to cut the shaft at the lower gear. I saved the shaft for future use like tie rods or whatever and tossed the gear in the trash 🗑 

 

We're now at the stage of continuing cleanup of the frame and preparing to install a gear reduction system I acquired from @Handy Don.

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 76,466]

26 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

I have one pretty close but have to take to tractors to get it but its a runner and would be 600 a piece for the 520h and a 312-8 or 310, cant remember at the moment but both runners really worth it and may have to go get them. The 520 does have the forward sweep axle and wide wheels I did check that out before contacting owner.

 

 

Another huge bonus on the 1994 520H I got here in Maine last year is the frame F plate is hardily reinforced. Thick plate steel added there.  

That frame will be the base for the future Wally Digger Backhoe restoration project.  

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 76,466]

@Handy Don  or whomever...

 

the bearings at the ends of the steering shaft. 

3/4" bore. 2 bolt holes.  

 

How do I buy those? 

[sqrlgtr 1,765]

15 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

@Handy Don  or whomever...

 

the bearings at the ends of the steering shaft. 

3/4" bore. 2 bolt holes.  

 

How do I buy those? 

I suggest money

[Handy Don 15,593]

2 hours ago, sqrlgtr said:

have one pretty close but have to take to tractors to get it but its a runner and would be 600 a piece for the 520h and a 312-8 or 310, cant remember at the moment but both runners really worth it and may have to go get them. The 520 does have the forward sweep axle and wide wheels I did check that out before contacting owner.

Two cautions: not every 520H has the “swept” front axle and not every swept axle 520-H has the reduction steering.

One encouragement: Look also at 520-HCs. Some of those had both the swept and reduction. 

The swept axle has heavier spindles (1”), better wheel bearings, and stronger tie rods. It runs wider front tires, too. It adds 2” to the wheelbase and has a 40 inch front track.

 

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

the bearings at the ends of the steering shaft. 

3/4" bore. 2 bolt holes.  

 

How do I buy those? 

They are called two-bolt flange bearings. Surplus Center or McMaster for sure.

[ebinmaine 76,466]

4 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

Two cautions: not every 520H has the “swept” front axle and not every swept axle 520-H has the reduction steering.

 

 

I'm much more knowledgeable on the older rigs. 

 

I  > believe <   the 520H breakdown is as follows. 

1988, 89. No swept axle or gear reduction. 

1990 swept axle started but no gear reduction. 

Either 1991 or 92  both became standard equipment. 

 

 

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

They are called two-bolt flange bearings. Surplus Center or McMaster for sure.

 

 

Super cool. Thanks.