Farmall Super A - I.D. Numbers

[Butterbean]

Good Morning.
The Super A has a serial number 321397. I looked it up and it seems I have a 1951. But, there is another number on the plate under the serial number. It is 1540. I have no idea what this number represents. Would like to know if any of you have that knowledge. Thx.

[indy61]

Max Idle Speed RPM

[Butterbean]

Thank you for the info. I'll file that away for the future. While I''m here I have other questions you may have an answer for. Or someone else. Question 1. I have a head that has been machined at a shop and am about to put it on in the next few days. Is there an up or down on the gasket? It seems that it will fit either side. It's metal. Both sides look identical to me. Second part of #1. Should I use a copper gasket sealer on the downside, upside or both? Question #2. Would you recommend buying new head bolts or using the old ones if they are cleaned well with a wire brush? Second part of #2. Do you know of a pattern for the short and long bolts or it is trial and error? I read to leave them in the head for correct spots but I'd already put them in a bag by then.

[staninlowerAL]

Hi Pastor Tom, I suggest you go to the Quick links page, top left corner of this page and download the SA parts manual and the engine manual. You will find that there's lots of helpful information there. There are some differences depending on which engine you have C113 or C123. The parts manual shows one length for the studs to attach the head. Someone else will probably chime in but I would suggest that you use a gasket sealer on both sides and on the studs that penetrate into the water jacket. I've done this on a SA head but it's been too many years ago to remember all the details. Good Luck with your project.

[staninlowerAL]

In your introduction posts you referenced some machine shop work. Just curious if you replaced the sleeves or just limited it to the pistons and head. I still have my paper copy of the operators and parts manual if you need any info that I can look up for you. Here's the SN list that I have. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

[Butterbean]

I had the head completely machined but the pistons only cleaned and new rings. Didn’t replace sleeves. I’ll download the manual from quick links. Appreciate the direction.

[Butterbean]

Finally got around to putting the head on the engine. Everything was moving along okay. Tightened the head bolts to 65-67 lbs. Worked great. Put the rocker (not sure that's the right name) on and began to tighten. Planned to snugged down to 45#. The small bolt/nut in the middle tightened good. The longer bolt/nut on the back end snapped. I'm going to try to look up the part number and order one unless one of you know where I can get one locally from a Napa or Autozone. I am doubting they have one.

Second question. Is there a specific set of taps and dies for the super A? I'd like to order one. I like the idea of chasing threads as I put this tractor back together. I have a bunch of old ones but I have a real hard time reading the numbers these days. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks