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TAPPET ADJUSTMENT for the 55D and 55DA tractors. The valves are operated from the camshaft through cam followers, push rods and overhead rocker arms, the latter being provided with the necessary adjustment for manufacturing tolerances, wear, etc., by means of a screw and locknut. To ensure that the valves always seat correctly it is necessary to have a clearance between the valve stem and the rocker when the valves are closed and on the 55D and 55DA models this clearance should be between .016 and .020 in. when the engine is cold. A gauge of the correct thickness is supplied in the tool kit. When checking the clearance it is important that the valves are in the closed position and this may be determined as follows:— Remove both cylinder drain plugs found on the underside of the cylinder heads and place governor control lever in stop position. To remove valve rocker covers, loosen back the retaining setscrew in external rocker shaft bracket and withdraw shaft clear of cover. Remove seven sst-screws from each cover and remove cover, taking care not to destroy the gasket. Take each cylinder separately and hold a finger on the inlet (front) rocker while someone turns the engine over slowly with the crank handle. The rocker will open the valve and when the valve has returned to its sect, turn the engine about another quarter turn, when both valves of that cylinder are fully closed. Clearance may now be checked by inserting feeler gouge between vafve stem end rocker of intake and exhaust valves and between valve stem and adjusting screw of volve to starting chamber. Repeat for opposite cylinder. If adjustments must be made, use spanner and screw driver supplied in kit. After adjusting, tighten locknut firmly against rocker and finally check as described above. Extract from operators manual.

COOLING SYSTEM Kerosine models and 55DA Tractors

DESCRIPTION The cooling system functions to dissipate excessive heat and to maintain the engine at an efficient working temperature. The type of system employed is known as the thermo-syphon system, which has the advantage of allowing the engine to heat up rapidly and is free from troubles associated with the working parts of a water pump system. In order to assist in the rapid warm up and to operate over a wide range of temperature and working conditions, a set of radiator shutters controlled by the operator, is added to the system. The water temperature should be kept between 160° and 180° F. for most economical conditions, by use of the shutter control. The flow of water is accomplished by the transference of the heat of combustion to the water jackets surrounding the combustion chamber and cylinder walls. As the water absorbs this heat it rises and is carried to the radiator top tank, allowing cool water to enter the jackets from the radiator bottom tank. The hot water passes down the radiator core and the heat is extracted by means of the air blast created by the suction fan.

Fan and Pulley: The six bladed fan is attached to a pulley which is carried by two angular ball bearings. The assembly is driven by a V-type fan belt from the crankshaft. The pulley shaft is retained to the fan bracket by a large nut and the bracket is slotted to permit adjustment of the fan belt tension by an adjusting screw.

SPECIFICATION Radiator type .. Tubular core, cast iron tanks and side supports. Circulation ., ,. Thermo-syphon. Heal Regulation .. Manual controlled radiator shutter. Capacity .. .. 12 gallons. Fan type .. ..6 cast aluminium blades, 18″ dia. Fan Speed .. ..

Approx.: 2000 r.p.m. (40KF 40KA, 45K, 45KA);

2400 r.p.m. (55KAt 55DA); at 1200 Engine r.p.m. Fan Drive .. ., Vee belt from Crankshaft, Belt Adjustment ., Vertical slot in fan pulley mounting bracket.

MAINTENANCE In order that the system may function efficiently it is essential that the water and air passages be free from obstructions and periodic attention should be given to the cooling system to ensure this condition. Cleaning of the radiator air passages can be carried out effectively by means of air pressure applied to the rear of the core, or in the event of suitable equipment being available, a jet of water may be used to advantage. A grease nipple is provided behind the belt pulley and a grease gun filled with good quality chassis (or multipurpose) grease should be applied weekly. Over lubrication should be avoided, but in the event of this occurring a small spring loaded valve is fitted to the fan hub.

Note: At temperatures above freezing, the cooling system should be filled with clean, soft water plus a good commercial rust inhibitor. Hard water will form scale in the radiator, cylinder blocks and heads. These scale formations cause hot spots within the engine and clog the tubes in the radiator core, thus restricting the flow of water and causing overheating.

ADJUSTMENT The fan belt should be neither too tight nor too loose. Too tight a belt imposes undue load on the fan bearings and shortens the life of the belt. Too loose a belt allows slippage and lowers the fan speed. Adjust the belt by loosening the large clamp nut on the rear end of the fan shaft, adjust to the correct tension with the vertical adjusting screw through the shaft behind the pulley, tighten the clamp nut and recheck the tension….extract from workshop manual for tractors mentioned above ….barriosbooks sell reprints of most Chamberlain tractor manuals such as operators handbooks, workshop manuals, service manual and parts catalogues; To buy go to the OZTION auction website at www.oztion.com.au look for the barriosbooks online store.

Extract from Champion 9G handbook. DRIVING THE TRACTOR: As will be obvious from the speed chart given in the specifications, the high range of gears are intended primarily for transport purposes, whilst the low range . is for implement working. Before moving off select the range with the rear gearbox lever. The gear ratio of the front gearbox may be changed with the tractor in motion in the same manner as the gears of a motor truck may be changed by double declutching. The tractor should not be put into heavy service until it has reached the normal operating temperature. When using the tractor at high speeds it is advisable to leave the hand governor control in the closed position, and to use the foot pedal. By doing this the braking effect of the engine to reduce speed may be used to best advantage. When working with an implement, set the hand lever to the required speed, and the foot pedal may be used to give extra power through any tough spots. The advantages of the “live” P.T.O. will quickly make themselves obvious when it is required to vary the tractor speed and the implements mechanism speed independently. With a little practice the operator will readily realise the saving in time and energy given by this device. ALWAYS LATCH THE FOOT PEDALS TOGETHER BEFORE TRAVELLING AT HIGH SPEED The Perkins Diesel Model “Four 270D” has direct injection, distributor type fuel injection pump, mechanical governor, diaphragm type lift pump, self-indexing starter motor, thermo-start cold starting unit and a key start. A full description and maintenance procedure is given in the accompanying Perkins literature, although the regular maintenance procedure is covered on the chart in the centre of this book. The air cleaner fitted is an oil bath type with a centrifugal pre-cleaner. These units are mounted side by side behind the engine bulkhead. There is no provision for maintenance of the pre-cleaner as this unit is self-emptying. The regularity of maintenance to the oil bath depends entirely on the conditions under which the tractor is operating. The importance of preventing this unit from becoming inefficient cannot be over-emphasised, as the economical life of the engine is largely dependent on its correct maintenance. To service the air-cleaner, release the latches on the offside of the top cowling. Raise the top cowl and allow it to be supported by its stay. Release the latch on the side cowl and slide the cowl forward and free of the locating pins. The clips retaining the air cleaner bowl are now accessible and the bowl may be released, lowered and moved sideways clear of the tractor. Clean out the oil and dirt in the bowl, refill with engine oil to the marked level and refit to the body of the air cleaner. Under some conditions once every 50 hours will be sufficient for this service but when working in very dusty conditions it may be necessary to clean the bowl every 10 hours.

BELT PULLEY: A belt pulley is mounted on the side of the P.T.O. unit, and is controlled by the P.T.O. clutch. Pulley—101 inch diameter x 7|- inch wide. Belt speed—3,100 feet per minute at 1,600 Engine R.P.M TYRES: Standard 15 inch x 28 inch rear. Standard 7.50 inch x 18 inch front. Optional 14 inch x 28 inch rear. Optional 14 inch x 28 inch duals—rear. MINIMUM CLEARANCE (Front Axle): 16 ¾ “. WHEEL BASE: 94”. MAXIMUM TORQUE: 182 ft. Ibs. at 1,000 R.P.M. DRAWBAR H.P. (MAX.): 45. RATED DRAWBAR H.P.: 33.75. DRAWBAR PULL (MAX.): 6,150 Ibs. FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 19 Imperial Gallons. FUEL CONSUMPTION: Farm Work: Light loading, ¾ gallon per hour. Heavy loading, up to 1 1/2 gallons per hour. Road Work: Approximately 18-20 miles per gallon. WEIGHT: Basic Tractor 7,125 Ibs….extract from the 9G handbook.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR With engine running and warmed up, pull clutch operating lever back to its fullest extent. Move forward and rear gear levers into correct positions to engage the required gear making sure that levers are moved the distance until the selectors are felt to click into place. If gears will not move into place, return to neutral, push clutch lever forward slightly so that gears slowly revolve. If gears grate, pull clutch lever further back and try again. When gears are engaged move governor control lever to halfway position, disengage hand brake and move clutch lever forward smoothly until the tractor picks up speed, then press the lever firmly forward until the clutch is felt to snap into full engagement…extract from the 40k workshop manual.

A Sincere Note From Us:

This blog post was written by our late founder, Don. If you would like to read more, click here.
We will add more old posts written by Don in the future as a dedication for him.