Need some info

[DBox]

I got my crawler home last week and need a little info. The serial number is HGF4247GA652. Any ideas on year model? It has been sitting for 10+ years with two plugs out and the manifold off so the engine is seized. Any ideas on where to get engine parts? Thanks.

[Mike Shanley]

Several old tractors used the Hercules IXB and IXK 4 cylinder gas engines.  Avery is one, Silver King is another.  Check the internet under Hercules&IXB -- using just Hercules will give you a lot of mythology and C-130's, mixed into your search for gas engine parts.

Before you go looking for parts take your engine apart and know what you really need.  It will make the job a lot easier and less expensive.  If you really are into fixing that thing you will need the help and advice of Landis Zimmerman at some time in your future.

I can't breakdown that serial number.  Are you sure it's right?  Is it on the bellhousing of the motor?    Mike Shanley, Woodbury MN

[DBox]

This number came from the tag on the bellhousing but it's sort of hard to read. I'll check again. It has a !XB engine. I have a couple of Wills flat heads and a few transmission/transfer case pairs. If this engine is too rough I'm going to check about a Willys transplant.

[mikegt4]

The "F" should be a "-" so your serial # would be "HG-42" for the model number and "47GA652" for the tractor number. That would make it a late 1949 build date. The late 40's and early 50's machines were built at a time when there were constant running improvements to the design so tractors built a month apart can be quite differant to the observant eye.
 
The original engine would be a IXK3; one of the last without a water pump. There should be an ID tag on the right side of the engine between the carb and the bellhousing. You will find that engines and other parts were often changed out over the last 50-60 years so it's best to be sure of what you have before ordering parts. If you have the head or oil pan off you can measure the cylinder bore. The IXA (1939 - 1940) was 3', IXK3 (1940 - 1950) was 3- 1/8" and the IXB3 (1950 - 1958) had a 3-1/4" bore.

Have fun with your new toy!