OC4 with track additions

[antrim]

Hi,
I have inherited an OC4 3 cylinder diesel which has some unusual additions to the tracks which I was hoping someone could tell me anything about?
Between each track spade is welded a 7-8 inch high,closed top rectangular box - approx 32 on  each track.  I have been told that the machine was originally used in the Californian rice fields - there are Californian dealer decals on the machine.  I live in Northern Ireland and do not know of another OC4 - never mind one with interesting track additions.

The serial number, as best as I can make it out is 11-2231-OC4-pl - series B 801-477-185.

The OC4 was running well when parked up but after sitting for several years will not start ( Roosa DBG fault  possibly) - can anyone point me in the direction of where to buy a manual for the Roosa pump?

The track additions made for an entertaining show when attempting to load onto a trailer at tractor shows- always a crowd pleaser especially when she chewed up the trailer!

Any information, or comments, will be greatly appreciated.  

Kindest regard

George
[attachment=0:l9t56tcr]2005_0214Image0061.jpg[/attachment:l9t56tcr]

[John Schwiebert]

You have a late OC-4 since the Series B were made in Charles City sometime between 1962-early 1964. Do you have a model number for the injection pump. Also does this crawler had the H code engine? John

[antrim]

Many thanks for the reply John.  I don't have a pump number at the moment but will have in the next few days.
I will post pump plate details after Wednesday and I will also check the serial plate for details but this has weathered making it difficult to read.
i don't know if it has a H code engine - would that be on the plate or do I look at engine numbers or are there other features to look for?
I'm new to this so please forgive me. George

[antrim]

The serial plates etc. on the OC4 read
Stanadyne Roosamaster pump  DBG VCC 331 - 1DP        1700 RPM
Serial No./man code                 473950   - 261589

Engine plate stamped:  D130x11
VIN plate on LHS:  11-2231-OC4 -PL  - Series B -477 -185
                             801 477 185

There are also the remains of 4 company decals on the machine, they are:
Power Lift Tractors
Oxdard/Bakersfield/Santa Maria

Beeler Welding and Repairs
3250 Somis Road, Somis, California

Unknown name ??
Minneapolis Moline  ?nard, California 93030

Schre?er Farm Equipment.

I found a service manual (Jensales) for the OC4/OC46 amongst other tractor manuals at home, but I do not have any manual for the Roosa pump.
When I last tried to start her, after purging/bleeding filters and lines got diesel to the inlet of the pump but no output to the injector lines.
Gave up at that point.  I feel that the pump is the main problem but do not know what seal kit or part numbers may be required on a strip down.
Given the length of time she has been parked up, and her age, a pump overhaul may be a good idea.

At the moment my OC4 intrigues me  - she is far from where she was made, even further from where she worked and  my brother and his friends had a nightmare time bringing her from England to Northern Ireland.  When she was last going she sounded sweet and I would love  to hear her bark back to life.
If I do get her running then the question is what to do with the tracks - leave as she is and look for a rice field, or document the boxes etc and then cut them off and use her as a normal OC4.  The likely-hood of finding tracks locally (or within the UK) to change over are very remote and the cost could be  significant.

Hope i haven't rambled too long - it is a form of therapy I suppose!

George

[hotratz]

Just my preference but I'd cut 'em off.  

[John Schwiebert]

The first thing I would try with the injection pump is to take the governor cover off and see if the metering valve moves. Have you tried to start it with starting fluid?

[antrim]

hotratz  - it would certainly improve her looks

John, - No I haven't tried starting fluid as I couldn't get diesel to the injectors on trying cranking the engine on the starter.  I didn't want to chance an ether based spray  without diesel in the cylinders.  On cranking there wasn't even a cough and no smoke.

I will take the governor cover off , probably Saturday, it is the rectangular cover over the cutoff cam etc. on the side of the pump?

Would it be worthwhile to remove the timing inspection cover from the pump to check for rotation on cranking and debris/dirt?

George

[Blake Malkamaki]

Just my preference but I'd cut 'em off.  

I wouldn't do that as she would lose her uniqueness. You could find another set of tracks for those days when you don't feel like being so high off the ground. I bet someone would buy those tracks from you.

Blake

[John Schwiebert]

George. Yes I would take the timing window off and see if everything that should be is turning.  Have you ever worked on a Roosa master DB pump?

[antrim]

Blake.  Hi, The choice over the way the tracks finish up is some time away, however I am really happy to have feedback from people who care about these machines.  I have no wish to mutilate the OC4  solely to make her more usable or more saleable.  She is what she is, and my prime reason in posting was to try and discover a little more about why she was modified, and for what use, and if anyone has seen a similar modification.  

John.  I will check what I can on the pump.  I have no experience at all with a Roosa master pump.  I  intend to let a diesel mechanic line up the engine and marks and remove the pump for a check up or rebuild if it comes to that as I do not know these machines  well enough.  I don't want to cause mechanical mayhem by just jumping in and making things worse, especially as parts are not available here.  So, the plan is to check the diesel system, then check what I can on the Roosa pump (without removing it). Hopefully by then I should have some indication of the next step.

Would Zimmermans be the best place to check for a Roosa master parts listing, Roosa  manual and fuel/oil filters?

George

[John Schwiebert]

I have a book. Find out from Blake on how to send me a private message that includes your e-mail address. What part of the U K are you?