Exhaust/Intake manifold on IXB3 Hercules

[jdemaris]

On my late-model HG with the IXB3 engine, the intake/exhaust manifold sits so low that the carburetor will not fit with the magneto installed.  So, mine has a little offset adapter that puts the carb. out of the way.  Looks pretty weird.  I had thought that perhaps the adapter was homemade.  But, recently, at my favorite tractor junkyard where over a dozen HGs and OC3s sit, I saw several more like mine. I notice that the low manifolds have HERCULES on them whereas the correct manifolds have OLIVER on them, or are blank.  Were the low manifolds a replacement parts kit that came with the necessary oddball adapter? I can't figure what they would work on without the adapter since any engine needs spark.  On my engine, I tried installing a Wico distributor that is more shallow than a mag. but it still would not fit with the carburetor installed.

[Ray]

That manifold was used on hercules engines that were sold for power units, such as welders and etc, they were sold through hercules.<p> The  hg never came from the factory that way.

[Doug424]

I have seen the offset adapter on the IXB-5 engines. Those had a different style drive for the mag, and the carb had to be moved for clearance. That engine was used in welders, pumps, generators and as power units.

[Blake Malkamaki]

You'll find the IXB-5 engine in Leader tractors too. They were made right in Auburn Township, just east of Cleveland.

Blake