1952 Oliver 88 tractor restoration

I always liked the look of the Oliver tractors, so a few years back I bought a 1952 Oliver 88 tractor. The engine was stuck, but overall the tractor looked pretty sound. The price was right, so home it came.

I started with the stuck engine. I pulled the engine off the tractor and tore it completely down to the bare block. The cam shaft and lifters were stuck; the block cracked down the middle - top to bottom and front to back. (When getting equipment with water in the cooling system, you should drain out the water and install anti-freeze as soon as possible. That way you know exactly what is in the system and nothing will freeze and bust.)

I started looking for another engine block, crank shaft, cam shaft, cylinder liners and pistons. This Oliver tractor is equipped with a Waukesha 231 gasoline powered engine. I learned that these engine parts are hard to find and very expensive. Over the course of eight months, all needed parts were found, prepped and assembled. I was able to start the engine while it was still on the engine stand.

A year later, I finally got back to the project. I pulled the transmission, differential, power take off, right angle gear box and hydraulic system apart to inspect. I replaced all seals and gaskets. I was happy to find only one bearing and race needed replacing. I installed new brakes. All five gear boxes were put back together and painted. Next, I pulled the steering gear box down and put in new seals and gaskets. The wheel bearings and seals on the front end were replaced. At that point the entire frame was restored. The wheels were reinstalled (without restoration) for now. New tires and wheel restoration will be done at the end of the project.

This is where the project is now after almost two years. This type of hobby moves very slowly but is so enjoyable. When completed, I will have a 75+ year old brand-new used tractor.