Posted by Dan D. on February 20, 1998 at 07:55:38:
In Reply to: Re: WD or WD45? posted by John C. on February 19, 1998 at 20:17:19:
:
: : I recently purchased what was identified as a WD, but there are almost worn-away WD45 decals on the front shroud...
: : SN is WD88550 (which may give the answer).
: : Any other identifying characteristics?
: According to Swinford, production of the WD ceased at serial number
: 1466006 in 1953. Prior to serial number 136318, the WD had a magneto
: ignition, rather than a battery and distributor ignition. Prior to
: serial number 127007, WD had the straight gearshift levers. Of course
: the WD45's engine had greater horsepower -- the
: compression ratio of the WD engine was 5.75:1 as opposed to 6.45:1 on
: the 45. If your tractors are really 1950 WDs, you might not have the
: snap coupler. These are just a few things to check, I'm sure other
: people can add more to the list.
: Regards, John C.
The engine in the 45 has a larger displacement as well. Check the engine serial number, which is on the block, behind the carburator. The engine serial number on a WD will begin with W, while on a WD-45 it will begin with a 45.