Digging Into The Farmall 504: Governor, Hydraulic, and Carburetor Repair Work

Today I'm bringing the Farmall 504 into the shop and starting repair work on the governor, hydraulic system, and carburetor. I disassemble the hydraulic valves and explain how they work, how to diagnose problems, and what parts are needed to rebuild them. Then I move on to removing the governor, explaining how an engine governor works, what to look for when diagnosing governor problems and how to rebuild them.
Note:
-We do not offer farm tours or accept visitors
-We do not sell from the farm
-We do not ship our farm's products
-We do not sell live animals
Mailing Address:
Just a Few Acres Farm
PO Box 269
Lansing, NY 14882
Instagram: justafewacr...
To order Pete's book; "A Year and a Day on Just a Few Acres:" www.amazon.com/Year-Day-Just-...

[@NotOnYourLife]

These are my favorite types of videos. I understand that a lot of people may not like them but they are probably the people who are checkbook mechanics, as long as the checkbook works they can get things fixed. I appreciate these videos, they remind me there are still some people who can handle things themselves. I started turning wrenches in 76 when I was a kid, it was my first real job. I can count on one hand the number of times I have paid someone else to work on my stuff. I feel blessed to have gown up in a remote area where people had no choice but to fix everything themselves. If you did not know how to do something, someone in the area did and work was often traded between families.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I check my Farmall books. Does that count? 😝

[@michaeltrusewicz9247]

He

[@opendstudio7141]

Farmallogist Pete's diagnostic analysis; the most clear, concise, entertaining and all-around-nice-guy International forensics researcher in this quadrant of this hemisphere. 😉

[@JAvery-vb9lm]

Hit the nail on the head. Well said

[@jorgealfaiate]

Really missed this "mechanical" videos... I know you refered in a late video that they don't bring a high volume of views... but... I love them!

[@jorgealfaiate]

best regards from Portugal!

[@JamieR1234]

Agreed

[@JM-jr1sb]

Looking forward to this winter!

[@jeffgootjes8418]

The MD says “ Hey 504! The line starts behind me!”. 😂

[@acdii]

Mechanic, a person who understands the mechanics of what they are working on. Technician, a person who uses diagnostic codes to troubleshoot, and replace parts, but doesn't understand the mechanics of what they are working on. I actually had a dealer tell me they could not fix a door latch issue because they found no codes on it. Must have been a technician and not a mechanic who worked on it. I do all my own out of warranty work myself, and I really appreciate when someone knows how to explain the functions of what they are working on and not just replacing parts.

[@frankcurley]

There's a difference between knowing and understanding. Knowing is book smarts, understanding is actually observing and participating in the function of the apparatus. And it is a huge difference....

[@acdii]

@@frankcurley Yes it is! Can't fix a simple door latch because no codes found just irked me to no end. It's a simple latch, a rod connects the door handle to it, it has a catch with a spring, lift the handle, it releases the catch and the door is unlatched. No codes found can't fix. SMDH.

[@alberthendershot1702]

No codes to fix a door latch now that's funny as hell. I turned a wrench for 30 years and was ASE certified in 7 areas of the automotive industry.

[@Hor7236]

Yes!!!!! Another tractor video. Hope all is well Pete!

[@keithnavarro2930]

Pete, I really enjoy these mechanical videos. I always learn something. Just have to make sure there's plenty of coffee in my mug. Thanks.

[@TroNPopz209]

Me too! please keep producing them.

[@bertk.johnson1975]

For what it’s worth, I love the mechanical videos. My dad has traded and sold farm machinery sense 1972. He has always said that the only way a farmer can ever be successful is if they can work on their own equipment. This is real American agricultural at its best. Keep it up!!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I for one love the mechanical maintenance video's, as well as the "Farm daily life etc" I'll never work on a tractor again too old. but I can sure enjoy watching you work on them Pete. thanks so much for taking the time to do it and show us. Hmm must be Pork day, I've got mine in the Crock pot, didn't smoke it but gave it a good rub, seared it for perfect Maillard conditioning, before it hit the warm bath. so we'll both enjoy our pork dinners. thanks again can't wait for the follow up God Speed ECF

[@jeffreyshier9021]

I too have been waiting for winter tractor work.👍

[@brianbarr8623]

I like the equipment videos. I don’t think non farmers realize how much maintenance is a major part of farm life, or, how much good maintenance allows farmers to reduce capital expenses.

[@jamesrobinson9304]

Thanks Pete. That was not only educational, but entertaining as well for us "old" tractor enthusiasts Your "teacher" methods are well used in explaining all the mechanisms. It always amazes me to see the engineering that went into the tractors, long before they had com0puters and CAD.

[@paulstacy174]

I also like the mechanical videos. I grew up on a farm in MS and watched my Dad and my uncle work on all their equipment. They also had all Farmall/IH equipment including a 656. Watching these videos brings back good memories for me.

[@silvermaples-rhodestomarke5318]

These mechanical videos are my latest obsession. Thank You for putting all of this together. I know it doesn't provide as many of the views as your normal content, but I sure like them.

[@a.p.5429]

My husband is pretty mechanical and handy, he loves these videos. I think they are interesting too. It is amazing how the older stuff can usually be fixed somehow.

[@tommyt8857]

Yay!!! We get tractor videos this winter!! 🎉

[@windetrails]

Very interesting Pete, back in my day I was the machinist that would make the rod with the O-ring groves and all the parts need for it to operate. I like the fact you explained all of the functions of the shaft, along with all the other componets involved in the whole system. Nice job. I really enjoyed making unites like that and much more during my career. But I'm more interested in that pork belly you have smoking on the grill. I need the recipe.

[@zodszoo]

Pete, the Farmall Sensei. Thank you

[@gbentley8176]

Still staggers me Pete that people dislike videos like this. If you do not enjoy, do not watch. Cannot wait to get my new workshop going to machine flooring from English Oak downed last year and repair vintage cars. So much to do so little time as an old chap. Your channel is a gem. Stay safe from the UK.

[@lomni02]

nice to see a wrenches only repair. I do like my impact drill, but nothing like a boxed end wrench and socket wrench.

[@jeffbrandon9179]

I love when you and Squatch253 get back in the shop. It's a great way to enjoy my morning coffee when the temps are dropping.

[@RickJones222]

I'm lost after five minutes, but I so enjoying listening to you, Pete!

[@skiguyskiguy3202]

Now Pete, I know NOTHING about engines or motors, and so please forgive me if I sound stupid. 1) How do you know sooooo much about engines? You just talk about each piece or part like it is second nature! 2) How do you keep track of each little piece. You just seem to take them off and place them in a pile. How do you know exactly which piece goes where and when? I must say that I live vicariously through you and all you do. I am a "city" guy, but just love to watch and listen to you do the things I wouldn't, and also have no knowledge off. You are a sort of renaissance man. I love it!

[@nancycolbert2703]

I have zero interest in tractor maintenance. That is until I found your channel. Your easy going way of explaining each step has pulled me into the world of Farmallogy!

[@josephclark7163]

Really glad you are doing more tractor videos.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Pete Larson: farmer, mechanic, chef...the living example of a jack of all trades!

[@frankdantonio2479]

This makes me happy! I discovered your channel because of the tractor videos and stayed for all the other amazing content. Pay no attention to all the KZbin certified mechanics that always have a “better way”.

[@cherylirvin3919]

Pete - today is my Dad’s birthday. He has been in Heaven many years now. When you talk about tractors it reminds me of him. He worked for International Harvester. He loved tractors!

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 68 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 ❤️ 🎀 ❤️ 🎀 ❤️ 🎀

[@jeffreyjohnson8212]

Thanks for sharing & taking time to explain the mechanics & history of the 504! Fascinating!

[@myforeverhomestead6152]

I love your mechanics videos and I'm not even a mechanic! And I don't own any tractors! I've never just watched a mechanical vid for entertainment. I only watch them if I need to learn how to fix something. Your mechanical vids are so good I cant help but be engulfed by them! I love all your videos. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@chuckstrasbaugh62]

Your mechanical knowledge is encyclopedic Pete! Always enjoy watching you take things apart and put them back together. So satisfying! Have a great weekend!

[@scottmcd5885]

See yet again you prove to the common man that you don't need the latest bells and whistles to operate a farm. It's a shame and I see it around here and people tell me all the time... " You need to sell that old junk and buy you a new one!". Well I also do all the maintenance when it's due (and like you) sometimes fix things that's just worn out. And I always see those new things at the neighbors for a while and then they're replaced with newer ones... No thanks. I'll keep my old one. It's still relatively new @ 40yo and I can still get parts for it cheap. I don't have a payment and that makes my wife happy so I'm good all the way around. Thanks again Pete for the great video!

[@julietbran5916]

Thank you again for sharing your time, thought, and humor on your farm.

[@davidwalker567]

I always enjoy watching your videos I am retired also and have a little two-car garage with a wood stove but it's all clean and nice and organized I pill with old riding mowers especially wheel horses and Cub Cadet buddy enjoy watching you work on your big tractors I just have no room and have no big tractors but I really enjoy your videos

[@johnhanna240]

I have an international 444 gas tractor that I've been having throttle issues for some time now. It usually won't idle up, but sometimes if it does it goes straight to wide open. I've been trying to find info on governors and this video helped me so much. Thank you so much. Very informative and you explained things very well. Keep up the videos.

[@dennisdole1764]

Greasy side cutters are a useful tool for so many things. Thanks for you humor, I love it…

[@charlescary9873]

I have a IH 504 tractor and this video gave me a better understanding of the spool operation. It made my day!!!!

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

Thanks for sharing buddy great explanation of how the hydraulic works and governed god bless everyone

[@347rmatt]

I’ve recently gotten my grandfathers 504. Glad to see some videos on maintenance and repairs! Can’t wait to dig into my own!

[@KitchenAlpha]

Thanks Pete I’ve been watching this channel for a while and I definitely appreciate the tractor videos. Just brought home an old 504 and need to work on the governor and carb.

[@glorgau]

Way back in the 70s, I used to work in the parts and repair department of a Sears Roebuck store. They had microfiche with parts for everything they sold. Had to look up almost everything given the model number. It was an amazing variety of parts to order.

[@debe8890]

Who would have thought I would enjoy these videos. I am a 67 yr old female and until your videos the only thing I could tell you about a vehicle was it's color. You make it interesting. Thx. Oh, they make shop lights that are rechargeable and have strong magnets on them. Less bending over, just saying....

[@frankcurley]

Good thing is that it's 60 degrees in the shop and all tools are handy...now, if we were in the furtherst most corner of the farm in the low spot of the field standing in 6" of mud and water....

[@19jdjnr]

The level of your patience and general understanding of not only mechanics, but everything in life never ceases to amaze me. It’s nice to see in the throwaway culture we live in there’s still some good old boys like you out there taking the time to fix what what can be fixed

[@markgoodman6249]

Great to see a new tractor repair video!

[@ronwhites1432]

Thank you for helping me understand how my old Farmalls work and that they can be repaired

[@peterschlater5756]

These tractor maintenance and repair videos are fantastic!

[@dwr44]

your memory is better than mine! after taking off a few washers and pieces I would never get it back together. It is awesome that you take old tractors and make them run like new!

[@Zfrostyone]

I enjoy the mechanical aspect of your presentation as much as the farming part. You are known around my house as my "KZbin Farmer". Keep up the good work and don't let negative comments get you down. Thank you for what you do.

[@soundwaveshadlow]

Great video Pete I don't own a tractor and never will but I like to see things being fixed. #satisfying.

[@fredericklozon5838]

my dad rebuilt the hydraulic valves on our 504 farmal,i watched him but it was nothing like my 1947 harry ferguson to20, i drove that since i was 5yo in 1950,i still have it,my cousin brought from vermont to me in virginia 8 yeares ago. ihve since went from 6 volt negative ground to 12 volt positive ground,also installed prestolite in the distributor.

[@pumptruckjim]

I don't know which architecture school allows you to take all you electives in tractor repair but I am happy you went there. Very engrossing video and I don't even own a tractor.

[@glengillis7542]

Im one of your viewers that really like your mechanical series. Its all good Pete

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I now understand how a detent works on a spool valve! *Thank you!*

[@lancepearson4035]

Loved watching and seeing the design. I don't know about you but I often wonder about the guys who thought up how to make these parts work - the lying in bed at night thinking then jumping out in the morning with that Aha moment, then seeing it made and testing - and feeling the joy of getting it finally doing the intended function. Mankind has done a lot of that in just over the last two or three hundred years - nowadays the same is happening with electronics and so many other technologies - thanks for sharing

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I hope that the "Different Commenters" aren't too hard on you, Pete. I was low key worried that you might stop with the mechanical type videos. I'm so glad that you haven't. It's very interesting to see how you go about tackling your problems. Those are three position, spring return, pressure compensated valves. Really neat stuff.

[@brianmartinez3138]

Pete Pete he’s our man if he can do it we all can

[@user-fr9ku8fk5g]

Really impressed with your knowledge. Being able to cut wires and able to replace in the proper order. Looking forward to the next video.

[@markevanger4791]

Thank You Dr. Farmall! I knew nothing about tractors, now I is one😜🇺🇸🌹

[@WillyBcoolpig]

I sure like this type of video. It helps to know someone else is working on the same type of things as me. I know all to well about not getting to park things inside before it’s rained on. I have a video on my channel of my 560 Farmall. You can see how much water can get in if you don’t address it soon enough.

[@ottocarr3688]

It’s good to see you back to being a mechanic. I like it that you explain everything in detail. When you get an IH dozer with a blade and go through it, it will be delightful! Then, look out snow and ice?

[@One29Homestead]

That Pork looked awesome! @25:16 Someone was telling me about a new thing on them lights called a magnet. Never seen one but I've hear of it. :) THanks for this awesome education! Y'all are in my top 5 favorite channels. Keep up the great living and thanks for sharing.

[@barnyardbrio7597]

I feel like I am working right along side you. good company!

[@FatBoyzAviation]

These are my favorite types of videos.

[@amilynnstapay796]

You know, if you had been a teacher at my high school, I would have enrolled in auto shop. Peace on your doorstep!

[@RichardGill-pt8zk]

Thank you for all of your step by step information and advice it’s absolutely very helpful!! Thank so much ! You sir are such a great guy! 😊👍

[@wesleyleach3300]

I think you know more about your equipment than most of the engineers that build them, today most people would sell their equipment and buy a new one if they had those kind of problems

[@ralphcostello9203]

Hi Peter another great video on the 504 enjoyed it immensely. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@yvonnetucker2599]

You just amaze me you’re young enough that your mind is just very clear and you know what you’re doing I like that I used to help my husband rebuild a car one time the motor I enjoyed it but I was very young

[@jimproud3116]

I never knew a tractor could be so complicated! I guess the governor keeps real busy hunting for acorns and balancing the butterflies!

[@JamesColeman1]

You are at your best with the mechanic videos.

[@rcortland]

Really great to see a tractor video again!

[@jameswest332]

Black Walnuts are a definite labor of Love !! But they are so good !!

[@jjyemg2397]

Love your Syracuse shirt Lived in Manlius for years back in the 60's-70's and we were all Orangemen fans. Still are. Don't get oil on that shirt lol Love your site, also. You're pretty awesome!

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Absolutely love the "Tractor Nerd" facts! Your Farmall knowledge is amazing! I'm not brand specific, but your videos really make me want a red tractor. Thank you for being thorough in your explinations.

[@danblock9830]

Love these tractor repair videos. Even if I can't repair this stuff myself, it helps to understand how it works.

[@shellywelsh2316]

So interesting! I know nothing about engines/motors and you make it so understandable. Looking forward to the follow up video.

[@mrcutestuff]

Quality stuff! Just like everything else you do!!

[@danareynolds1976]

I really like it when you work on tractors

[@markallison8854]

My favorite videos working on the international. My favorite 656 .but any international is fine. And NUTS TOO couldn't be better God bless you and your beautiful family 👉⚘⚘❤😎😎

[@christopherboody5915]

Thanks for the detail. I have some old tractors too, and I have just been working with what they give me. I appreciate getting the gist of what's going on inside. Maybe one day when I have a heater and space in my shop I'll dig into one of mine.

[@JM-me1vh]

For an architect you do great job on the trackers

[@jameslittle1250]

A good looking 504 for its age.

[@charlenasutherland]

I know you said that the videos about the tractors isn’t as popular but I do like them very much. Our farm tractor was an old Farmall. When Dad sold the farm, the tractor went with it. He sold it to a school principal who grew up on a farm and wanted to relive some memories. He was never as successful as my Dad. 😂

[@darrelfuhrman8217]

Pete for a carburetor kit, I get mine from Steiner Tractor Parts. I get the premium carburetor kit, it comes with the throttle shaft, plate & bushings. Choke shaft, plate & bushings. Carburetor inlet fitting with screen. Float shaft. Plus the normal needle & seat, idle mixture screw, main metering screw. I have done a Ford NAA & 5 Farmall carbs in the part 2 years. Hello from north east Montana. 10 miles from the Canadian border.

[@gordonswenson7633]

I worked on my cusin's farm when I was 14 in the Sprakers, Charleson Four Corners area of upstate New York. I was a city boy and I never worked so hard at that time in my life. But when it comes to mechanical work I am all thumbs. But after watching you, maybe I need to take mechanical work more seriously . Thanks

[@andysmith8544]

Always enjoy your mechanics video's. Going to be disappointed if you don't continue recording your MD restoration, but certainly understand not wanting to deal with the couch mechanics.

[@davidschlecht3016]

Very interesting video on par with the WD9 like your takedown and rebuild explanations and talents, looking forward to the next steps to get it running again.

[@lewerim]

What a great explanation of a spool and it's detents...

[@ritabrunetti381]

I'll surely pass this video on to my husband. He enjoys watching work with your trackers. A guy thing, I guess. Be well.

[@aserta]

Whenever i have valve bodies out, i just stick a numbered tag on the ear, super easy, hard to misplace. If it's my machine, i just punch the number on the top of the ear with one of those numbered punch sets you find on the usual places (Amazon, fleabay...) You can never get them mixed up that way.

[@adamleek1546]

Pete, just wanted to echo the other commenters that I love the tractor repair issues. I think its great to show the wide range of your skills and you do an excellent job of explaining the work while you do it. I understand why you may be hesitant to film your continued work on the MD this winter, but for me I hope you chose to film it. I am looking forward to it.

[@andreascan2156]

Really really excellent video

[@jacobmcfarlane6528]

PETE I LOVE YOUR VIDEO, PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING.

[@danielhoffman7576]

Pete, You look just like me! I drop everything! some times I think I should just throw things on the ground to start with and be done with it! Thanks for the videos!!

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Pete :) also enjoy on repairs on 504 Farmall tractor and great information too also! Love your experience and explain too help out others too! Pork Roast looks yummy and just about eat my screen 😋 Lol!

[@dyates6380]

VERY informative! Thank you for sharing this. I'm not the LEAST bit mechanically capable, but you broke it down and explained it so well I'm fascinated.

[@EL-ru8nl]

I dig the tractor videos. It's how I operate on my place. At least try to fix it myself and learn. Last resort is taking it to somebody. Thanks Pete!!!

[@donpeterson9282]

Great session. Thanks. I enjoy your farm tours, the animals and your feelings of responsibility for the land. At the same time I enjoy the instruction I receive when you work on equipment. You have a very interesting show and your recording techniques and presentation techniques are excellent. I spent 35+ years working in the operations department of a Nuclear Ppower Plant, 25+ years as a Simulator Instructor and classroom Instructor. You have excellent presentation skills, your command of the English language is professional but not overly technical. Knowledgeable individuals are not bored and novices are not swamped. You are an excellent training instructor. I never miss any of your shows and watch many of them multiple times. Few understand the planning and thought that go into a good presentation. I would rate your sessions as "Exceeds Expectations." You are a master of the visual arts. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. My guess is those who critique your presentations with negative comments are more concerned with their self importance than anything else. I don't generally read the comments of others because if you believe someone has something to offer that is of importance to others you bring it up in the next session. I have no doubt the vast majority find your presentations excellent and feel like they are there in the same room with you. 4H has a saying, "Teach one, reach one," or maybe it is the other way around. In my career I learned to examine comments for any lessons learned and incorporate them in some appropriate way when I revised the lesson plan for the next presentation and learned that there are two types of criticism, constructive and destructive. Constructive criticism gives one a feeling of satisfaction, your next presentation will be better. Destructive criticism does just that, it takes away from the learning experience. Everyone loses. However, thank you for sharing your frustrations with us. I feel like we are friends (because you are an excellent Instructor and your teaching skills helps us connect with young) and it provides me with an opportunity to maybe show my appreciation for your skill, knowledge and communication techniques while brining a message of how each one of us can do some small thing to possibly preserve this beautiful world we are privileged to live in. When I watch how you interact with your environment I think of the passage in the old testament informing humans have "dominion" over the animals. In my humble opinion, the word "dominion" might better be

[@RatdogDRB]

Love the wrenchin' vids. Glad you're doin' 'em for us'ns.