1973 Montgomery Ward Gilson 16 Variable Speed Hydrostatic Tractor

Simple explanation of the dual-alternator Briggs and Stratton electrical system.

Tractor Model GIL33162a
Engine Model 326437
Engine Type 0135-03
Engine Code 730822

[@yourbeekeeper]

These machines were typically beat to death, repaired and beat some more. There are not too many of this vintage still around. There is a great Montgomery Ward/Gilson tractor forum on Yaoo groups if you are looking for parts or information.

[@russellafowler7403]

Thanks for taking the time to due this video > Great!!!!

[@yourbeekeeper]

You are welcome Russell.

[@yourbeekeeper]

You know what they say, everything has a price, however I am not looking to sell. I actually use this tractor for working the property. Thanks for asking though.

[@yourbeekeeper]

Hi Cathy, if you take a quick walk around video of the tractor and associated parts, let me know and I will link it for you...

[@Mudmowerdiesel]

Great video

[@yourbeekeeper]

@ben101337 I always set points at the thickness of a matchbook.

[@kenny6046]

Hi YBK!! I love every single one of your Gilson MW videos here! Thanks for posting! I just acquired my first MW -she's a 73 or 74... great shape but she has no spark :-( I know my Points are good, so I'd like to try to bypass the ignition next and see what happens- Now I seen you 'hotwire' yours in one of the vids/ can you please tell me how you did this? (Like what wire goes to what component and where it might be located on the tractor - I see a bunch of wiring tucked way back that is gonna be really hard to get to) Also was wondering if you knew anywhere online I could find a manual or a basic diagram that outlines all the mechanical components and/or wiring of this beast? I'm kind of a big dummy and not very mechanically skilled, but I'm really trying to take a good stab at fixing her up (while at the same time trying to show my kid how to fix things - and also that it's ok to ask for help when you don't know what in the hell youre doin ha - I guess I just don't want him trying to always take the easy way out of things when he grows up (i.e. repair shop as #1 option) - I want him to be a lot smarter than his old man is when he's my age ha!). But any help or direction would truly be appreciated!! Your whole channel rocks YBK,, you got some really great vids on here! Thanks YourBeeKeeper!! :-))

[@yourbeekeeper]

Hey Kenny, check out Yahoo Groups...there is one for "gilson tractors" and you can find the manual there. I downloaded manuals for my tractor and the hydrostatic unit from them. It's a great group of people and a whole lot of information under one roof. Best of luck with your project. Spark comes from the points, condensor and coil....check all three.

[@fleamine]

I have a 73 in my back yard complete, but worn out. Still has the original PTO driven mower deck.

[@yourbeekeeper]

I would love to find a mower deck for this tractor.

[@fleamine]

@@yourbeekeeper Does your tractor have the pto setup for the deck?

[@yourbeekeeper]

@@fleamine I have the PTO set-up for the tiller (and the tiller as well)

[@gary1969SS]

is it a 4 speed model and do you want to sell it for parts

[@fleamine]

@@gary1969SS Its a Hydro static model, I sell for $200, if you have the time to pick it up. I bought it, had it running 2 years ago. As far as I know all parts are there EXCEPT the points cover on the motor. Good restore project.

[@yourbeekeeper]

Yes, the later years moved the headlights inside the grill.. what's the date code on the engine? Is it original? Make a vid and let me know when it's up.

[@yourbeekeeper]

That's interesting, I don't know the diff either...hmmm, will have to do a little research.

[@ben101337]

@yourbeekeeper thank you!!! i got it running(with starter fluid) and it works! haha now i have something to rub in my dads face lol

[@yourbeekeeper]

@johndeere9413 Good information can be found in a Gilson Tractor Group on Yahoo.

[@ryanchaffee8980]

I have a similar tractor with a starter/generator. Ran great last year but mice got to the wiring for the key switch. Now I can't figure out which wire goes where to start it. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Love your videos by the way keep them coming!

[@yourbeekeeper]

I would have to see the wiring and test the leads to know for sure. There are tractor forums that are great for knowledge and diagrams. What make/model do you have? Year?

[@ryanchaffee8980]

yourbeekeeper since asking you the question I figured out the wiring and now she purrs. Than you for getting back to me.

[@ben101337]

thanks for the information it was very helpful but i have a 79 Montgomery wards im having another electrical problem i was wondering if you knew what the point gap would be cause the tractor cranks but it wont start we bought a knew spark plug and it still wont spark me and a friend tested the spark plug to see if there was power and when i turned the key it zapped him so i know there is power i just dont know if the point gap is correct or not

[@gary1969SS]

get a klawaysaki electroinc ignition modual it has one wire and self grounding . works great don't use the nova modual it works but acts like it is out of time and backfires

[@johndeere9413]

i have almost the same one. any manuals or any information that you could send me?

[@asssface2000]

mine is a gill 33185A i would assume that means mine is a later year?

[@mex2texzz]

I have the same 16hp engine and worked for a few months but I now have trouble starting it up. Do you have the valve clearances for the engine? Thank you

[@yourbeekeeper]

I don't know them off hand... search it out on the internet... there are a LOT of resources available for the specs of these engine. Good luck getting it running right.

[@UBoobTube]

Was hoping for any leads for my GIL-33156B tractor to replacement parts?

[@yourbeekeeper]

Specifically, what parts are you looking for?

[@UBoobTube]

@@yourbeekeeper The throttle control wire? I do not have the exact name as he does not have the manual. Any sort of links or phone numbers to parts most commonly replaced are welcome as well because I'm not sure what else may need replacing once I power up you know?

[@1224Steve]

ok because i have a 1973 montgomery ward garden tractor also exept its belt driven and has a 10hp techumpseh on it an i havent been able to find anouther one on youtube

[@1224Steve]

ok if you find anything hit me up and ill probably make a video id it running and stuff

[@yourbeekeeper]

@ben101337 Sweet...

[@karlssmallenginervrepair1135]

Hello yourbeekeeper. I just picked up a 16 variable speed with headlights built into the hood. Year? 1974? Anyway, I am needing to rebuild this same module/rectifier as mine came without it. Any help?

[@yourbeekeeper]

Karl Freeberg the pin connectors, moles plug and diodes are all common/standard electronic components. You can find them in a electronics store or online. Here is a video how I make them kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3fLloV9iJprhqs Bet of luck making one.

[@karlssmallenginervrepair1135]

Hello again! Thanks so much. Your video is great on the bridge rectifier. I have a question...would you be willing to make/sell me one of these bridge rectifiers? You have the tools for it and the expertise :) ??? What would you charge? I could pay you thorugh PayPal if you have that? thanks for letting me know.

[@yourbeekeeper]

Karl Freeberg Hi Karl, I have this tractor kept at a Ranch I own and not at my primary residence. If you are willing to wait, I would build you one, but it will likely be toward the end of this year. I have a second Gilson under a tarp here at home that I need to build a rectifier for, but it is buried deep and I have its restoration planned to be a Winter project.

[@karlssmallenginervrepair1135]

Wow! thanks so much. Just let me know the price and of course I can wait as long as needed. Grateful. Karl

[@1224Steve]

ok thanks and i figured out its a montgomery ward mtd tractor not a gilson i dont know the difference between them but what ever

[@toddtaylor4802]

What way does the motor spin when your sitting on the seat

[@yourbeekeeper]

Sorry, I can't remember and I don't have it close to me to check. These engines have a pull-rope ring on the flywheel and you can determine the rotation by looking at how the knotted rope would fit the ring groove.

[@sonofthunder3333]

i need that roto tiller

[@yourbeekeeper]

+sonofthunder 333 It's a beast!

[@mechanicwarrior20]

interesting

[@davidfarrar3666]

Grrr. Mine is same year, same engine, same COLOR! But electrical is nothing like yours. I can't get it to charge the battery. I replaced the magneto with a coil, it has a new starter/generator, new solenoid, new voltage regulator, new battery and a new amp gauge. It also has a headlight switch, cutout toggle, ignition switch, points, and a PTO light. I have polarized it 6 ways to Sunday... wont charge. Individually tested each component checks out. I thinks a wiring problem but cant find a drawing with those components.

[@1224Steve]

would you sell this tractor ?

[@ben101337]

@yourbeekeeper ok i'll try and see if it works

[@switch55]

Find any nests behind the engine shroud? Careful leaving it out in the elements. Though thicker than today's cheap mowers, Gilson used cheap metal making these mowers. Ours rusted to all hell.

[@tractors4us]

he uses words like retifier.hot.unit....its hard to not get excited.

[@yourbeekeeper]

lol

[@ben101337]

@yourbeekeeper thank you!!! i got it running(with starter fluid) and it works! haha now i have something to rub in my dads face lol