Allis-Chalmers Model C Overview
For owners, buyers, restorers, and parts searchers, the Allis Chalmers C is most useful when its serial range, equipment, manuals, and parts sources are checked together. Allis Chalmers C: The Allis-Chalmers Model C Tractor, produced from 1940 through 1949, uses a compact 125.2 ci (2.1 L) four‑cylinder engine to deliver dependable power for small farms.
Nebraska Tractor Test Report 363 documents the Distillate variant of Model C, with test details and results that anchor owner expectations. Practical manuals from Jensales, Yesterday's Tractors, and EmanualOnline complement the public spec rows with starting, lubrication, maintenance, and parts guidance.
Because parts and service hinge on the exact model code, serial range, and configuration, verify the tractor’s serial and configuration against the available manuals or test reports before ordering parts or performing maintenance.
Allis-Chalmers C Quick Answers
- Production yearsThe Allis-Chalmers Model C was produced from 1940 through 1949.
- PowerPTO power published data includes 23.30 hp (17.4 kW) and drawbar power 18.4 hp (13.7 kW). Match those figures to the documented engine and transmission setup before treating them as model-wide.
- EngineEngine displacement is 125.2 ci (2.1 L).
- PTO and hitchRear PTO: 560.
- Service capacityEngine oil capacity is 4 qts (3.8 L); coolant capacity is 8 qts (7.6 L).
Engine and Power
Engine and power figures center on a 125.2 ci (2.1 L) four-cylinder engine running at about 1,500 rpm. Distillate and gasoline variants use the same displacement but different compression values.
Engine option 1
Allis Chalmers CE / distillate / 4-cylinder 8-valve / liquid-cooled vertical I-head / Low-octane fuel engine designed to run on tractor fuels with an octane rating of 30 or higher.
| Displacement | 125.2 ci 2.1 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.375x3.50 inches 86 x 89 mm |
| Air Cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 4.75:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1500 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Coolant Capacity | 8 qts 7.6 L |
| Sparkplug | Autolite A 9 |
| Sparkplug Gap | 0.035 inches 0.889 mm |
| Point Gap | 0.020 inches 0.508 mm |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (hot) 0.254 mm |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (hot) 0.254 mm |
Gasoline engine
Allis-Chalmers CE / gasoline / 4-cylinder 8-valve / liquid-cooled
| Displacement | 125.2 ci 2.1 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.375x3.50 inches 86 x 89 mm |
| Air Cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 5.75:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1500 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Coolant Capacity | 8 qts 7.6 L |
| Sparkplug | Autolite AN 7 |
| Sparkplug Gap | 0.035 inches 0.889 mm |
| Point Gap | 0.020 inches 0.508 mm |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches 0.254 mm |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches 0.254 mm |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
Tested PTO
Tested drawbar
PTO and Hitch
PTO and hitch specs center on a 560 rear PTO. Match implements to PTO speed and hitch configuration for the actual machine.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Maintenance highlights include engine oil capacity of 4 qts (3.8 L) and coolant capacity of 8 qts (7.6 L). Battery voltage is 6 V; spark plug gap is 0.035 in (0.889 mm) and point gap 0.020 in (0.508 mm). Fluid types, filters, belts, and battery groups should be confirmed with a parts catalog or service manual.
Fuel tank
Engine oil capacity
Battery volts
Battery Ah
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Configuration-specific values are split out where the same model has documented differences by engine, transmission, or equipment.
Wheelbase
Weight
Length
Width
- 5.5 inches 13 cm
- 68.5 inches 173 cm
Height
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
- 4.00-15
- 6-12
Ag rear
- 9-24
- 10-24
Electrical
Electrical rows are included when documented.
Ground
Charging system
Charging amps
Battery volts
Serial Number Lookup
Serial-number guidance: year tables apply within the stated range; prefixes and regional builds require documentation to apply beyond the stated range.
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
Manuals and Documents
The documents below add manual, parts, and test context for Allis-Chalmers Model C. They are useful for controls, service categories, parts matching, and tested-performance details that do not fit into short spec rows.
Match coverage carefully before relying on a document for service decisions, especially when one manual, catalog, or report covers several models, fuel types, transmissions, or tractor variants.
- Allis Chalmers Model C Tractor Operator's ManualOperator’s manual for Allis-Chalmers Model C tractor; includes starting, operation, lubrication, adjustments, and style variations.Open source
- Allis Chalmers Model C Tractor Service Repair Manual (AC-S,B,C)Service manual for Allis-Chalmers Model C (and B/S); compiled and reproduced by Jensales from original factory material.Open source
- Allis Chalmers Model C Tractor Service Repair Manual - EmanualOnlineAllis-Chalmers Model C Service Repair Manual; index topics include GENERAL INFORMATION, PERIODIC MAINTENANCE, ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, COOLING SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CHASSIS, SERVICES INFORMATION, EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATIONOpen source
- Allis Chalmers C Parts ManualParts manual for Allis-Chalmers Model C; 191 pages; reprint of the original factory manual with exploded views for ordering parts.Open source
- Test 363: Allis-Chalmers Model C (Distillate)Nebraska Tractor Test Report for Allis-Chalmers Model C (Distillate) stock tractor; test details and results.Open source
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order Allis-Chalmers C parts from the model name alone. Match the part to the tractor's model code, serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and build year before choosing service parts.
Filters, fluids, belts, electrical parts, clutch and PTO parts, and hydraulic parts can vary by setup. Exact part numbers need a parts catalog, manual, or trusted supplier source before they become recommendations.
Accuracy Note
Tractor specifications can vary by year, region, factory configuration, installed equipment, and later repairs. Match serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and model code before ordering parts or doing service work.