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The Gehl 4500 and Its Powerplant
The Gehl 4500 skid steer loader was a popular compact machine in the 1970s and 1980s, designed for agricultural and light construction use. Manufactured by Gehl Company, which began building farm equipment in 1859 in Wisconsin, the 4500 model featured a robust frame, mechanical simplicity, and a gasoline-powered engine—often the Ford I98 industrial engine, also known as the KSG-416. This engine was derived from Ford’s automotive line but adapted for industrial use with heavier-duty components and simplified electronics.
Understanding Ignition Points and Their Role
Ignition points are part of the contact breaker system in older engines. They regulate the timing of the spark by opening and closing the circuit to the ignition coil. When the points open, the coil discharges a high-voltage pulse to the spark plug. Over time, these points wear out due to arcing and mechanical fatigue, leading to poor engine performance, misfires, or failure to start.
The Ford I98 engine uses a conventional distributor with replaceable points, condenser, rotor, and cap. These components are critical for maintaining proper ignition timing and spark strength.
Identifying the Correct Parts
Finding replacement points for the Gehl 4500 can be challenging due to the age of the machine and the industrial nature of the engine. Automotive parts stores often lack the cross-reference data for industrial engines. However, several part numbers have been identified that match the Ford I98/KSG-416 configuration:
Alternative Sourcing Strategies
If local parts stores are unable to locate these components, consider the following approaches:
When replacing ignition points:
Conclusion
The Gehl 4500 remains a reliable workhorse, and maintaining its Ford I98 engine requires attention to vintage ignition systems. With the right parts and a bit of mechanical care, these machines can continue to serve for decades. Whether sourcing from agricultural dealers or using cross-reference strategies, persistence pays off in keeping classic equipment running strong.
The Gehl 4500 skid steer loader was a popular compact machine in the 1970s and 1980s, designed for agricultural and light construction use. Manufactured by Gehl Company, which began building farm equipment in 1859 in Wisconsin, the 4500 model featured a robust frame, mechanical simplicity, and a gasoline-powered engine—often the Ford I98 industrial engine, also known as the KSG-416. This engine was derived from Ford’s automotive line but adapted for industrial use with heavier-duty components and simplified electronics.
Understanding Ignition Points and Their Role
Ignition points are part of the contact breaker system in older engines. They regulate the timing of the spark by opening and closing the circuit to the ignition coil. When the points open, the coil discharges a high-voltage pulse to the spark plug. Over time, these points wear out due to arcing and mechanical fatigue, leading to poor engine performance, misfires, or failure to start.
The Ford I98 engine uses a conventional distributor with replaceable points, condenser, rotor, and cap. These components are critical for maintaining proper ignition timing and spark strength.
Identifying the Correct Parts
Finding replacement points for the Gehl 4500 can be challenging due to the age of the machine and the industrial nature of the engine. Automotive parts stores often lack the cross-reference data for industrial engines. However, several part numbers have been identified that match the Ford I98/KSG-416 configuration:
- Contact Set: A101 or A101V
- Condenser: G590
- Distributor Cap: C550
- Rotor: D607
- 12V Coil: E70
Alternative Sourcing Strategies
If local parts stores are unable to locate these components, consider the following approaches:
- Agricultural Equipment Dealers: Many Ford industrial engines were used in tractors and farm machinery. Dealers specializing in vintage Ford tractors often have better access to ignition parts.
- Online Vintage Parts Retailers: Websites that specialize in obsolete or hard-to-find ignition parts may stock these components or offer interchange guides.
- Cross-reference with Automotive Models: The Ford Festiva and other small cars from the same era used similar ignition systems. Mentioning these models can help parts clerks locate compatible items.
- Distributor Part Number Lookup: If the distributor’s part number is known, it can be used to match the correct contact set and condenser in catalogs.
When replacing ignition points:
- Clean the distributor thoroughly to remove carbon buildup
- Use a feeler gauge to set the correct gap (typically 0.020 inches)
- Apply dielectric grease to the cam lobes to reduce wear
- Replace the condenser and rotor simultaneously to ensure consistent spark
- Check timing with a light after installation to confirm proper advance
Conclusion
The Gehl 4500 remains a reliable workhorse, and maintaining its Ford I98 engine requires attention to vintage ignition systems. With the right parts and a bit of mechanical care, these machines can continue to serve for decades. Whether sourcing from agricultural dealers or using cross-reference strategies, persistence pays off in keeping classic equipment running strong.
