Ford 455C/555C/655C Tractor Loader Backhoe Repair Manual, 1984–1994

This Ford repair manual covers the 455C, 555C, and 655C tractor loader backhoes, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine configurations.

PDF Search, Bookmarks and Page Detail

Navigation and wiring detail: Manual text is not searchable. Fifteen embedded bookmarks provide volume and main-section navigation. Small wiring labels require zooming, and some large electrical layouts continue across consecutive pages.

One printable PDF contains 1,088 pages, including one additional front page and 32 blank or header-only pages. The manual spans eleven service parts across three bookmarked volumes.

Engine, Drivetrain and Loader/Backhoe Repair

These selected content highlights summarize the repair coverage. Further topics include reversible stabilizer pads and rear-window defroster installation.

• Engine and fuel systems: Cylinder-head, valve-train and crankshaft repair, DPA/DPS injection-pump overhaul and testing, injector service, turbochargers, lubrication and cooling.

• Transmission and driveline: Fully synchronized 4×4 and 8×8 power-reversing transmission overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic controls, rear axle, differential lock, wheel brakes and handbrakes.

• Steering and PTO: Hydrostatic steering diagnosis and overhaul, separate 2WD/4WD front-axle chapters, transfer gear service, and independent PTO repair specifically for the 455C.

• Loader and backhoe hydraulics: Pump and control-valve overhaul, sideshift clamping, swing circuits, hydraulic cylinders, flow restrictors, pump-performance testing and pressure diagnosis.

• Working structures: Boom, standard and extendible dipperstick, buckets, swing post, carriage, loader arms, subframes, mechanical control linkages, hoses and tubes.

• Electrical, A/C and accessories: Harness diagrams, starting and charging tests, A127 alternator overhaul, refrigerant service, compressor repair, major-unit separation and accessory installation.

• Coverage gap: Part 8, Chapter 10 stops at internal page 13 during the circuit-relief-valve test. Chapter 11 and Section 9 pages 9-1 through 9-6 are not included.

The repair depth suits experienced technicians with suitable lifting, blocking, hydraulic-test and refrigerant-recovery equipment. Raised loader/backhoe structures, heavy driveline assemblies and stored hydraulic pressure require particular care.

Engine Builds and Fuel-System Procedures

The 455C uses the DPA distributor-type injection pump; the 555C and 655C fuel chapters cover the DPS type. Model-specific engine tables and pump test plans help match overhaul parts, timing checks and bench-test procedures to the fitted configuration.

Naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines have different piston and ring arrangements. The manual also addresses the four-cylinder balancer, cooling-system differences and turbocharger repair.

Step-by-step engine procedures cover valve-seat and guide inspection, cylinder-head and rocker-shaft overhaul, timing gears, bore measurement and honing, service-sleeve installation, pistons and connecting rods, oil-pump inspection, main bearings, flywheel checks and camshaft-bearing replacement.

Incorrect timing alignment during crankshaft work with the cylinder head installed can allow valve-to-piston contact.

Fuel-system coverage extends to tanks, filters, lines, dry air cleaners and injector overhaul. DPA and DPS chapters include ISO test conditions, pump timing and bench-testing requirements.

Transmission, Axles and Steering

Transmission repair includes modulator and solenoid-control valves, the 8×8 lock-up valve, front-end service, complete teardown, clutch-pack work and reassembly checks. The 4×4 chapter also explains the market-restricted 3×3 arrangement.

The 4WD axle chapter identifies the Carraro 710-19 and covers planetary hubs, axle shafts, swivel bearings, differential and pinion work. Steering procedures include motor and pump overhaul, pressure testing and bleeding.

Separate handbrake sections address transmission-mounted and twin-cable arrangements. The 455C PTO section includes clutch, control-valve and pressure-regulating-valve service.

Hydraulic Diagnosis and Frame Service

The hydraulic chapters follow the reservoir, filter, oil cooler, pump and driveshaft through the loader and backhoe circuits. Fault charts distinguish whole-unit, loader, backhoe and pump problems.

The pump-performance test isolates the pump from the working circuits, allowing pump condition to be assessed separately from downstream leakage. A circuit relief valve with an excessive pressure setting can cause structural damage.

Frame procedures cover removal, inspection and replacement of working structures and controls, including hydro-mechanical self-leveling and return-to-dig adjustment. Hydraulic hose and tube service includes O-ring face-seal connections.

Electrical Tests, A/C and Accessory Work

Electrical testing covers harness continuity, lighting faults, battery condition, starter operation, alternator output and battery-temperature compensation. Air-conditioning material includes fault diagnosis, gauge-reading interpretation, refrigerant-system service and compressor repair.

Separation procedures address the engine, transmission, rear axle and backhoe. Accessory instructions cover cold-start equipment, backup alarms, loader auxiliary-valve conversion, multipurpose-bucket forks and backhoe-control conversions.

Illustrations and Workshop Tools

Engine illustrations include 3-Cylinder Engine Lubrication System and DPA Distributor Type Fuel Injection Pump Drive Gear to Camshaft Drive Gear Timing. Oil Flow in Forward and Rear Axle Sectional View explain drivetrain operation.

Hydraulic Components and Circuit Schematic and Air Conditioner Unit Wiring Diagram accompany system diagnosis. Supporting references include troubleshooting charts, exploded views, torque tables, capacities, wear limits, clearances and electrical test specifications.

The engine tool table lists CPT 6040-B for crankshaft-gear removal, CT 6069-A for replacement, FT.6203 with handle N6261-A for camshaft-bearing work, and FT.6204 for crankshaft oil-seal installation.

Examples from the Valve-Lash and Crankshaft Data

Cold intake valve lash is specified at 0.014–0.018 in. (0.36–0.46 mm), with cold exhaust lash at 0.017–0.021 in. (0.43–0.53 mm) for the covered engines.

Crankshaft endplay is specified at 0.004–0.008 in. (0.10–0.20 mm), alongside the assembly chapter’s dial-indicator check and thrust-bearing alignment instructions.