Description

Bolens 1659, 1668 Parts Catalog – Factory OEM for 16 HP Tractors

If you’ve ever ordered a part for an old Bolens tractor and got the wrong one because you guessed at the number, you already know why a factory parts catalog matters. This is a Bolens 1659, 1668 Parts Catalog – 14 pages of OEM part listings straight from the factory. No aftermarket reprints, no generic lists. Just the same exploded-view diagrams and part numbers that Bolens dealers used when these tractors were new.

Part Numbers and Descriptions – Page 1 Breakdown

Look at the OCR data from the actual document. Page E-1 shows the seat assembly: reference 1 is seat, part 1747835. Seat support (1100305), flat washers 5/16 (1100115), adjusting knob (1734269), spring (1733830). Every bolt, washer, and decal is listed with its original Bolens part number and required quantity. You get the same format for fender assemblies, hood and grille, foot rests, side panels, and all the decals – right-hand hood, left-hand fender, instrument panel decals for both 1659 and 1668 variants.

Cross-Referencing Bolens 1659 vs 1668 Components

That is the value of a dedicated catalog covering both models. The 1659 and 1668 share many parts – same pivot rod (1736341), same fender decal hardware – but they differ on hood and grille assemblies: 1736565 for the 1659, 1736566 for the 1668. Decal sets also change between production runs. The catalog lists these with explanations like “(1) (2)” or “(3) (4)” to indicate which serial number group. Without this factory reference, you risk ordering a grille decal that doesn’t match your tractor’s year.

Why a 14-Page Factory Parts Catalog Beats an Aftermarket List

Aftermarket parts catalogs often skip the small hardware – flange lock screws, speed nuts, trim clips. This Bolens document includes every fastener: carriage bolts 1/4-20 x 1/2 (1186067), hex hd. screws 5/16-18 x 1-1/2 (1100799), even the acoustic foam (1745466) for the 1659. When you are restoring a 16 HP tractor, missing a 50-cent washer can stop a job. The factory list gives you the exact part numbers, so you order once and get it right.

Using the Catalog to Identify Bolts, Washers, and Nuts

Take the flange lock screw 14-20 x 3/4 (part 1724492) – required quantity 50 for the 1659. That is not something you can eyeball at the hardware store. The catalog also calls out locknuts, flat washers, cotter pins, and push nuts. If you are disassembling a tunnel assembly (1735562 for 1659 or 1744524 for 1668), you need those fasteners listed. The 14 pages cover the entire tractor structure – from seat to side panels – with the same level of detail.

For the Home Garage Mechanic Restoring a 1659 or 1668

Working on a 40-year-old Bolens in your own shop? This catalog saves you from making four trips to the dealer, hoping the counter guy can cross-reference a faded decal. You get the original part numbers for every decal – left hood, right hood, fender left, fender right, instrument panel. For example, the 1659 uses a left hood decal 1736196, while the 1668 uses 1746210 for early production and 1748709 for later. Without this catalog, you have to measure or guess.

Related manuals available: FMC Bolens 1666 Parts Catalog – 23 Page Factory Parts List, FMC Bolens 1660 Parts Catalog – 23-Page Factory Parts List, FMC Bolens 1055 Parts Catalog – 16-Page Factory Parts List OEM. For background on the automotive industry evolution, see Automotive Industry Overview and Automotive Industry Overview.

Does the catalog include torque specs?

No. This is a parts catalog, not a service manual. It lists part numbers, descriptions, and quantities. For torque values you need the service manual.

Can I use this to order parts from a dealer today?

Yes, as long as the part numbers haven’t been superseded. Bolens changed some numbers over the years. The catalog gives you the original OEM number. You can cross-reference with current supplier catalogs. For example, the flange lock screw 14-20 x 3/4 (part 1724492) is specific to the 1659. If you walk into a dealer with that number, they can look up the current equivalent. Without the catalog, you’re guessing.

If you are working on a Bolens 1659 or 1668, do not waste time hunting for parts by eyeballing. Access the Factory Manual and get the correct numbers before you pull a single bolt.