Sovereign 7016 Exact Year Identification

[OldManDeath]

Hello, First I would just like to say hello as I am very new here (just signed up). I have been perusing the site and forums. I recently (Oct 2010) bought my first house on 6.4 acres (on a hillside) of land in Dellrose, TN. Along with the property, the owner left a 1975-1978 model (according to identification chart found here) year Simplicity Sovereign 7016, 6-Speed tractor that was not running. In doing research, I obtained electronic copies of both the tractor and engine operation and parts manuals. The tractor is in remarkably good condition for being over 30 years old.

I had to get a new battery and a new float for the carb. To my surprise it fired right up and runs very well. However, there is oil blow by and this winter I plan to do a full restoration on it. However, it is currently being used to pull a cart (also left by previous owner) to aid in landscape work. The mower deck does need a lot of work. I plan to start on taking it apart here shortly to get it working. It needs all blades and some bearings, as well as cleaning up. Ok, so now, finally on to my question...I want to determine the exact year the tractor is however, the ID Label has been scratched up to the point you can not read the number as seen in the picture below.

I am wondering if there might be somewhere on the frame that the ID number would be stamped? I have done a cursory look and have not seen any stampings on the frame. Thanks in advance for any help and I look forward to being a part of this club.

[UCD]

The only way to get close is by useing the numbers off from the engine. Simplicity did not use year of MFG dates just model numbers and MFG#'s.

[Brettw]

Although not exact, in cleaning up and painting the rear wheels on my 7112, 7114, and 7118, I noticed the date stamped on the wheel. That may give you some indication, if there is a similar stamp on your wheels.

[BLT]

The production years were 1975 thru 1978. That in mind, it could be built from the fall of 1974 thru the spring of 1978.

[Mike]

Nothing like a free tractor! Treat it well and it will treat you well.

[UCD]

What transmission does it have?

[OldManDeath]

It has the 6 speed transmission. It actually has 3 gears and reverse with a Hi and Lo selector arm.

[UCD]

1690203 7016 6sp model year 1977 1690423 7016 6sp model year 1978/79 your last mfg# digit is a 3 so it has to be one of those two.

[OldManDeath]

Thanks for the information. The only inconsistency I see is the 2nd to last digit has a definite closure on the bottom upper portion visible. This tends to lead me to think the 2nd to last digit is an 8 or 9. However, that does not coincide with the two numbers provided. What does the "ML" mean in the description for the 16 HP, ML, 6-SPD for the 1690203 one? Also there is a "G" as in 7016G for the model of the one with the 1690423 number. What does the "G" reference? Knowing those could help me narrow it down maybe. I plan to pull the wheel weights off and see if there is a stamped year like Brettw mentioned were on his rear wheels. It would be nice to know the full number. I find is surprising that it is not stamped on the frame somewhere. You would think they (Simplicity) would know that the label could become damaged or missing. However, if I had bought it new, I would have written all that information down like I always do. :)

[PhanDad]

The last digits of the number you see on the ID plate is the serial number. The model number is to the left, right after "ID NO" and is completely obliterated. I believe the ML indicates manual lift.

[OldManDeath]

@PhanDad - I was concerned that might be the case. However, it is definitely in the 1975-78 range. :) Manual Lift would make sense for the "ML".

[OldManDeath]

In looking at the X-Ref listing, there appear to only be 4 models that cover what I have. 1690203 - 7016 B&S, 1977, 16 HP, ML, 6-SPD. 1690341 - 7016 B&S, 1978, 16 HP, ML, 6-SPD. 1690423 - 7016G B&S, 1978, 6-Speed (Turf Tires). 0620425 - 7016G B&S, 1978, 6-Speed (Ag Tires). Mine has Turf Tires, but that does not mean that is what came on it, but could be highly likely. Also the sticker on the sides showing the model number do not have the "G" at the end. So going by the X-Ref chart and the 4 numbers above, it is either a 1977 or 78 year tractor.

[UCD]

ML = Manual lift. G = gear. H = Hydrostatic. There are 10 MFG#'s for 7016, 4 are for the 7016 six spd. The main thing you need to know is that it is a 7016-6pd 169006 7016H 1690086 Soveriegn 7016-3sp 1690202 7016H 1690203 7016-6sp 1977 1690341 7016-6sp 1978/79 1690342 7016H 1690423 7016-6sp 1978/79 1690425 7016-6sp 1978/79 1690427 7016H 1690429 7016H

[OrangeMetalGuy]

After you pull the wheel weights, if you put 'em back on make sure to give the zerk on the outside of the right hand axle a good filling. Once the weights are on you won't be able to reach it, more than likely.

[MikeES]

If the engine is original... the Briggs "code" number on the nameplate is when the engine was built. This is an eight digit number: first 2 - year built second 2 - month built third 2 - day built last 2 - assembly line built on The engine is at least a month or more older than the tractor.

[OldManDeath]

Thanks Mike, I will have to check that out.

[Stan-Tn]

Welcome as a new member to the forum. I am outside Knoxille Tn. I don't post much but I do enjoy reading the topics on here.

[OldManDeath]

Thank you for the welcome Stan. :)

[OldManDeath]

Ok, after doing other things for a while, I finally took off a wheel weight on the left side rear tire. No markings on the outside of the rim. However, I pulled the tire/rim off and on the back side was EWC and then the number 0417607. It reads like that is the part number for the rim. Tried searching net, found nothing related to it. Edit: Through more research, it appears that the "EWC" refers to the "Electric Wheel Company" which is now part of Titan [url]http://www.titan-intl.com/about-titan[/url].

[OldManDeath]

I did find out from the wheel manufacturer that the year is stamped inside the wheel and that you have to take the tire off the rim. So, it will be a bit before I get around to doing that. :)

[cschmidt62]

Can the year be narrowed down by the headlights, The adds for "new in 1975" show the pod style lights while in 1978 they show the lights in the grill. Also the paint scheme was different. Just a thought.

[MysTiK]

quote:

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Originally posted by cschmidt62
Can the year be narrowed down by the headlights, The adds for "new in 1975" show the pod style lights while in 1978 they show the lights in the grill. Also the paint scheme was different. Just a thought.

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Good point. I know from date-chasing my AC716H, that the change from pod lights to upper grille lights occurred roughly mid 1977 - it's documented in the same area you mentioned, only it's in with the AC 700-series. Shows pix of both types, and an explanation. Also they changed the runner boards to orange, from black. Looks like they could dip paint the whole thing easier. Lots of owners paint the RB's black; preferred image. I went through this same process - I dated mine as 1979 by using the Kohler engine labels, in reference with specific info in the Kohler K-series Manual - the engine date is specifically "1979". And the AC700's were last made in 1979. So, it's possible that it's a late 1978; but the only clear date available say 79 - so I go with that. Haha - I have "the last of the AC716's". Sounds famous or something. My tractor likes it, too. :D - this is an older thread btw. n/p. I appreciate mention of the zerk on the right rear wheel.

[OldManDeath]

I did narrow it down to one of the two years, 77 or 78. The paint scheme and headlights from what I could dig up were the same for those years. I do have it planned to rebuild the engine this winter and do other restoration unless something else pops up, so I should find out exactly between the wheels and the engine numbers when I find them.

[BLT]

What about engine number. If legit, that would get you within 60-90 days.

[OldManDeath]

yeah, I have not been able to locate it from looking around. I figured that seeing as I will be rebuilding the engine this winter, I would look then when I clean it all up. :)