WD45 diesel

I have an opportunity to purchase aWD45D and Iwas wondering if they are any better than the gas version and how easy it is to find parts for the Buda engine if in case I need any.
It is in good running condition now but shows a fair amount of use.
 
You probably know, they are very collectable and worth about 5 times what a gas is. Neighbor farmed with one for several years with no problems. Later D-17s are much more dependable. If you can buy it for a reasonable price get it. People are always looking for them to collect.
 
It is not hard at all to find parts but make sure you have deep pockets. They are money pits if the engine has problems that are VERY common. Before you buy it preform two easy checks. Take some anti freeze with you so you can top off the radiator and check the radiator for bubbles while running. Also pull the oil fill/breather cap and look for white froth. No matter if it shows froth or not wipe your finger under the cap then wipe the excess whatever from your finger leaving a bit on it and touch your finger to your tongue. If you dont want to do that get an oil sample and have it run. If sweet (anti freeze) or sample shows anti freeze RUN from the tractor, they are not worth what you will end up investing by a long shot.
 
Buda engines and the A-C version of the Buda are not the same. All Allis engines had wet replaceable cylinder sleeves, while the Buda was a bored block. In my opinion, on a 1 to 10 scale, the A-C Buda gas engines were about an "8" and the diesels were a 5 on a good day, with the turbo'd D-262 being a 2 or 3. Any of the gasoline engines would run 4,000 hrs before overhaul and probably the only repair in that 4,000 hrs would be manifold gaskets and tune-ups. The diesel?? I can't say I've ever really had the chance to overhaul one for being worn out. I've replaced multiple head gaskets and cylinder heads before it was ever really time for a true OH, especially the turbo'd D-19 engine. The gas engine you could slap in a set of pistons and sleeves and go right back to work for another 4,000 hrs. The diesel?? the block will be in need of repair and the cylinder head will be junk. The diesels are smooooth, fuel efficient and run very nice BUT, as far as a long term good buy?? no way !!!
 
Actually the 230 diesel in the Cockshutt 40 diesel was almost identical to the 230 in the WD45 diesel only real difference was a slightly different water pump and both have wet sleeves.
The 273 in the Cockshutt 50 had no sleeves but otherwise the same as the 230.
 
Depends what your gonna do with it, if its cheap under 2000, and running good buy it and resell as those things running half way decent bring over 6000,, if your gonna farm a little , id be looking at something newer, D series or even a Hundred Series, jmo; if you decide your not interested I will be as I luv those things , my emails [email protected]
 
Plus one on the headgasket issues. I have a D17D that blew the head gasket. What I thought would be a quick and easy repair turned into a complete overhaul using a gas block from a combine. I was lucky that my head had already been repaired (welded) on someone else's dime at Midwest Cylinder Head.
I'll second the collectability, but they are an expensive tractor to own. If you do buy it, be nice to it. Warm it up fully before going to the field and let it idle about 10 minutes before shut down and you'll do ok.
 

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