Case 500

Ive heard a Case 500 diesel is a good old tractor but can have problems with the fuel injection pumps, is that true.If this is the case are the pumps easy to fix or difficult and expensive? Can a pump from something else be made to work?
Any thoughts welcome.
Thanks
Bill

Ive a 520 ID and put an inline bosch from think came from a 401 same eng bigger bore.Of course you've got to have the inj lines that comes with the inline pump Inlinepump give it more power,especially after I put a turbo from a <>Cat moter on it.401 came out of a front end loader. Hoss

Bill - I would be more concerned that the O-Rings at the lower end of the sleeves are not leaking. These tractors are getting some years on them and it may be a long time since they were replaced or ever have. I have one and they are tough old tractors. I sure enjoyed traveling around Scotland when I was in the military and stationed in that part of the world. Very friendly people and beautiful country.

The pumps aren't really troublesome except for the sticking throttle shaft, which is a simple fix. But once bad are expensive or even unrepairable. An inline pump from a 930 will bolt on tho if you take all the parts from the block back, including the lines and linkage.

I know when they sit for quite a spell, something can cease up in the pump area, so one needs to be careful not to run it till you check over. Just cant remember right now what you need to check, I know some of the other guys here will know.
Agree also with making sure there is no coolant in the pan, from orings leaking, a small cup of coolant isnt bad but not much more.

I have 500 and a couple years ago the local John Deere club asked me to come over to their plow day. They had about 90 acres to plow and there was a bunch of different tractors plowing. Got their around 9 on that Saturday morning and the green machines were waiting for me.. I was pulling a Case
5/14 teens, the R JD was pulling 4/14 teens, 730 JD had a Case mounted 3/14 teens and the 820 JD was pulling 4/16 teens. They were all ahead of me on my first pass across the field. An then pulled in behind me with the R on my butt.. I dropped the plow and away we went, I left them in a cloud of smoke. At the other end of the field I pulled out and waited for the R, I could run up and could have bumped the tire on his plow, so I would let him get 50 yards ahead of me and run up on him.. This R looked like it came off the show room floor (all painted up) after pushing him across the field a couple of times he went for the barn.. The 730 couldn't run with me and the 820 I could edge him at the end of the pass by 25 to 30 yards.. When we went in for lunch I was told I had a turbo, the pump was kicked up and I must have over size pistons in her. The fellow with the R was so mad/disappointed he loaded up and left.. To make along story short I have not got a invite back.. The Old 500 is fun to plow with, and I love putting it to the JD's...

Hi,
I think they are a terrific tractor. My understanding is that the export tractors got inline American Bosch (APE)pumps on them. (I've seen some with rotary pumps.) I think most inline pumps are susceptable to the racks sticking from sitting around, so hence people have moments when starting and they run at max revs unable to be governed. I haven't had this problem. Mine is inline. I found mine had a stuck transfer pump and would starve for fuel. An easy fix. Other problems I've heard of are cracked heads, leaky sleeve o-rings with the result of coolant in the engine or oil. There are many different ideas/opinions out there. Anyway a tractor definitely worth the effort. I would listen to people on here and then make up your own mind.
Regards
Andrew

Here in Pa. they are a favorite of the Amish and Memmonite sects, they are a relatively simple no frills tractor and suited ideally for groups making their first inroads into more modern methods, they were not used for field work, converted to steel they did mostly stationary use such a silo blowing and such tasks. We also had some more progressive ones useing 70 series w/cabs and on rubber and for field work, but no radios!