oil question an a Farmal M

Charlie M

Well-known Member
I changed the plugs on my M last week and plugs from #2 and 3 cylinders had some oil residue but cylinders 1 and 4 didn't. I'm assuming it means something in common with the 2 cylinders. Wondering where oil is leaking by. I also got about a 1/4 cup of antifreeze when I changed the oil. The old tractor still runs OK but I have owned it since 1988 and have done nothing on the engine. I don't know the history but given what I see for power it is about what I would expect from a stock engine so either someones rebuild is worn a lot or maybe the tractor has never been overhauled or maybe overhauled in the past but not upgraded for horsepower.I'm thinking of pulling the head for a valve job sometime in the near future but when I do I need to be prepared to spend money on a replacement if I find this one cracked.Probably be a couple of years unless the situation gets worse.It is on my bucket list of things to do before I retire in a few years and won't want to spend as much big money on tractors.
 
The oil could be coming from either a worn valve stem,or worn rings. Run a compression test. Lower compression on the two bad cylinders will indicate worn rings.The aintifreeze is most likely a head gasket.Doubtful the head is cracked,unless it got really HOT at some point.If ithe leak is not fixed and gets worse(probably will) the antifreeze will get into the oil and wipe out crankshaft/rod bearings.Causeing more money spent. Sounds like time for a complete overhaul. Go ahead and do it soon. The tractor will then last the rest of your life.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top