Author	[Modern View]
PAvegfarmer 01-15-2013 19:20:43 24.239.226.73 Report to Moderator	Thanks for all the advice. I took a good look at the sleeves and there is a slight ridge. I will have to get a good measurement on it later. There is no play in the piston at all that I can tell. I will drop the pan tomorrow and take a look at the bottom. The head is still within specs according to the ol' straight edge. I plan on only doing light work with this tractor and 90% of the time it will be for show. Do you think I can get away with new rings? Maybe have a go at a complete rebuild in a couple years. This is my budget tractor (my wife made the budget, not me), so far with a new head gasket set, a used manifold, battery, and everything for a tune-up I am in it around 900. I wanted to get it done including paint and decals for under 1200. However, I have never seen this tractor run and don't know much about variances in the M. Any go or no go opinions on when to do this? Or how long they last with some sleeve wear doing light work? [Reply]   [No Email]
Janicholson 01-16-2013 06:41:06 199.17.6.21 Report to Moderator	Re: Farmall M Head Gasket R&R in reply to PAvegfarmer, 01-15-2013 19:20:43   If you do not change the rings, there is no issue with the ridge. I and others assumed you had the engine apart. If not, and the oil pressure was ok and it sounded good, run it don't take it apart. Jim [Reply]  [No Email]
PAvegfarmer 01-16-2013 19:49:39 24.239.226.73 Report to Moderator	Re: Farmall M Head Gasket R&R in reply to Janicholson, 01-16-2013 06:41:06   Thanks Jim. I meant I just have the head off. I have never heard this tractor run. Just going off of the word of the previous owner. He said it ran good until the gasket went. Then he let it sit and once it seized he didn't want anything to do with it. I'll put it all back together and run her. Thanks for all the advice. [Reply]  [No Email]
rustred 01-15-2013 20:35:59 209.115.232.65 Report to Moderator	Re: Farmall M Head Gasket R&R in reply to PAvegfarmer, 01-15-2013 19:20:43   it will run longer than you as is. a little ring ridge is no big deal for someone on a budget. a rule of thimb is if you can hook your finger nail on the ridge its overhaul time. from what you describe i would bolt the head on and enjoy cause the paint will eat the rest of your budget. [Reply]  [No Email]