Is my block done for?

DK44H · Apr 16, 2014

Hey all, I bought a stuck 400 a few weeks back basically as a
donor tractor. The sheet metal and emblems were perfect. I
was going to use them on another 400 I already have. As I
started looking the donor over, I noticed that the pedals were
minimally worn and that the tach only showed 4000 hours. It's
also a factory TA delete and has the standard pto. Those aren't
too common here, so it intrigued me and I started thinking that
maybe this one could be saved. I removed the head to see just
how stuck it was and wow it was bad. 3 of the 4 cylinders were
full of water. So I got all the water and crud out and found that
in the #2 cylinder the sleeve has broken and pushed in
towards the block. I've never torn into a farmall engin this far,
but is this block junk now? If not, how can I get that sleeve
out? Thanks for the help, sorry the post is so long!

redforlife · Apr 16, 2014

If they are dry sleeves, which I think they are (I haven't had sleeves out of a 400), if its just the sleeve thats messed up you can just replace. If the wall outside the sleeve (if a dry sleeve) is messed up, I would say the block is no good. My 2 cents.

mkirsch · Apr 17, 2014

They are dry sleeves.

Get the old sleeves out before you condemn the block.

Darin Johns · Apr 17, 2014

Block is fine you might just have to have a machine shop bore and re sleeve that broke one

DK44H · Apr 17, 2014

Thanks for the encouragement. I've got the cylinders filled with ATF, but the one with the broken sleeve is leaking away. It may be quite awhile before these break loose. I've also got a problem with the shift rails, they are frozen up tight too. The inside of the trans seems ok tho. So I'll have to address that as well. A non running but loose M came with the deal, supposedly ran when parked. Metal is straight and has the single front. I'll let the 400 soak while I try to get that M running. Maybe by then she'll be ready to go. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself thru all this, but once it's done it's all worth it! Definitely a labor of love!

D Slater · Apr 17, 2014

If freezing water pushed the cylinder wall out its a possible repair if that's the only problem. Unless its sentimental or you want a original block a better option maybe another block if you can get one close at a reasonable price.
If it has the thin wall sleeves, 4.125 pistons sleeves will come out pretty easy in pieces if you break the top flange on the sleeve. Carful not to damage the top of the block or counter bore. Then take something thin that won't dig into the cylinder wall and start going down behind the sleeve. Usually the sleeve will peel on down then remove what's left.

rustyfarmall · Apr 17, 2014

I've got an engine block from an M that apparently was allowed to set with just water in it, and when the water froze, it broke 2 adjacent cylinder bores. Yes, I know it COULD be fixed, but it also makes a very good 4 cylinder flower planter setting in front of the shop.

CenTex Farmall · Apr 17, 2014

Dad and I are in the final stages of bringing back to life a 400 like yours; T/A delete and standard PTO. It's frustrating to find a major problem on an otherwise good project tractor but it happens.

Is the crank such that #2 is all the way at the bottom? The sleeve being ruptured out means a rupture in the water jacket. It will not be practical to repair the block vs. finding a replacement. I could put my hands on a couple of them today.

If the whole machine is fairly low time and the trans is good it's worth saving. Even the rest of the motor parts: crank, oil pump etc. will have less wear and be worth saving.

If the M turns out to have a bad trans but good motor you could use that one.

pete 23 · Apr 17, 2014

Sounds like the block has let go behind the sleeve. I have seen this happen and on that engine it had rusted away inside the block so piston was in the water jacket. If from rust on back side block would not be worth trying to repair. If water froze in cyl a machine shop may be able to sleeve it but I would say it is not worth it.

rustred · Apr 17, 2014

I have seen these engines sit with water and freeze and the sleeve and block both split open. you can visually see right into the block.
another block is the answer.
would be ok if it was a wet sleeve as then just need sleeves.
post is not too long, just gives details and you can expect a precise answer. need more posts like this. good luck on the block hunt.

DK44H · Apr 17, 2014

I was afraid a different block is the answer. Looks like it's ruptured into the water jacket pretty far, it's more than just a crack that's for sure. I tried to take a picture of it but it's not turning out too well. Can't see much. And yes, the piston is all the way down in the sleeve. I think I'm probably going to put this one on the back burner for awhile, and get the M going.

On a side note, I'm pretty excited as my SMTA went off last Friday to a good friend of mine to be painted. I'll post pics when it gets back! Thanks for the help guys! Great as usual!

rustyfarmall · Apr 18, 2014

Depending on the planned use of the 400, it might be a good candidate for a small block Chevy transplant.

Is my block done for?

DK44H

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redforlife

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mkirsch

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Darin Johns

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DK44H

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D Slater

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rustyfarmall

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CenTex Farmall

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pete 23

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rustred

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DK44H

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rustyfarmall

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