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Farmall MD-how hard is it to put the head on?

F

FarmallCT

Member
Hi guys,

I have the opportunity to buy a 1947 Farmall MD for a very reasonable price, the only catch is that the head needs to be re-installed. The guy restored the tractor after the old head cracked and got a brand new head for it but hasn't had time to complete the restoration and re-install the head.

My question is, how hard is it to re-assemble and install the head and then get it running? I haven't worked on any Farmall MD's before so is there anything I need to or should know? I have a neighbor with a SMD who would be able to help if I needed it but he has been busy lately.

From what i've been told the only major thing I need to look into is how the injectors and diesel switch levers go.

Thanks for all the help in advance,

FarmallCT
 
Not too bad.No different than any other heads. Just a few more steps. One thing however,a service manual is a MUST. It will give the touque specs,correct adjustments,etc..... At about 40 bucks,the cheapest 'part' of the whole job.
 
Thank you Delta. Just wanted to make sure I'm not getting in over my head.
I believe I have that one already. The I&T IH-8 manual.
The only part I am concerned about is the diesel part of the head because I am unfamiliar with how the diesel assembly goes on the head.
One other thing. The tractor also needs a new head gasket. Any suggested places to find that at a decent price? I know steiner has it for about $250.

The tractor is for $2000 with new paint and many new parts which I think is a fair price.

Thanks for the help
 
Check out YT. right here,these guys have losts of parts. Also check your local NAPA. You would be surprised how MUCH stuff they can get. Find the 'old guy' who has been there 'forever'.
 
Okay. I tried searching for MD parts on here and didn't find much but I'll look again. Thank you for all the help.
 
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT HEAD GASKET!!!!!!!!! You need to know what size piston and sleeves are in it and the corresponding head gasket. IF YOU INSTALL THE WRONG GASKET IT WILL WRECK THE ENGINE, A FRIEND DID IT TO HIS FEW YEARS AGO. The wrong gasket will cost you thousands just be careful. A service manual is a must. Most of the head gasket kits they sell are for 4 inch pistons/sleeves (264 cu inch) if the md hasn't been rebuilt then it is 3 7/8 inch pistons/sleeves (248 cu inch) that gasket is not sold in a kit. Can be tough to find,priced it this summer $250 just for head gasket, plus had to get all the other gaskets for the top end. BTW where you located at? Good luck. Jim.
 
Need to use the correct head gasket. If its had 4 inch bore sleeves installed. One protrudes above the block around .006 or less and the other type a good bit more. Agree you need a manual for all the adjustments to the linkage and other. To much to explain posting.
 
I had the head off and on my md twice, first time to replace head gasket (which was wrong) and the second time to completely rebuild the engine and install the right head gasket.Yes, the correct head gasket is critical. It did not destroy the engine, but caused a sleeve to shatter. Ended up with a nos piston/sleeve kit and weeks of cleaning out all the metal shards from the sleeve with a magnet. Fortunately, all the bearings, oil pump etc. were ok.
BE SURE to get the IT-8 manual if you dont have it.
I would only get the head gasket from an IH dealer. I see you are in CT. Im in eastern NY and use Columbia Tractor, Claverack, NY for my parts.
They will be able to get the correct gasket once you determine which one it is. Around 225$.
Tractor is all back together now and runs like a dream with no issues. Sorry for long post.
 
You definitely need to determine what sleeves/pistons you have and get the correct head gasket. They head gaskets are not cheap and all the ones I had found were comparable in price. I just did a head gasket on mine a year or more ago and it ended up that I had the super MD sleeves rather than the original MD sleeves. Other than that I would recommend that you get the head checked for cracks as they are known to crack. Many times they are hearline cracks. I was able to put the head on by myself but it was heavy. I just made sure that I had enough pallets stacked up to get me to the correct height before lifting it on. As far as the head is concerned there s not much to the diesel part other than the extra set of valves and the switchover assembly. There are a lot of good people here that can help as I had many questions on getting my MD going again after sitting for 20 years. Another good resource for parts and advice is Ken Updike at Johnson Tractor in Juda Wisconsin. He was previously at Carter Gruenwald for 20+ years and knows his stuff and can also get you the parts you need.

Good Luck.
 
Thank you hattrick.
I will look into that and try to find out what head gasket it needs.
The head is a new, re-manufactured head that has never been used so I think I should be good with that.
Thank you to everyone for all the replies and advice. It is much appreciated
 
There are basically two sleeve sizes. The stock MD has 3-7/8" sleeves and the super and newer sleeves are 4" sleeves. That should be easy to determine. Call Ken and he will know what gasket you will need. Also I know that there is a debate on of it is needed but I used copperseal on both sides of my gasket. The new gasket for 4" sleeves has a black coating on it but I used copperseal just to be safe.
 
Okay. I will try to find that out. I didn't use it on engine on my f-12 which I rebuilt but I think I'll try using it this time. Thank you
 
Could be wrong, but think some aftermarket 4 inch sleeves sold in the past had the large protrusion. Maybe able to see if one I have with large protrusion laying around is a 4 inch for a MD. Have to check if its for a D248 block or a D-264 block.
I was mistaken, sleeve was a thick wall 4 inch bore for a D-264.
 
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