801 Powermaster diesel

Alright you fellows, I am a long time 960 Ford owner, great to me tractor. I have a 640 almost to running and a 52 model 8N in line to "restore". Never had a diesel Ford tractor, had several different color diesel tractors but no blue ones. Now I have a chance to get an 801 Powermaster diesel, cranks and runs ok, in trade for a trailer that I don't have a lot in. What about the diesel engine that is in an 801? Anybody have experience with them? Are they used in other equipment? Give good service? Trouble areas? Thanks for input, Paul

You have a nice original air cleaner. When this tractor first came out they broke many crankshafts. They were returned to the dealers and the factory sent thier people out to put a crankshaft balancer on the bottom of the engine blocks, with a new replacement crankshaft. Also at this time the air cleaners were replaced with a more effeicent oil bath mounted on the side of the hood. It was a package deal.
Air-cleaner,crank and Balancer.
My Grand Father bought a 4000 with the same engine in 1964. It has about 10,000 hours on the crankshaft and it broke in the first throw and it would still run. I flipped the engine over and replaced the crank and that was 3500 hours ago. It now has 13,500 hours on the tractor!
They are an excellent tractor. At this time crankshaft replacement is a problem because you are not to grind them and they need to remain standard in size. You can polish them. Bearing are available in .001-.002-.003. New Cranks are not available. Maybe some day. There are a few used in industrial use not many mostly in tractors. Other than the crank there are no major problems. If the oil PSI stays around 50 or more when its warmed up it should be a good project for you.

Thank you Hand Clutch, I will check the oil pressure. Paul