Swapping a 172" engine into 8N

Turnaround · Jan 22, 2013

I have a nearly new condition, OHV Ford 172" Industrial engine that I want to install into my 51 8N, I bought a 1954 Ford tractor engine plate thinking it might work but, while similar, no go. I think the 172 was factory in the Ford 601 series machines?? Anyone know of a easy way to install the later OHV 172" engine into the 8Ns using the standard 8N transmission. I am not plowing with it, just pulling a manure spreader and working a hay spear. The adapter would have to fit against the 172's 1/4" engine plate (because of the starter mount being on the plate) and be about 1 3/4" front to rear, and then have the 8N transmission pattern. I could weld something up, but getting something that large machined flat and parallel, and drilled concentrically, is a bit of a problem.

RBnSC · Jan 22, 2013

With enough money and time anything is possible. I personally love a challenge but I think you would be better off finding a tractor that the engine would bolt in or trading it for a good engine for your 8N if it needs one. I recently traded a complete running 8N for a 601 with a bad motor. Had a spare engine and made a good tractor.
Ron

Dean · Jan 22, 2013

Not practical but if you have lots of time and/or money on your hands, it is certainly possible.

A much more practical solution would be to simply sell your 8N and 172 engine and buy an 8xx tractor.

Dean

old · Jan 22, 2013

The 172 engine was used in the 800/801 series tractors. The 134 was used in the 600/601 series tractors just so you know. As for bolting a 172 into a 8N even if you did you would have to be careful how you used it or you could brake things just like the funk conversions have problems with. Either way it would not be easy to install that engine but with enough $$ any thing can be done

souNdguy · Jan 22, 2013

ditto what the others said.

172 were in 8xx/9xx machines.

134 in 6xx machines.

i'd loose the 8n rear half and get a cheap 00+ ( 55-64 ) series with a blown engine.. and then have a REAL machine.

Dell (WA) · Jan 23, 2013

Turnaround........with enuff money, you can do ennythang ...howsomevers... the OHV engine is TALLER than the flathead 8N engine so where are you gonna put the gastank??? Marvin Bauman has put flathead V-8's, Chebby V-8's, even a turbo-jet engine into 8N's. Bottomline, it ain't as eazy as you think, fuggettaboutt!!.......Dell

Kirk-NJ · Jan 24, 2013

There's a lot more to it that just making up an adapter plate and bolt it on. It ain't cheap unless you have your own machine shop. As stated you can do almost anything with time and money. I would look for an 800/801/ early 4000 "ran when parked" for cheap money in this economy, Switch out the engines, free up the clutch while you have it split.Even someone who has never done one before can do the whole thing in less then a half day. IMO an EZ switch and you'll love the power and hydraulics moving around those bales.
Here is my 8n 2.8 chevy conversion. Beleive me it's a lot of work.

Kirk

Swapping a 172" engine into 8N

Turnaround

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