MF35, Z134 overhaul questions

Huntnvet · Mar 6, 2014

I have some experience doing basic engine work on small trucks Ive had, but still very green and Ive never done an overhaul.

I have a 1964 MF35 w Z134 4cyl gas engine. Has been making a loud knocking noise and becoming worse, so, since Ive always wanted to learn a bit more about engines decided I would start working on it. First question: the rockerarm shaft has plugs in each end that appeared I could just screw them out....not so, I actually pushed them further down into the shaft. The only way to get them out will destroy them...suggestions? can I buy new ones? Ive only seen the shaft for sale and always says without the plugs. Wine corks??

I was planning on doing a complete overhaul with engine still in tractor, any special tools I will need? Other suggestions for general overhaul work much appreciated.

Thanks for any help, Im sure Ill be posting more over the next few months.

old · Mar 6, 2014

No way you can do a complete overhaul and be a good one with out removing the engine. Good chance the knock is a rod or main bearing and if so you have to pull the crank shaft out and have it turned which means pulling the engine

ASEguy · Mar 7, 2014

Glad you stopped using it before major damage. Probably need to post on the MF forum. Lots of Massey help there. Engine building is very complex and if you insist on doing it yourself at least get a video on engine building or take a class at a local trade school. I would not do an "in-frame" overhaul.

Steve@Advance · Mar 7, 2014

The plugs in the rocker shaft are probably cork. You can just push them on through and out the other end. I made brass ones, but cork could be used, so long as they are plugged. But... Most likely the shaft and rocker bushings are worn beyond specs. Best to buy a rebuilt assembly, the bushings have to be pressed and reamed to fit the shaft.

The engine itself is not difficult to repair. It does have wet sleeves. They are easy to remove, and will sometimes come out when the head is removed. If one comes out, even just a little, it will need to be removed and the oring replaced at the bottom or it will leak coolant into the oil.

The knocking is probably a rod or main. In that case the crank will need to be removed. That will mean splitting the tractor, sounds hard but really not if you have the equipment.

Do yourself a big favor, buy a manual! With a manual you're not guessing, not overlooking something you'll have to go back and redo later.

Steve@Advance · Mar 7, 2014

PS: You asked about special tools. Nothing comes to mind other than a clutch disc alignment tool, but you'll only need that if you pull the engine and remove the clutch.

Huntnvet · Mar 7, 2014

Thanks for the advice folks. Follow up questions: I have a manual that walks you through it for the Z134. They have a section that discusses doing the overhaul with engine in frame...maybe I just misunderstand what they mean, or perhaps the overhaul is less significant. If I pull the engine, can I do that without buying a small shop crane or mount? Im asking because this is not my hobby, so likely just a one time deal with an engine.

I disassembled the rocker arm and several arms don't meet specs as to the manual.

Someone mentioned a video...suggestions?

Thanks,

ASEguy · Mar 8, 2014

You can rent engine hoists or "cherry pickers" from some auto parts stores or rental places and possibly an engine stand. I have replaced rings and bearings while the engine was in the car, but I don't like doing that due to the difficulty in keeping everything clean. A lot depends on the condition of the crank, and from your description, it's condition is suspect.

Welding man · Mar 8, 2014

I have rebuilt hundreds of engines in the last 35 years and I do not do inframes. You cannot do the proper job of cleaning, measuring of the crankshaft journels and you cannot replace the crank seals without pulling the crank. Chances are you may need a clutch also. Why would anyone spend all the time and money to do a half azz rebuild is beyond me. Take the time to do it right,you will be glad you did. PS: rebuilding the oil pump on a Continental is also a must.

El Toro · Mar 10, 2014

I think you should find a Votech school that may want that rebuild for a class project. Hal

Keith Molden · Mar 12, 2014

There is a difference between a rebuild and a complete engine overhaul. What you're suggesting is a rebuild. If it were me and I had the time I would do as others on here have suggested (a complete overhaul), Pull it completely apart, get the block vatted (boiled out)to remove the crud from the oil galleys as well as the water jacket. Have the head redone and have the crank ground if it needs it. Install a new clutch. Then you will have a tractor that you can depend on for a long time. By just putting rings & sleeves along with new rod bearings in it, in my opinion, you're just wasting money and you will always be waiting for it to blow up. Just my thoughts, Keith

MF35, Z134 overhaul questions

Huntnvet

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old

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ASEguy

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Steve@Advance

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Steve@Advance

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Huntnvet

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ASEguy

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Welding man

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El Toro

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Keith Molden

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