|
I had water in my oil in my TO-30. I removed the engine from the tractor, disassembled it, and took it to the local machine shop (the guy there is a tractor, especially Ferguson, expert). Crank was not salvageable, not enough meat to grind; Block cracked or corroded so sleeves did not seal; head had some cracks but was salvageable; rocker shaft worn excessively. Turns out a rebuilt short block is $1800, and a crank with bearings is $800. I bit the bullet and bought a short block, and the machine shop rebuilt my oil pump, rocker assembly, and head. Head had to be pinned, but all new valves, seats and guides. Machine shop bill was $600. I took the opportunity to paint the beast, and now I have a fairly nice looking, running, virtually new, Ferguson TO-30. Oil pressure is outstanding, temps are normal, and oil and water are clean and nice. It was expensive, but I couldn't have bought a tractor in a known new condition for $2500 or so, and now I plan on using this little guy for a long time. If you have water in your oil and your head gasket is OK, my guess is a crack in the block, or corrosion at the base of the sleeves. This *can* be repaired. There is a place in Iowa that does it. One thing to consider, is how much it will cost to recondition and block and associated parts, and consider at which point it's cheaper to go with the rebuilt short block. Also - if you buy the short block, you can have it in a few days. I have learned that machine shop guys are a lot like auto body guys - real artists, and they can't be rushed! Good luck!! Larry
|