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Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please

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06-18-2000 11:22:08

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I am considering getting a diesel tractor. I want a vintage tractor with at least 40+ horsepower. What is your opinion of the 801 or 4000 series diesel tractors regarding their fuel economy and the general reliability of the engines? I was told by a collector (and backyard type dealer) that the best old diesel engines were the 3 cylinder diesels found on the old Massey tractors. Does this sound true? Should I go old Ford or old Massey or some other? Experienced opinions please. Thank you.

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Tony Jacobs

06-22-2000 21:25:18

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Re: Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please in reply to JB, 06-18-2000 11:22:08

JB I have never seen M-F tractors with a Perkins diesel untill after 1965, the early ones I have seen or repaired were Continental Engines and very few at that , if you ask about Z134 Continental gas engine you will find they crack worse than any Ford ever built.I have plenty of experience with the Ford diesels while they may not be perfect I would take one over anything built in England, being a former certified Rolls-Royce mechanic you cannot impress me with anything built in England. The later Ford diesels 4 cyl after 1961-1962 were better than the early ones 1958-1960 because of the vibration problems, but I do know of more than one still running with over 8,000 hrs with nothing more than ring job, and I have one 1962 4000 diesel with 6,000 hrs on it and it's a S.O.S.trans also , owners who took very good care of there equipment should be foremost on your list. On my Uncle's farm everything was International and with proper maintenance they were good also , But I still prefer Ford for simplicity, durability, and ability to get both new and used parts easilly. Thanks Tony Jacobs

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06-21-2000 05:55:09

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Re: Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please in reply to JB, 06-18-2000 11:22:08

Gentlemen: Thank you for your comments. Just learning that the vintage 4 cyl is a converted gas gives me (and anyone) a world of insight. I have heard many times that the 3 cyl Perkings is a real fine engine....I think the Perkins was common in Massey Ferguson tractors of the late 50's and maybe 60's. JB

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Jim.UT

06-20-2000 10:18:44

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Re: Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please in reply to JB, 06-18-2000 11:22:08

I don't have any personal experience except I had a chance to buy an 801 diesel and passed because I had no diesel smarts and was afraid of it. Since then I have heard Zane (retired Ford tractor mechanic) comment that the old converted 4 cyl diesel engine was bad for vibration which caused things to wear out prematurely. I'm glad I went with the gas 4 cyl, it works well.

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GEO

06-19-2000 16:57:21

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Re: Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please in reply to JB, 06-18-2000 11:22:08

The 4 cylinder diesels used on the 801-4000 series are basically converted gas engines. Although some have in fact stood the test of time, some have broken crankshafts and busted blocks. I still remember reading the maintenance bulletin sent out by FoMoCo, warning not to reuse crankshaft when overhauling the 172. Like most, we still turned the crank and reinstalled it and hoped for the best. The 3 cylinder English Ford engine was a gem. It is my belief that Ford learned from its mistake on the 4 cylinder diesel and decided to make a true diesel 3 cylinder used on the 3000 series and then convert the diesel to a gas. Which I believe was a much better way to go.

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Steve Valin

06-20-2000 17:28:49

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Re: Re: Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please in reply to GEO, 06-19-2000 16:57:21

Wasn't the 3-cyl diesel used in British Ford tractors (Fordsons) a Perkins?

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WiscTom

06-20-2000 19:16:02

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Re: Re: Re: Old Ford Diesels vs. the Competition: Opinions Please in reply to Steve Valin, 06-20-2000 17:28:49

Yes it's a Perkins. I own one. And I agree with the more experienced gentleman who called it a gem. It is.

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