Ford 4000 (SU) Diesel

Greetings! Im on several other forums and I really appreciate the help and advice received from these communities. I am going to be working on my Fathers tractor, he is currently in the hospital 80 years old, and Im not sure hell be coming home. Im still helping take care of Mom. I am very limited on time and retirement is still a few years off but I appreciate any help offered. Sorry for the lengthy post.

So before I registered I saw some older posts on here that cover the topic but am hoping to get a little more detail and suggestions. Dads tractor had a front loader when he bought it, and over the years after breaking several spindles due to the 3000 front end and weight of the front loader, he bought and installed a heavier front axle. The problem is that now he doesnt remember what model axle or from whom he bought it. He has the right side steer cylinder removed and lines plugged because the axle on there now only has an accommodation for one cylinder on the left side. I do know that the original left steer cylinder was attached after modifying the drag link. However, when turning sharp with the cylinder rod almost fully extended it bends the cylinder rod. I straightened the rod well enough that it works, and rod seal is holding, but am very limited to how far I can turn the steering wheel before I can see the rod wanting to bend again. It might be a few days but if its helpful I can post some photos of the axle and tractor to help identify what he has swapped in to replace the 3000 axle.

He also modified the cowling and radiator shroud because the axle was larger and now I dont seem to see the block heater cord (I know it has one) so maybe its behind the shroud. Can someone give me the location on the block where the heater is normally installed so I can trace down the power cord?

Thank you in advance,

You need to post several more times to be able to post a picture, but we would need to see some pictures of the front axle and steering setup to be able to help with that.

Also, I don't think that Ford offered a block heater back when that tractor was made so the one it has is most likely an aftermarket heater, and it could be installed where a freeze plug was originally located, or it could be a tank heater plumbed into the lower radiator hose and a fitting somewhere on the block somewhere. It depends on which aftermarket heater it has. Post some pictures of the right side of the engine area and someone may be able to spot it.

I have gotten Ford steering cylinders pretty reasonably from the aftermarket. If you call the YT parts dept., they can probably help you.
Make sure you know the diameter of the rod, and length of the cylinder. If I remember correctly, there is a 7/16, and a 1/2 rod. What I ran
into bending the rods, was a stuck pressure relief valve in the pump. I realize that it is doing the job of two cylinders, but it should
bypass before it bends.

Thank you, when I get over to the farm Ill start getting some photos taken.

Ill check that out- thanks

(quoted from post at 19:35:30 11/28/20)

I dont seem to see the block heater cord (I know it has one) so maybe its behind the shroud. Can someone give me the location on the block where the heater is normally installed so I can trace down the power cord?

Thank you in advance,

Click to expand...

I removed a freeze plug and installed a block heater into my 1970 Ford 4000su years ago. It was an OEM Ford part. I don't remember if there were multiple options for where to put it or not, but mine is on the right side of the tractor roughly behind the front end of the starter. You can see the black cord with a red plug (pointed to by the red arrow) and the silver disk that fills the freeze plug hole. If you don't see one there check other freeze plugs maybe?

Greg


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