MF135 diesel repair

135guy · Aug 7, 2009

I have a 1973 MF-135 with the Perkins AD3-152 3 cylinder diesel. I bought this tractor from a fellow who had it overhauled at the cost of $600. It smoked when I bought it and I knew the lift pump was leaking fuel into the oil as it was over full. I replaced the lift pump and the power steering pump (also leaking into engine) and had the injectors and pump rebuilt in the hope that it would cure the smoking. Unfortunately, it looks like a broken ring or piston in one of the cylinders. The previous owner says he never used ether, so he either lied or the mechanic messed up the overhaul. The engine starts very easily, but after it warms up to operating temperature it smokes (a lot of blue smoke) and the tailpipe has a very oily liquid residue as well as inside the exhaust manifold. Can one remove the oil pan and head and replace a piston and/or sleeve if necessary without splitting the engine from the transmission? I would rather not have to remove all that if I don't have to. I've never worked on a diesel engine before. Any tips that can be provided would be most appreciated.

DavidP,South Wales · Aug 7, 2009

From your description you certainly need to be looking at the pistons/rings/liners. Your mention of an oily exhaust confirms this. If your smoke id definately blue there is little doubt. However if there is any whitish smoke it would be worth checking the thermostart in the inlet manifold if fitted. These can leak and cause smoke but it is more white than blue.
The answer to removing the sump is yes and no.
By 1973 your tractor shouls have a straight beam front axle. The sump cannot be lowered without removing the axle casting and rad etc. If by some chance you have a swept axle then yes, it can be removed.
$600 (£275-300) for an overhaul?...I would have to be very sceptical about that. You could well have one or more broken/stuck oil rings. There is a very specific way to fit the bottom two rings and they could be wrong!
Cylinder head removal is straight forward.
Let us know what you find and we'll help you with the next stage.
DavidP

TomTex · Aug 7, 2009

An "overhaul" and "600 dollars" are a contradiction of terms. What you probably have is a half-arzz mess, that was likely better before the work was done. Now you have no idea what you have. Best split it, machine shop cleaning, measuring, etc. Turn crank if required. Have head worked complete, new sleeves, pistons, rings, rod bearings, mains ,etc, etc. This will cost you, but as of now you have nothing to repair, since there is no telling what parts have been put where. This is why I had much rather buy a pretty good ole running tractor that probably needs work, than one the seller says has been overhualed. Tom

135guy · Aug 7, 2009

Thanks for the help. The previous owner did give me the receipts with all the parts that were put into the tractor. They bought a new kit and put new sleeves and pistons/rings and bearings in. The tractor has great oil pressure. It almost goes off scale and the temperature is right on what it should be, 180 degrees when warmed up. My hope is only one cylinder is messed up and that is all I will have to repair without doing a complete overhaul. By the way, how does one work with this engine, it looks to be very heavy if I do have to remove it from the tractor.

mmidlam · Aug 8, 2009

as one of the earlier posters said, the rings may have been put in wrong. The rings aren't marked. The rings have to be pinched together to see which way they point. Then you know which side goes up.

Phil Tibbetts · Aug 9, 2009

If your oil pan has a large round cover on the bottom you can remove the connecting rod caps through it and do a complete top overhaul pistons, sleeves , valves etc. without removing the engine. If someone did a complete overhaul for $600 I want to know where they get the parts. Sounds to me like you got snookered or in plain language screwed.

Phil Tibbetts · Aug 9, 2009

One other possibility I forgot is if this has the starting aid in stalled in the intake manifold it may be leaking fuel by the check valve in it. A tip given to me by Big Dean.

jogl · Aug 10, 2009

The previous overhaul may have been rings and sleeves and bearings and then they cheaped out and did not do the head. Bad valve guides and seals could explain the oil in the exhaust too.

I would take a real good look at the head before I tore into the rest of it.

JP.

MF135 diesel repair

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