problems with MF 135

Hello folks,

I am thinking about buying a 1965 MF 135 diesel from a friend. Deciding on the price is tricky because the tractor has two problems which need to be fixed and we don't know what that will cost.

I'd like advice and experience on what these problems mean and what their repairs might be.

Problem 1: If we shut off the tractor after it has run 5 minutes or more, it won't start again until it has cooled down entirely. It turns over, but won't catch. Last time we ran the battery down trying, then put jumper cables on it from a bigger tractor and eventually, very reluctantly, it caught and ran.

Problem 2: Putting the clutch pedal all the way down does not stop the PTO. The clutch pedal works for shifting gears, but not for the PTO.

Would you be kind enough to share your thoughts on these problems and their repairs?

Thanks much,
Eric

ps. a third topic is that there is only one remote - a single outlet. I'd like to have a set of remotes so I could use my 3 pt hitch wood splitter on the tractor. Can anyone direct me easily to a thread about this subject?

1: How quick does it start when it's cold? Does it fire off right away or does it take a little bit.
2: Second stage of the clutch could be stuck, clutch, or clutch pedal not adjusted properly., or other clutch problem. Could possibly be independent pto (can the pto be engaged without depressing the clutch pedal, will the pto stop if it's in neutral, or does it just grind if you try to engage the pto).
3: A 2 spool remote can be put on the tractor, but you can't operate the 3 point, and the remotes at the same time unless it has an auxiliary hydraulic pump

The 135 is noted for being excellent starter
Is air filter blocked?

Problem #1 is injection pump, I've had pumps in that need new transfer pump blades and liner to correct that problem and pump then works fine on the test bench. Could also be a SEVERELY worn pump hydraulic head that needs replaced do to poor fuel filter care. Problem #2 may be simple as the three PTO release bolts need reset, or time for a complete clutch tear down and repair..

Thank you for all three replies.

You have already given me great information and informed my approach to buying the tractor.

Answers to your questions are:

It is actually hard to start at first, even at reasonable late Spring outdoor temperatures. I was surprised because I have a MF 245 diesel and it starts right on the first crank. So does my 1984 Chevy 6.2 L diesel.

The air filter: I have not looked, but I will next time I go visit my friend and his tractor.

Because the tractor has sat for some time, what do you think of the chance that water in the fuel may relate to the starting issues?

Also, I talked with a retired MF mechanic nearby and he said the starting problem may be a sticky return spring/valve in the injection pump - the spring that returns the kill switch valve to its original position after you shut off the tractor and push the switch back in. It stays in the position to keep fuel from flowing.
He recommended a small bottle of chainsaw mix oil into the diesel tank and run the tractor for 20 minutes - lube up the insides of the injector pump.... What about that?!

Thanks again. You have already been tremendously helpful.

Eric

It could also be low on compression which can also make it harder to start, especially if the tractor has been sitting for some time. I've worked on some where the piston rings were stuck to the pistons when they were hard to start because the engine has been just sitting. Letting these just sit around unused is about the worse thing you can do to them. Depending on the condition of the rest of the tractor (tires, sheet metal, etc) I wouldn't give more than $1500 for it simply because you may have to put up to $1500 in parts to it to fix it.

Thanks, ptfarmer,

Good suggestions. I will look into the ideas you and others have mentioned, and discuss with my friend (its his tractor) what he wants to do.

Thanks to all of you,
Eric