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First Recommendation: BEFORE you start tearing into things is to get manuals. Don't bother with ITT or other off-brand manuals, get all 3 real MF manuals, through local MF dealer: Operator Manual, Repair Manual, and Parts Manual. Go through the manuals and get familar with their layout. Second Recommendation: Use engine cleaner (many cans) and a good pressure washer and clean the tractor from top to bottom. Third Recommendation: Get coolant system in top shape. Drain and flush radiator and block. Remove block drains and back flush with garden hose and nozzle. Remove and check or replace thermostat, reinstall with new gasket. Check upper and lower hoses, replace if swelled, cracked, or leaking. Check radiator for leaks, remove and have repaired if leaking or plugged. Make sure radiator cap is working and is the correct pressure per MF specs. Refill with 50/50 mix of Prestone and distilled water. Finally, make sure tractor is warming up to proper temp, that water pump is circulating properly, no leaks, fan belt good shape and tight,etc. Fourth Recommendation: Change ALL lubricating fluids and filters. Engine, trans, diff, final drives, steering. Clean any non-repalcement type filters. Follow manual. Drain all hot. Take samples in clean glass jars of each drain point. Use quality new filters and use only MF lubricants in hydrolics, steering, trans, diff, etc. Engine oil should be for diesel, such as: Mobil Delvac 1300 15W40, Shell Rotella T 15W40, etc. Fifth Recommendation: Change fuel filters, bleed per manuals. Look for water in fuel. Add a DFA diesel fuel additive. Can get at WallyWorld in PSA brand or Shell. Prevents gelling, adds lubricity, prevents rust/corrision, removes water, cleans injectors, adds 3-6 points cetane rating, etc. Fill fuel tank with clean diesel.
Fifth Recommendation: Now start using the tractor to see what may need attention. Work it hard enough to get it up to operating temp and hold it there for a few hours. These steps will let you really get a good feel of the tractors condition, what needs adjusting, what needs rebuilding, etc. and will not be wasted steps in the long term maintenance of you "new" tractor.
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