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Massey Harris & Massey Ferguson Tractors Discussion Forum
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Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk????

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KAWest

07-13-2007 08:48:00




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I just bought a Massey Ferguson 35, diesel 4-cylinder, PTO, 3-point hitch. 3 hi, 3 lo gears. In reading through some of these posts I"ve seen negative comments on this particular model. Is this the Massey Ferguson 35 NOT to have? It"s running fine???




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kawest

07-16-2007 05:17:45




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 Re: Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk???? in reply to KAWest, 07-13-2007 08:48:00  
Thanks for your replies. I"ll be using this tractor to brush hog and loose harrow on my 21 acre horse farm in Pennsylvania. Rarely need in the Winter, so I"ve got my fingers crossed.
Kim



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JV3CII

07-15-2007 08:35:36




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 Re: Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk???? in reply to KAWest, 07-13-2007 08:48:00  
They're not totally crap, but they're not as good as the Perkins engined one either. A big part of the starting on the FE-35 engine is the timing chain, which can be prone to stretching leaving the pump timing just a shade out.
Also the version of the Standard 23C used in the FE-35 only has one heater plug IIRC. The Allis ED-40 had the same engine but 4 plugs. There used to be a firm (from Blackburn, Lancs IIRC - don't quote me though!) advertised exchange heads that had been remachined to take 4 heater plugs. That was supposed to improve matters hugely.
I once saw an FE-35 that'd had an L4 Perkins transplanted into it (to replace a clapped out TVO engine). That was a sweet little tractor, it pulled like a train!
Back in the 60's Dad fitted an International BD154 into a TVO FE too, much to the distress of the local MF dealer...
Cheers, JV.

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Gerald J.

07-14-2007 18:04:35




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 Re: Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk???? in reply to KAWest, 07-13-2007 08:48:00  
I saw one like that today at the quasiquacentennial at Jamaica, Iowa. It started just fine (of course it was above 80 degrees).

It had a HUGE battery, maybe 12 x 18 inches on top. Largest thing I've seen in a tractor. Makes me wonder if a small battery might be part of the hard starting of the Standard diesel like putting walmart battery cables on a 6 volt starter.

Gerald J.



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Chuck (CA)

07-13-2007 18:39:53




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 Re: Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk???? in reply to KAWest, 07-13-2007 08:48:00  
I have one of the Standard's and other than needing a SMALL shot of ether to start when it's cold, I have no problems. It had a rebuild in 1998, 4 years before I bought it. 40 psi at idle when it's cold and 30 psi when it's warm; good power; runs all day with no problem except a little blow by after running hard.
I've never run the Perkins, so I can't compare.

One thing, though, and I guess this is on all diesels.... For gosh sakes, don't let it run out of fuel! I learned the hard way.

Chuck

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Dean

07-13-2007 09:13:05




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 Re: Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk???? in reply to KAWest, 07-13-2007 08:48:00  
KA:

The 4 cylinder Standard Motors diesel is generally considered much less desireable than the 3 cylinder Perkins diesel due to the cost and limited availability of replacement parts and a reputation for hard starting in all but warm weather.

Dean



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DavidP, South Wales

07-13-2007 09:59:07




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 Re: Massey Ferguson 35 diesel-junk???? in reply to Dean, 07-13-2007 09:13:05  
Hi,
Dean is correct in all that he says. It's certainly not junk. If its running OK and you are not having any starting difficulties....great.
The problems with starting come about as the edge disappears from the compression and the combustion principle is not as efficient as the 3 cylinder.
Even with this the prices in the UK are rising so it is certaily worth looking after AND it IS a piece of Ferguson history.
Regards
DavidP, South Wales

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SAR

07-23-2007 13:28:20




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 Keep the 4 cylinder 35 in reply to DavidP, South Wales, 07-13-2007 09:59:07  
I'm with DavidP. If it's starting and running OK then keep the tractor. I think the 4 cylinder Standard actually runs sweeter than the Perkins. It sounds like the compression is good, but if ever you get any problems then try this site as they do an engine rebuild video.
Good luck, they're a great tractor.

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