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Ford 801 - Which is better, gas or Diesel motor?

The diesel is more efficient, of course.... but in pre-'65 Fords, the diesel was an adaptation of a gas engine design. I prefer the gas engine in "prior" models. Post '65 is just the opposite, and I would rather have the diesel.
 
If you're buying a 55 year old tractor, it's a safe guess you don't plan on working it hard. So fuel consumption isn't a major consideration. You'll probably be happier with a gasser. The gas engine isn't "better", but it is probably less aggravating. The gas engine will start easily in cold weather, and it doesn't take much to overhaul a carb or replace points. Problems with an injector pump will require taking the pump to a diesel shop.
 
I would not buy a 172 CI or, especially, a 144 CI diesel.

Less HP, more expensive parts, more starting issues below 50 degrees and durability issues.

Dean
 
I'll preface this by saying I much prefer the 3 cyl Fords - either gas or diesel.
A friend of mine has a couple of diesels - 841 and a 961.
I have driven them around to shows and rides but have never worked one hard.
A dream tractor would be something like a 861D.
Way better fuel economy than the gassers of that era and much less stinky and noisy than a 3 cyl too.
He also has a 641D with a fresh 144 engine that I've never heard run
 
Definitely gas in my antique tractors. Easy to work on and don't use enough gas to matter for my gardening, tractor rides, and just in general playing.

I have a newer diesel that I use to make my money with.
 
I have a '63 4 cyl Ford Diesel 2000. Works fine for me. Also have a '65 3 cyl 3000D and it works fine for me. With the cost of gas the increased efficiency is noticeable. Other thing is the D can sit for a month or so and fire right up. The gas I used to own always had something wrong; wires, points glazed over, carb float problems old fuel.....

Mark
 
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