Farmall c281 replacement blocks

super350 · Jul 27, 2021

recently purchased an MTA with what I believe is a c281 replacement block and wanted to know what the replacement blocks came with. Did they come as a short block with new pistons, cam shaft, rods etc.. or were they a bare block? Main reason for asking, wanted to know if they had the updated camshaft. I believe it's a replacement block because the date code ends with a G which would mean its about a 1961.
D Slater I see you are pretty knowledgeable on this, your input would be appreciated. Thank you for anyone with good info.

NY 986 · Jul 27, 2021

In case no one else responds I was told that bare blocks were available until the very late 1960's for gas engines. Not sure on crankshafts but think they were offered
new as well during the same time.

D Slater · Jul 27, 2021

Think by the time that block was cast that IH had decided they were not going to have parts inventory stocked for ready to install
engines for those tractors. There was to many different combinations of sleeve and piston sets and a different connecting rod
piston pin size. Piston and sleeve set desired was ordered for the block and other serviceable parts from damaged block were used
in the engine. Have found the engines with most original SM parts and found with some replacement parts. If engine needed a new
camshaft from IH parts from middle 57 on the later camshaft was being sold as a standard replacement part for a M through 450.
Doesn't mean some dealers didn't still have a new previous type camshaft on a shelf before supply was used up.

super350 · Jul 27, 2021

Thank you both very much for replying. So, like so many of the old farmall engines, don't really know what's inside that c281 except that it has 4 1/8" pistons correct? Thanks again

D Slater · Jul 28, 2021

Probably has 4-1/8 at the date it was used but maybe not. 4 inch original type P&S for a SMTA will fit right in a C-281 block with
SMTA connecting rods. Between after market and IH 4 inch and 4-1/8 pistons were both made with later 400 and all 450 piston pin
size and both with M through early 400 size piston pins. IH mostly used the small pin pistons after a time for use in both size
connecting rod bushings by using adapter bushings in rod end for piston pin rods sized for big piston pins. Sometimes you can look
through a spark plug hole and see top of piston. If it looks like a fire crater piston it would be 4-1/8 with small pin from IH.

Farmall c281 replacement blocks

super350

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NY 986

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D Slater

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super350

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D Slater

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