Mike476
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,080
- Location
- Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
- Tractor
- MF 135 Z134 Continental, MF 1660 Cab
Congratulations, nice looking 135.
I too subscribe to the "if it works don't fix it" school of restoration. That said there is a lot of preventative maintenance that should be done when purchasing a used piece of equipment. Manuals are good to have for reference material, and especially for someone without much technical background, a good aid in performing the work.
They have in some cases taken people down a path they shouldn't travel because they get in too deep before realizing they're over their head, but that's usually a case of more enthusiasm than money or ability (tools/parts availability etc). Who can blame someone for enthusiasm, but that's where forums like this are good to seek advice.
As a minimum, once you get your manuals and the oil leak fixed I'd do a few basic things that involve looking at wear items and confirming problems don't exist.
Cooling system for oil contamination and good flow / oil system for coolant contamination; hyd fluid for contamination (boots on shift levers and seal on the master control spring for the draft control for condition, both will allow water to enter the case if damaged and tractor is left outdoors uncovered) and replacing all filters to start. All the wiring / connections and grounds for condition, pull the spark plugs and take note of their condition on removal, pop the distributor cap and take a look at your points to make sure they aren't burnt etc are all good ways to familiarize yourself with your new tractor.
Good luck and most importantly, have fun!
I too subscribe to the "if it works don't fix it" school of restoration. That said there is a lot of preventative maintenance that should be done when purchasing a used piece of equipment. Manuals are good to have for reference material, and especially for someone without much technical background, a good aid in performing the work.
They have in some cases taken people down a path they shouldn't travel because they get in too deep before realizing they're over their head, but that's usually a case of more enthusiasm than money or ability (tools/parts availability etc). Who can blame someone for enthusiasm, but that's where forums like this are good to seek advice.
As a minimum, once you get your manuals and the oil leak fixed I'd do a few basic things that involve looking at wear items and confirming problems don't exist.
Cooling system for oil contamination and good flow / oil system for coolant contamination; hyd fluid for contamination (boots on shift levers and seal on the master control spring for the draft control for condition, both will allow water to enter the case if damaged and tractor is left outdoors uncovered) and replacing all filters to start. All the wiring / connections and grounds for condition, pull the spark plugs and take note of their condition on removal, pop the distributor cap and take a look at your points to make sure they aren't burnt etc are all good ways to familiarize yourself with your new tractor.
Good luck and most importantly, have fun!
If you'll keep the front spindles greased it will feel like it has power steering but let them get dry and you'll start getting Popeye arms. Great tractor you got there!
