MF231 troubleshooting

   / MF231 troubleshooting #1  

MF231owner

Bronze Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2022
Messages
67
Tractor
Massey Ferguson 231
Brush hogging and she shut down after about 30min. Cranks but won't fire up. Fuel bowl looks fine. Oil is a little low but shouldn't be low enough to be a problem.

I recently went from a 5' to a 6' cutter and could tell she was working harder but I didn't think it'd be a problem.


What should I be checking out besides getting the oil level up?
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting #2  
I would treat it as a fuel problem first, even if there's plenty in the tank. Start by bleeding it out. At the filter first, then at the lower bleed screw on the injection pump. Maybe it's a simple fuel starvation issue, and you can clear it out and get back to work. If there's no air anywhere and it's all solid fuel everywhere, then you may have a problem.
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I hiked back to it just now and after 10-15 seconds she fired up. Still doesn't quite sound right though. Got it to the barn though so I'll change all the fluids and start my own records for it.
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting
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#4  
Anyone with a link to the manual for the 231 I can print off? Ideally for free.

Or can at least tell me the capacity for the engine oil and coolant system?
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting #5  
Anyone with a link to the manual for the 231 I can print off? Ideally for free.

Or can at least tell me the capacity for the engine oil and coolant system?

Perkins 152 should need 6.5 litres oil with filter change.
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting
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#6  
Siphoned out the fuel I could. A little trash came out with it. Also included a picture of the inside of my tank. Should I go through the hassle of pulling it and washing it out?
 

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   / MF231 troubleshooting #7  
Siphoned out the fuel I could. A little trash came out with it. Also included a picture of the inside of my tank. Should I go through the hassle of pulling it and washing it out?


Keep in mind the tank might have a lower sump then what you can see from the filler, I know the 240 does. I would see if you get lots of fuel flow to the filters. Likely wouldn't hurt to change the fuel filters too.
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting
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#8  
Keep in mind the tank might have a lower sump then what you can see from the filler, I know the 240 does. I would see if you get lots of fuel flow to the filters. Likely wouldn't hurt to change the fuel filters too.
I have WIX oil and fuel filters on their way from Amazon.
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting #9  
any way to check fuel pressure as entering rails on the 231? a before and after filter change/tank clean may help in the future.
 
   / MF231 troubleshooting
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#10  
I pulled the tank and it did have some goop in it. The nyoln filter at the fuel shut off valve was covered in it. Got it cleaned and am having trouble getting the fuel system to reprime.

The fuel that's entered the bowl so far is from the last batch as I put in road fuel this time. I've got the top line opened but I've cranked on it for at least 15 minutes and still don't have fuel coming from it.

What am I doing wrong?
 

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