My 1966 Massey 135 Tractor (Pics)

[MasseyWV]

Now that I've got the tractor torn down about as far as I want to go (for now), I've begun assembling a parts list (with MF part numbers). All of the local dealers either don't have everything I need, or want a small fortune for the parts, so I'm considering online sources. However, I'm having trouble locating one that is trustworthy and sells quality parts for a reasonable price. Please don't suggest eBay because I refuse to use it or PayPal. Suggestions anyone?

Also, I haven't got the parts manual yet, so if anyone has one that covers the Massey 135 tractor (US model) with a Continental Z-145 engine, and would be willing to assist me with parts diagrams and/or numbers, I'd be very grateful.

ETA: Nevermind about the parts manual. I just ordered one because most of the websites that sell tractor parts are a train wreck of a mess, and unless you have the exact part number, you're mostly SOL.

 

[flusher]

Now that I've got the tractor torn down about as far as I want to go (for now), I've begun assembling a parts list (with MF part numbers). All of the local dealers either don't have everything I need, or want a small fortune for the parts, so I'm considering online sources. However, I'm having trouble locating one that is trustworthy and sells quality parts for a reasonable price. Please don't suggest eBay because I refuse to use it or PayPal. Suggestions anyone?

Also, I haven't got the parts manual yet, so if anyone has one that covers the Massey 135 tractor (US model) with a Continental Z-145 engine, and would be willing to assist me with parts diagrams and/or numbers, I'd be very grateful.

ETA: Nevermind about the parts manual. I just ordered one because most of the websites that sell tractor parts are a train wreck of a mess, and unless you have the exact part number, you're mostly SOL.

I've order simple bolt-on parts for my 1964 MF135 diesel Deluxe from Steiner

products,135 (Massey Ferguson) on Steiner Tractor Parts br1:masseyferguson resulttyperoducts&isort=globalpop&method=and&view=grid

Steiner also carries rebuild kits for carb, engine seals, etc. No internal engine or tranny parts.

I guess you've been burned by eBAy/PayPal. I've bought a lot of stuff off eBay including a 2004 Isuzu NPR/EFI stakebed truck (8x14 ft bed, 6.0L GMC LQ4 V-8 gas engine, 49500 miles, $11K) with no problems.

 

[MasseyWV]

I've order simple bolt-on parts for my 1964 MF135 diesel Deluxe from Steiner

products,135 (Massey Ferguson) on Steiner Tractor Parts br1:masseyferguson resulttyperoducts&isort=globalpop&method=and&view=grid

Steiner also carries rebuild kits for carb, engine seals, etc. No internal engine or tranny parts.

Thanks for suggesting Steiner, it's one of the places I've been considering, but like you mentioned, they don't seem to carry any internal engine parts, except for a few gasket sets. It looks like I'm going to have no choice but to order my parts from multiple sources because noone I've found seems to have everything I need, and Steiner has good prices on many things so I may give them a shot.

I've also been considering Yesterdays Tractors, but their website leaves a LOT to be desired, so I may simply wait and call after I have all the part numbers.

I guess you've been burned by eBAy/PayPal. I've bought a lot of stuff off eBay including a 2004 Isuzu NPR/EFI stakebed truck (8x14 ft bed, 6.0L GMC LQ4 V-8 gas engine, 49500 miles, $11K) with no problems.

While I've never been seriously burned by eBay/PayPal, a few close calls were enough to cause me to never use them again. It's just too risky.

 

[MasseyWV]

Today, I found a complete used rocker shaft assembly for $150 so I took a chance and ordered it after they assured me that it was in good condition and I could return it if not satisfied. Refurbishing the old one would have cost about $120-$150 by the time I ordered a new rocker shaft and bushings, then had the old bushings pressed out and the new ones pressed in and machined to fit the new rocker shaft. If the used one is not in good useable condition, I will return it and proceed with my original plan. It's a gamble, but I think it's worth the risk of having to pay return shipping if I'm not satisfied.

There is also a possibility that they may have a good used manifold heat shield for $30 but I won't know for sure until tomorrow.

 

[MasseyWV]

The company I ordered the rocker assembly from didn't have a manifold heat shield in stock, so I've contacted a few more leads about obtaining a good used one and should know more tomorrow.

As I wait for the parts manual and various parts to arrive, I've begun to turn my attention to other items that are going to need checked out and/or rebuilt. For the moment, I'm looking for parts (bearings, brushes, etc...) I'll need to rebuild my tractor's 12v Delco-Remy generator, and it seems I can get everything I'll need for about $15-$20 which is much cheaper than having it rebuilt. It charges fine and may or may not need rebuilt, but I figured that I'd go ahead and replace everything, especially the brushes, when I take it apart.

Most people tend to replace starters and alternators, or send them to a shop to have them repaired or rebuilt, but I always make all my own repairs. It's really not that difficult, if you know what you're doing. In my case, being a former electronics technician helps.

Here is a link with detailed information, including diagrams and schematics, for Delco-Remy generators and regulators.

Delco-Remy Generator/Regulator Systems

Here are links to PDF's containing highly detailed original OEM Delco-Remy service bulletins, including diagrams and schematics, for their generators and regulators.

http://www.ruiter.ca/mc/info/PDFs/1R-115.pdf
http://www.ruiter.ca/mc/info/PDFs/1R-116.pdf
http://www.ruiter.ca/mc/info/PDFs/1R-118.pdf

Here is a diagram of a typical Delco-Remy generator's internal components.

 

[MasseyWV]

While examining exploded view parts diagrams and making a list of part numbers I need so I can purchase the correct parts, I accidentally discovered the reason the rocker arms and rocker shaft were worn so badly, someone had assembled them incorrectly. While I can only speculate if it was done at the factory, or during a later repair, the end result was the same.

It's almost ironic really. Someone assembles the rocker assembly incorrectly, thus restricting oil flow, then as a result of restricted oil flow, the valve lash begins to increase. Finally, after the clearance between the rocker arms and the rocker shaft has increased due to excessive wear, oil flow begins to appear normal again because it's being squirted everywhere but where it needs to go. The excessive friction caused by a poorly lubricated rotating rocker shaft also explains why the cotter pins at each end of the rocker shaft had also failed, allowing the retaining washers and springs to fall off. The irony is that improper oil flow also caused the valve guides to wear prematurely, leading to a smoking problem, which is caused by excessive oil flowing down the valve stems.

Everything leads back to a small part that doesn't seem to be very important, until you see the results of it's omission. When the rocker shaft assembly was put together, a small retaining pin (3/32" X 5/8") was omitted. The pin is supposed to hold the rocker shaft in alignment with the rocker shaft support posts, with the oil holes facing the valves, but leaving the pin out allowed the shaft to move freely within the posts and restrict oil flow, causing excessive wear.

For those who may be wondering, I'm 100% certain the retaining pin was omitted, because I'm always extremely careful to note the location of all parts during disassembly, and the retaining pin was not there. Just to be certain, I also examined the hole the retaining pin was supposed to go into with a magnifying glass, and darkened oil deposits (varnish) clearly indicated that the pin had ben omitted.

To give you an idea of just how small and seemingly insignificant the retaining pin is, here is a portion of an exploded view diagram for the valve train of my tractors Continental Z-145 engine. The pin is part number 42, shown in red.

 

[MasseyWV]

Today, I found a used manifold heat shield for a great price, and I finally managed to get the last two fender bolts loose. It only took a week of alternating between heating the bolts with a torch, soaking them with PB Blaster, and using my impact wrench on them, but the remaining fender is off the tractor. Thankfully, I'm both patient and persistent.

 

[The kid]

Now that I've got the tractor torn down about as far as I want to go (for now), I've begun assembling a parts list (with MF part numbers). All of the local dealers either don't have everything I need, or want a small fortune for the parts, so I'm considering online sources. However, I'm having trouble locating one that is trustworthy and sells quality parts for a reasonable price. Please don't suggest eBay because I refuse to use it or PayPal. Suggestions anyone?

Also, I haven't got the parts manual yet, so if anyone has one that covers the Massey 135 tractor (US model) with a Continental Z-145 engine, and would be willing to assist me with parts diagrams and/or numbers, I'd be very grateful.

ETA: Nevermind about the parts manual. I just ordered one because most of the websites that sell tractor parts are a train wreck of a mess, and unless you have the exact part number, you're mostly SOL.

I keep hearing you talk down on the use of eBay and PayPal. Sounds like you've had a bad experience that has soured your use of either. I've found some really good leads thru eBay to some rock solid sellers willing to go the extra mile to help you.

I hear you talk about being SOL without part numbers and mentioned numerous times you have manuals on order.

Try this site you'll like it and you can print part numbers and exploded diagrams to match. Use this info to track down the elusive parts you speak of. I have one contact in North Carolina that can get me just about any parts listed with AGCO.

Try this site and log in using the guest option.
Www.agcopartsbooks.com

Regards. -robert

 

[The kid]

The company I ordered the rocker assembly from didn't have a manifold heat shield in stock, so I've contacted a few more leads about obtaining a good used one and should know more tomorrow.

As I wait for the parts manual and various parts to arrive, I've begun to turn my attention to other items that are going to need checked out and/or rebuilt. For the moment, I'm looking for parts (bearings, brushes, etc...) I'll need to rebuild my tractor's 12v Delco-Remy generator, and it seems I can get everything I'll need for about $15-$20 which is much cheaper than having it rebuilt. It charges fine and may or may not need rebuilt, but I figured that I'd go ahead and replace everything, especially the brushes, when I take it apart.

Most people tend to replace starters and alternators, or send them to a shop to have them repaired or rebuilt, but I always make all my own repairs. It's really not that difficult, if you know what you're doing. In my case, being a former electronics technician helps.

Here is a link with detailed information, including diagrams and schematics, for Delco-Remy generators and regulators.

Delco-Remy Generator/Regulator Systems

Here are links to PDF's containing highly detailed original OEM Delco-Remy service bulletins, including diagrams and schematics, for their generators and regulators.

http://www.ruiter.ca/mc/info/PDFs/1R-115.pdf
http://www.ruiter.ca/mc/info/PDFs/1R-116.pdf
http://www.ruiter.ca/mc/info/PDFs/1R-118.pdf

Here is a diagram of a typical Delco-Remy generator's internal components.

I thought you where going with an alternator. That's What I'm currently working on and replacing the ammeter with a voltmeter made for tractors with a 2" whole. I'm also going to put a petronix electronic ignition kit. Screw those points and condensers. I quit doing that stuff back in the sixties. The choice to use an alternator is I'm adding caution lights and better lighting.

 

[The kid]

Today, I found a used manifold heat shield for a great price, and I finally managed to get the last two fender bolts loose. It only took a week of alternating between heating the bolts with a torch, soaking them with PB Blaster, using my impact wrench on them, but the remaining fender is off the tractor. Thankfully, I'm both patient and persistent.

Where did you find the heat shield?

 

[MasseyWV]

I keep hearing you talk down on the use of eBay and PayPal. Sounds like you've had a bad experience that has soured your use of either. I've found some really good leads thru eBay to some rock solid sellers willing to go the extra mile to help you.

Perhaps I should clarify my position about eBay and PayPal. I do use eBay but only as a last resort, and only to find leads which accept alternative payment methods external to eBay and PayPal. In other words, I call them directly, if they have something I want, are an established company, and have a phone number in their ad. Otherwise, I refuse to use eBay or PayPal.

I hear you talk about being SOL without part numbers and mentioned numerous times you have manuals on order.

Try this site you'll like it and you can print part numbers and exploded diagrams to match. Use this info to track down the elusive parts you speak of. I have one contact in North Carolina that can get me just about any parts listed with AGCO.

Try this site and log in using the guest option.
AGCO Parts Books

Parts aren't exactly elusive for the Massey 135, I'm simply taking my time about getting them, plus I want to be certain that the parts are good quality.

Like you, I have contacts (local and otherwise) which can get me most Massey Ferguson parts sold by AGCO. I have learned that only a few companies actually manufacture parts, which are then distributed by other companies like AGCO. Distributors aside, it seems that TISCO and A&I are the two major sources for parts, and while A&I is considerably cheaper than TISCO, I remain uncertain about the quality of either. There is also sparex.com which is based in the United Kingdom, but I don't know much about them.

It was only recently, that I became aware of the agcopartsbooks.com website because noone was kind enough to suggest it, until now. However, I still wanted the OEM parts manual because websites come and go. By the way, the parts manual I ordered arrived yesterday, and I now have all three manuals.

I thought you where going with an alternator. That's What I'm currently working on and replacing the ammeter with a voltmeter made for tractors with a 2" whole. I'm also going to put a petronix electronic ignition kit. Screw those points and condensers. I quit doing that stuff back in the sixties. The choice to use an alternator is I'm adding caution lights and better lighting.

Call me old fashioned, but I'm going with the original electrical system simply for the sake of nostalgia. Don't get me wrong, I'm highly qualified in the area of electronics and wiring, it's just that I like tinkering with the old stuff.

Where did you find the heat shield?

The manifold heat shield wasn't easy to find, but I lucked out and found one at a salvage yard. It was the only one they had.

 

[Mike476]

Hard to say when the retaining pin may have been missed. I'm like you, as an aircraft maintainer I learned long ago lay things out and take note during disassembly, use cardboard if you have to when the number / variety of pieces / fasteners warrant it.

Did you get the rocker shaft assembly you ordered yet?

 

[MasseyWV]

Hard to say when the retaining pin may have been missed. I'm like you, as an aircraft maintainer I learned long ago lay things out and take note during disassembly, use cardboard if you have to when the number / variety of pieces / fasteners warrant it.

Did you get the rocker shaft assembly you ordered yet?

Since you maintain aircraft, you definitely know the importance of proper organization for disassembly/reassembly of an engine. In the past, I've cringed when I saw people tearing down an engine and pulling out parts with no regard for where they went. It's fine if you're going to replace the parts, but if the parts are going to be reused, they must go back where they came from or excessive wear is likely to occur.

The used rocker assembly I ordered isn't due to arrive yet. If all goes well with shipping, I estimate that it should be here sometime next week. I must admit that I'm apprehensive about having ordering a used rocker assembly, but it was much easier, and perhaps even cheaper, than the alternative. Only time will tell if I made the right choice.

 

[Mike476]

Drive friends crazy when I start poking holes in cardboard and insert lift rods / valves etc by cylinder number. Beats throwing them in a pile on the workbench.

I would be willing myself to chance it when the time comes, properly installed they should have worn very little if any. Made of sterner stuff in those days.

 

[flusher]

Drive friends crazy when I start poking holes in cardboard and insert lift rods / valves etc by cylinder number. Beats throwing them in a pile on the workbench.

I would be willing myself to chance it when the time comes, properly installed they should have worn very little if any. Made of sterner stuff in those days.

I use a lot of Ziplock plastic bags when I disassemble a tractor for restoration. Found out it's better to write info on the bag contents on a Post-it and put it inside the bag. Using a pen or Magic Marker to write on the outside of the bag usually causes me grief (grease and oil eventually obliterate this writing).

 

[MasseyWV]

Change of plans.

After having restored many cars over the years, everything I know tells me that since I've got my tractor torn down this far, it makes more sense to go all the way, now, not later. If the lower half of the engine needs an overhaul (doubtful), it will get one, even if finances are a little tight right now. The front end is coming off, followed by the timing cover and oil pan. No problems have been found, I just want to have a look inside the oil pan, especially at the oil pickup screen and main/rod bearings.

Besides, even if my tractor were together right now, I won't really need to use it until this fall because I finished most of my "tractor work" before I began taking it apart.

 

[allwet]

Great thread. Keep posting please. Not the world's best fixer here - but interested in learning as I have just had a bunch of time freed up to get back out on the farm... Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

 

[MasseyWV]

After burning the midnight oil, about 3 hours worth, the front end assembly is off my tractor. As I suspected, the center axle pivot bushing is heavily worn, but the pin looks like it will be ok after a good cleaning. I also used my 3 jaw puller to remove the crank pulley. The only thing that remains to be done is removing the timing cover and oil pan, although I'm going to leave those on for now. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but plan to take some tomorrow.

 

[Mike476]

Having until the Fall should give you sufficient time to do everything you want to accomplish, and at a pace that hopefully will allow you to enjoy it rather than having to get it done because your livlihood depends on it.

I think you've made the right decision and look forward to following your progress (easy to spend someone elses time and money), will be a very interesting post to follow. :thumbsup:

 

[MasseyWV]

Having until the Fall should give you sufficient time to do everything you want to accomplish, and at a pace that hopefully will allow you to enjoy it rather than having to get it done because your livlihood depends on it.

I think you've made the right decision and look forward to following your progress (easy to spend someone elses time and money), will be a very interesting post to follow. :thumbsup:

For me, restoring my tractor is over half the fun. Using it is just a bonus to me.

It's probably obvious by now, but I never get in a hurry and like to take my time. Although I do tend to get carried away with the details, so there is no telling how much I'll do before it's finished. Knowing me, I'll have taken it completely apart and put it back together again as good as new. Been there, done that many times while restoring old cars. Actually, restoring a tractor seems easy by comparison, especially since there's no interior to have to mess with.