JGPenfield
New member
- Joined
- May 18, 2017
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- Terrell, TX
- Tractor
- 1967 Ford 3000 diesel, 8 speed manual, 540 live PTO,
I bought a 1967 Ford 3000 tractor in October 2015. It is a diesel with an 8-speed manual transmission and a 540 live PTO. I named it Bluey because it is of course blue and my Chihuahua's name is Pinky.
It has power steering that leaked a quart in 20 minutes at the steering column. I took the steering column apart, replaced the needles bearings and all seals and the steering shaft because it was scored. Put it all back together and had to re do it because one of the seals was installed upside down and it was squirting fluid. It was easier the second time because I knew what I was doing. With the correct pressure one of the pressure lines blew a hole and had to be replaced.
I re wired every last wire because they were all corroded and replaced the proof meter gauge. I had to replace the alternator with one that had a connection for the tachometer cable and I replaced the engine heater and temperature sensor.
I almost flipped the tractor by pulling on a stump with the raised lift arms and my battery fell out, cracked, and leaked, so I had to replace the battery.
I replaced the two fuel filters and the fuel pump because of a fuel leak.
I ran out of fuel and had to learn how to prime the fuel injectors and pump.
The front wheel bearings were replaced as well as leaking radiator hoses.
I had to learn how to adjust the valve cam lash and that sure made it run better and quieter.
The PTO shifter had to be replaced as well as the seal where the PTO exits the back of the tractor. I tried to take the hubs off to replace the brakes, but they would not come loose even with an oxy acetylene torch and a sledge hammer, so I just adjusted them so at least I can stop the tractor, though I don't have enough brakes to steer with them.
I had to buy all kind of parts and implements such as a rotary cutter, post hole digger, boom pole, wood chipper, draw bar, swinging draw bar, stabilizer brackets, stabilizers, king pin, top link bar, lynch pins, front bumper, new head lights, to name a few.
I made a video about what I learned and it is linked here: Three point hitch video
Now I need to split the tractor to fix a leak between the transmission and the rear end. The left tire needs to be reversed so it is facing the right way (it came that way) and I need a roll bar and a front-end loader.
Would I do it again? Absolutely not. I did not know what I was getting into. I would have bought a new tractor if I knew the cost and time Bluey was going to demand from me.
Would I trade Bluey now? Absolutely not. We have bonded and she now runs beautifully (minus the hydraulic fluid leak) and with her weight (around 5000 pounds with the water loaded tires) she has way more pulling power then most newer tractors.
I just wanted a forum to post my frustrations and joys of buying an older "bargain" tractor. I look forward to getting advice as I continue to improve Bluey.
It has power steering that leaked a quart in 20 minutes at the steering column. I took the steering column apart, replaced the needles bearings and all seals and the steering shaft because it was scored. Put it all back together and had to re do it because one of the seals was installed upside down and it was squirting fluid. It was easier the second time because I knew what I was doing. With the correct pressure one of the pressure lines blew a hole and had to be replaced.
I re wired every last wire because they were all corroded and replaced the proof meter gauge. I had to replace the alternator with one that had a connection for the tachometer cable and I replaced the engine heater and temperature sensor.
I almost flipped the tractor by pulling on a stump with the raised lift arms and my battery fell out, cracked, and leaked, so I had to replace the battery.
I replaced the two fuel filters and the fuel pump because of a fuel leak.
I ran out of fuel and had to learn how to prime the fuel injectors and pump.
The front wheel bearings were replaced as well as leaking radiator hoses.
I had to learn how to adjust the valve cam lash and that sure made it run better and quieter.
The PTO shifter had to be replaced as well as the seal where the PTO exits the back of the tractor. I tried to take the hubs off to replace the brakes, but they would not come loose even with an oxy acetylene torch and a sledge hammer, so I just adjusted them so at least I can stop the tractor, though I don't have enough brakes to steer with them.
I had to buy all kind of parts and implements such as a rotary cutter, post hole digger, boom pole, wood chipper, draw bar, swinging draw bar, stabilizer brackets, stabilizers, king pin, top link bar, lynch pins, front bumper, new head lights, to name a few.
I made a video about what I learned and it is linked here: Three point hitch video
Now I need to split the tractor to fix a leak between the transmission and the rear end. The left tire needs to be reversed so it is facing the right way (it came that way) and I need a roll bar and a front-end loader.
Would I do it again? Absolutely not. I did not know what I was getting into. I would have bought a new tractor if I knew the cost and time Bluey was going to demand from me.
Would I trade Bluey now? Absolutely not. We have bonded and she now runs beautifully (minus the hydraulic fluid leak) and with her weight (around 5000 pounds with the water loaded tires) she has way more pulling power then most newer tractors.
I just wanted a forum to post my frustrations and joys of buying an older "bargain" tractor. I look forward to getting advice as I continue to improve Bluey.
