Massey Ferguson 202 Workbull crankshaft broken

[MF202Chad]

I didn't grow up around tractors so I could use some advice.

I am looking for advice on the wisdom of overhauling a 1958 MF 202 Workbull with a loader that I'm being told has a broken crankshaft.

The gauge is broken so it has hours unknown. It gets light use from me - I spend about 2 hours once a month mowing a conservation area. I mention that because I think it goes to the question of how much money I want to have invested in a piece of equipment and what I might get into if I chose to scrap it and buy a replacement.

The loader works great - has had all the hoses replaced. No other known issues.

A Case IH dealer told me to it would be cheaper to buy a motor if we could find one, and they were still spit-balling $5000 or more.

Another guy I was referred to is saying more like $3000 to overhaul the original motor.

I realize I could possibly buy another tractor this age for $3000 - $5000 - but my thought is I'd be buying one that could do this same thing tomorrow. So I'm leaning towards spending the $3k on overhauling this tractor and having something that will serve me for a long time with the amount I use it.

Thoughts?

 

[Spanner]

Got any idea of the price and availability of a new or 2H crankshaft??

Have you confirmed it is indeed broken?

Replacing a crankshaft is the "Open Heart Surgery" equivalent in Tractor terms. You have it wide apart and wide open to view...

:2cents:

 

[Phillip w]

I blew an engine in a D-15 allis Chalmers. I just happened to know a guy who both repaired and salvaged allis Chalmers tractors. He also buys tractors, puts a little money in them and resells them. I done a little "horse trading" and ended up with a 75 hp tractor a loader. I have had it almost 5 years and it has served me well. You might see if you can get into a deal like that. Another option may be to find one identical to the one You have and keep the one with the blown engine for parts. I have done that and lucked out pretty well. I have to say I have 240 acres in rural rural america, so haviby a few items of machinery or pick ups lay around for parts is not a problem. Another option is to try and get an engine from a salvage yard. I have always been Leary of engines out of a salvage yard. You don't really know how good of an engine You are getting. And finally, find an independent tractor/diesel mechanic. They are usually cheaper and I think do better work than a dealer. The independent tractor repair shop has a name and reputation to protect. If turn is a problem they will stand behind their work. My experience with dealer is take your money, take you money and take you money. If their is a problem they hide behind a corporate conglomerate and could care less. After all they got you money and that is their goal. That is my thoughts on your situation. Hope this helps.

 

[MF202Chad]

Thanks for your initial thoughts guys.

My uncle has dealt in farm machinery when he was younger - moved to construction equipment in more recent years - but I called and he referred me to an independent tractor mechanic he recommends. I've not gotten a firm quote yet - should find out later today - but he's definitely thinking it'll be less than the dealer.

I don't really have the room to sit one around for parts, and I don't really want to have too much invested in ANY tractor since I use it so little.

I definitely identify with the fear of buying another tractor or motor for a few thousand dollars and winding up in the same boat, which is why I am leaning towards fixing this one if the price makes sense.

 

[Agvg]

Have you run it with no oil? Or what happened?

 

[hslogger]

I had one of those ol' Massey industrial 202 models that was my dad's. The loader assembly and such was that it was a very very stout machine. And yep I broke the crank. That was in the eighties. i got it fixed and it was expensive but I kept it a couple years until I saw the light and got something more suitable for my needs.... a 70's era used Kubota with a loader. I had that faithfully and then found a bigger and almost new Kubota about six years ago. Alas the massey went to another home and I am glad it did. If you can swing it get another one from a bone pile some place or just bite the bullet and get a real good newer machine and you will be glad to have a more modern tractor.

 

[2458n]

Let the broken tractor go to someone else who has done it before. Can be a expensive learning curve for you. Get something that starts and runs. Should last you a lifetime at your rate of use. Get something you will like and get parts for. Really nice 1972 MM with front loader for auction this weekend. 7200 hours on it but everything looks great. Local collector would have bought it for sure , but he passed and his wife sold his 20 tractor collection before he was in the ground. Now who has the parts or knowledge to work on this Mini Moe.

 

[MF202Chad]

Disclaimer: I am not a mechanic and I didn't grow up around tractors. This is my first.

Have you run it with no oil? Or what happened?

Not while I've owned it, no. But I can tell you that ever since I bought it three years ago it has leaked a lot once it got warm. I always kept an eye on it and added as needed, and I was planning on getting it fixed anyways this winter because I was tired of dealing with it. Last week when I needed it the oil leak got way worse, so I decided not to wait any longer and took it in. The Case IH shop is the one telling me they believe there is a broken crank.

I had one of those ol' Massey industrial 202 models that was my dad's. The loader assembly and such was that it was a very very stout machine. And yep I broke the crank. That was in the eighties. i got it fixed and it was expensive but I kept it a couple years until I saw the light and got something more suitable for my needs....

Interesting that yours broke a crank too!

I have decided to get it fixed. The guy my uncle referred me to will do it for $3300 - a bit more if it needs to be bored. I'm likely going to have clutches put in while it's apart. I like the tractor, I know the tractor, and when I'm done I should have something that will last me forever, given the minimal use. I know I'll have more in it than what it's worth, but I've decided it's worth it to me vs. spending the same kind of money on another tractor that could develop the same or other issues.

Thank you guys for your feedback - nice to learn about this place!

 

[PatrickS2222]

Great to see you've decided what to do about this .... has it been repaired yet? I hope it's "back at work" and feeling better than ever. :laughing:

Remember ..... we love pics, so any of the machine, broken parts, "before & after" or "at work" will be well-appreciated.
BTW, diesel or gas?

Cheers. :drink:

 

[MF202Chad]

Great to see you've decided what to do about this .... has it been repaired yet? I hope it's "back at work" and feeling better than ever. :laughing:

Remember ..... we love pics, so any of the machine, broken parts, "before & after" or "at work" will be well-appreciated.
BTW, diesel or gas?

Cheers. :drink:

Thanks! It supposed to be done being line-bored this week and then going back together. I kind of wish I had pics too - not sure if the repair guy is taking any - but it's 30 miles away so not like I can just pop in and snap a few. I'll ask him to save the broken parts and take a few pics.

He told me after he got it apart that the rear main bearing is what went bad, which in turn is why the crank broke. He told me there was nothing I could have done - it was just a part with alot of hours on it and it failed. I was glad to hear that it wasn't my fault, because while I haven't been around tractors my whole life, I have been around cars, and I like to think I know better than to do something that would burn up a motor.

It's a gas motor. I'm looking forward to getting it back!