135 diesel: knock, squeak, now won't start?

[IH3444]

Rod bearing. Rod bearing takes the pulse power from the piston, transfers it to the crankshaft. It's where the highest stress is in an engine. And also where quality of oil, and frequency of oil changes is put to the test. You need to drop the pan, and pull rod caps to find out which connecting rod journal it is. Does youe MF135 have an oil pressure gauge? Is it reading any pressure.

After you find which one I suggest you go to the chinese tractor section of TBN, and search for a post by 3RRL. Rob had to do the lower end of his KAMA 554. He documented it step by step with pictures, and explained everything he did. Absolutely beautiful job. You may also want to check your oil pump for wear, and either freshen it up, or install a completely new one.

You also are going to need some machine shop services in your area.

 

[Don87]

Hi Ken. No loader and it doesn't look like it has ever had one. I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't have a PS pump at all (even though the seller assured me it did), the squeal doesn't seem to be coming from the generator, and honestly I'm not sure where the water pump is?

Another thing that makes me think it's a main bearing is that I now get a little smoke coming out of the front of the engine around the lower pulley when I turn the engine over.

This statement has me wondering

 

[PoorMansCat]

Hi Ken. No loader and it doesn't look like it has ever had one. I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't have a PS pump at all (even though the seller assured me it did), the squeal doesn't seem to be coming from the generator, and honestly I'm not sure where the water pump is?

Another thing that makes me think it's a main bearing is that I now get a little smoke coming out of the front of the engine around the lower pulley when I turn the engine over.

You might try removing ALL belts from the crankshaft and them attempt to start the engine... IF you stacked a bearing, you should get considerable crankcase smoke while spinning the engine over. IF its a main bearing, you may not have any thrust in the crank... which can be checked with a bar..
FWIW, I have seen a 2.4L Ford engine that the customer replaced the engine due to the alternator being locked up..!!!!!... Engine wouldn't turn over, so he bought a replacement engine and installed it... Connected everything and it wouldnt turn either.

 

[IIIBradIII]

Thanks for the info guys. As far as an update goes, I don't have much. I had the local dealer come and pick it up - their estimate was way more than I paid for the tractor. It is in the hands of the insurance adjuster now (I had buyer's insurance when I purchased it) so I should have this all wrapped up in the next few weeks after the holidays are over. Once I do I'll post another update.

 

[IH3444]

Buyers insurance. Good move. Wish I was that smart.

 

[ray66v]

FWIW, I have seen a 2.4L Ford engine that the customer replaced the engine due to the alternator being locked up..!!!!!... Engine wouldn't turn over, so he bought a replacement engine and installed it... Connected everything and it wouldnt turn either.

A friends uncle bought a Saturn, from a 10 minute lube shop. The lube shop had changed the oil, and was blamed for the engine seizing, so they bought the car, and sold it to him.

After removing the engine, my friends uncle was switching over the alternator to the replacement engine, when he realized the alternator was locked up. Turned out, that's all that was wrong with this car too. :laughing: