Checklist for diesels.?

[Schneeky]

..When it comes to outboards I know my basic function checks are for fire, gas, compression, lower unit noise and lube condition..
..What are the essential checks on a diesel tractor that can be done outside of a "shop" environment with common tools.? Thanks.!! d:^) Schneeky..

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Over the last 40 years or so, I've bought and re-sold near 100 tractors. That made for a great suppliment to my income. Avoiding "lemons" is key to keeping the bottom line in the black. Quite a few were bought at auctions where I had about an hour or so to decide if it was worth hauling home or needed to be left for someone else to feel sorry about later. Here's my quick "once over" list.

Filters. Oil and fuel primarily. Do they look like they came over on the Mayflower? NEW filters on an auction tractor CAN be a red flag.

Look at the oil. Milky? Fresh and new on an otherwise poorly maintained tractor? More than a quart low? Smells of diesel fuel? All red flags in my book.

Look at the coolant. Low? Oil in coolant? (it usually floats to the top after a while) Ancient looking anti-freeze? (I've been known to carry litmus strips to test acidity---#1 cause of electralysis)

How does it start? Quick starting is a GOOD sign. Slow starting and gradual "wind up" of rpms can indicate poor compression, a VERY critical part of diesel performance. After it starts, how much/what color smoke? Heavy smoke of any color is a red flag. Heavy white smoke? Another red flag.

Once started; heavy Blowby? WATER VAPOR in the blow by? Walk on SOME blow by is common and with-in reason, acceptable. Does it run smooth? erratic idle that continues through higher rpms can indicate a number of problems, USUALLY related to fuel system.

Leaks; Diesels, especially older ones have been known to develope a leak or 2. Do they look serious? Does it look like it's been leaking forever? Oil leak or fuel? Seal? Gasket? Loose bolt or fitting?

Not a red flag, but something to look far is the "warranty seal" on the injector pump. Has the pump been tampered with?

Over-all condition of tractor. If the hood is bashed in, fenders bent, steering wheel broken, lights hanging off, seat destroyed, ect, good chance the ENGINE hasn't been babied either.

Like I told my son when his first girlfriend broke up with him, there's more fish in the sea. If a tractor doesn't seem "right", pass on it and keep looking. There's literally MILLIONS of them. Lots of really GOOD used ones, so why take a chance on a "maybe/maybe NOT".

 

[Iowachild]

Excellent post FWJ,

I think I'll print it out and take it with me when I buy my next tractor!

 

[john_bud]

I 2x all of Farm's points. Would add to also look at grease zerks for signs of grease. Steering parts are expensive and they can last about forever, if greased regularly. If not greased, they can wear out. I also look for broken off zerks, that's a BAD sign.

luck

jb

 

[Schneeky]

Excellent post FWJ,
I think I'll print it out and take it with me when I buy my next tractor!

...Heyyyy.. Agreed and not a bad idea a-tall.. Sounds like the man has a grip on the subject.. I've pulled a few dipsticks and they all looked pretty black so far.. I'm not sure what I'm looking for there but now I'll take me a good whiff of it as well..

..I'd like to know how to check for blow-by.. And also what kind/color/volume of smoke is OK/normal and what's out of line..

.. Can ya run some kindofa compression test on a diesel like ya can on an outboard or are the previously mentioned signs the most expedient in a "quick-check" situation.?

..Thanks for the info.!! d:^) Schneeky..

 

[Charlie175]

I'd add, check for new or recent gauge replacement. If all the gauges are faded except the hour meter then assume the hours are not correct. Check wear points for indications of heavy use (clutch/brake pedals worn, gear shift knob worn, steering...), these items can give you a quick visual on how much use the equipment has had.

 

[Schneeky]

.. Sounds like good info to me, Mr Charlie.. Thanks.!! d:^) Schneeky..

 

[Soundguy]

Yes.. you can compression check a diesel.. but it is a bit more complicated than a gasser, as you have to pull the injectors.

Check the crankcase breather and valve cover breather for signs of smoke ( blowby.. etc.. )

soundguy

...Heyyyy.. Agreed and not a bad idea a-tall.. Sounds like the man has a grip on the subject.. I've pulled a few dipsticks and they all looked pretty black so far.. I'm not sure what I'm looking for there but now I'll take me a good whiff of it as well..

..I'd like to know how to check for blow-by.. And also what kind/color/volume of smoke is OK/normal and what's out of line..

.. Can ya run some kindofa compression test on a diesel like ya can on an outboard or are the previously mentioned signs the most expedient in a "quick-check" situation.?

..Thanks for the info.!! d:^) Schneeky..

 

[flusher]

...Heyyyy.. Agreed and not a bad idea a-tall.. Sounds like the man has a grip on the subject.. I've pulled a few dipsticks and they all looked pretty black so far.. I'm not sure what I'm looking for there but now I'll take me a good whiff of it as well..

..I'd like to know how to check for blow-by.. And also what kind/color/volume of smoke is OK/normal and what's out of line..

.. Can ya run some kindofa compression test on a diesel like ya can on an outboard or are the previously mentioned signs the most expedient in a "quick-check" situation.?

..Thanks for the info.!! d:^) Schneeky..

White smoke--water leak in the cylinder cooling system
Blue smoke--engine is burning oil
Black smoke--carburator or injector problem---a simple adjustment might fix it, or it may take a rebuild.

I get a few seconds of white smoke from my new Mahindra 5525 diesel when I start it but then it clears up. Same thing with my 1964 MF-135 diesel that has 4600 hours on the engine. It seems to depend on the humdity level. If I start it early in the morning, smoke. If I start it later in the day when the air temp is higher, no smoke.

A few years ago I was interested in an MF65 diesel. Blue smoke on starting the engine that did not go away after a few minutes. I figured bad rings and passed on that one.

 

[WilliamBos]

Over the last 40 years or so, I've bought and re-sold near 100 tractors. That made for a great suppliment to my income. Avoiding "lemons" is key to keeping the bottom line in the black. Quite a few were bought at auctions where I had about an hour or so to decide if it was worth hauling home or needed to be left for someone else to feel sorry about later. Here's my quick "once over" list.

Filters. Oil and fuel primarily. Do they look like they came over on the Mayflower? NEW filters on an auction tractor CAN be a red flag.

Look at the oil. Milky? Fresh and new on an otherwise poorly maintained tractor? More than a quart low? Smells of diesel fuel? All red flags in my book.

Look at the coolant. Low? Oil in coolant? (it usually floats to the top after a while) Ancient looking anti-freeze? (I've been known to carry litmus strips to test acidity---#1 cause of electralysis)

How does it start? Quick starting is a GOOD sign. Slow starting and gradual "wind up" of rpms can indicate poor compression, a VERY critical part of diesel performance. After it starts, how much/what color smoke? Heavy smoke of any color is a red flag. Heavy white smoke? Another red flag.

Once started; heavy Blowby? WATER VAPOR in the blow by? Walk on SOME blow by is common and with-in reason, acceptable. Does it run smooth? erratic idle that continues through higher rpms can indicate a number of problems, USUALLY related to fuel system.

Leaks; Diesels, especially older ones have been known to develope a leak or 2. Do they look serious? Does it look like it's been leaking forever? Oil leak or fuel? Seal? Gasket? Loose bolt or fitting?

Not a red flag, but something to look far is the "warranty seal" on the injector pump. Has the pump been tampered with?

Over-all condition of tractor. If the hood is bashed in, fenders bent, steering wheel broken, lights hanging off, seat destroyed, ect, good chance the ENGINE hasn't been babied either.

Like I told my son when his first girlfriend broke up with him, there's more fish in the sea. If a tractor doesn't seem "right", pass on it and keep looking. There's literally MILLIONS of them. Lots of really GOOD used ones, so why take a chance on a "maybe/maybe NOT".

Excellent Bill. Can't go wrong if you follow those points.


Will