I just bought my first tractor and I thought I got a good deal at 5500 for one with 777 hours (thought it was symbolic) that came with a loader, box blade, shredder and a tiller all in good to super good shape. Had to drive it to where I was going to store it (6 miles from the auction I got it) and on the way there it crept up to a little past the midway mark on the temp gauge. Pulled over and let it sit, then started it back up (didn't start near as easy as it did before) and got it the rest of the way there. Noticed that it had a little antifreeze on the inside of the cowling when I popped the hood there, and checked the radiator to find it slightly empty. Started it back up (very iffy that time) and pulled it over to where it was going to sit until I got back out to the country. I will admit, I didn't check the oil but there was only a little black smoke in on startup out of the exaust and wisps when I throttled it, but it was very hard starting this time (waited for glow plug light to go off before I started but it took 3 times of this and a lot of throttle to get it going). Do you think it may be a head gasket, or do you think I probably just damaged a glow plug or two. Also, how do you check the plugs. I also wasn't aware that it was a twelve speed, as there was only three settings on the gearshift and a reverse that I could read, all the other stickers (I guess that's what was there) are gone. How do you shift into the other gears? Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am starting to question my purchase even though there are supposedly 3 places in N.E. Texas that can get parts for this tractor.
Hinomoto 2304
- Thread starter ranger25
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Kays Supply
Veteran Member
Flush the cooling system very first thing. Some of them are full of mud. They drain them in the winter and refill with paddy water in the spring. You would be amazed at what I have seen flowing out of the bottom of some of these. Take the radiator out and turn upside down to flush . Then putting a hose in the engine and run for a while. All the above " couldn't hurt ".
TreyH
New member
The anti-freeze you saw was probably from the overflow canister. Mine did the same thing until I flushed the radiator and replaced the thermostat. It would gradually overheat when mowing and eventually leak most of the coolant out the canister.
As for the hard starting, you may simply have a bad glow plug. One bad plug will make it a bear to start. I was able to find my bad plug with an ohm meter. I've had mine for about 6 years now - It's been a good tractor. However, I would go really easy on the FEL, I've heard the front end is very weak on these models and loader work can damage it.
As for the hard starting, you may simply have a bad glow plug. One bad plug will make it a bear to start. I was able to find my bad plug with an ohm meter. I've had mine for about 6 years now - It's been a good tractor. However, I would go really easy on the FEL, I've heard the front end is very weak on these models and loader work can damage it.
TreyH
New member
One more thing that will save you much frustration: When you add oil to this machine, first pull out the dipstick so the crankcase will vent. Otherwise, it will take about half an hour to pour in a quart of oil - lol. This drove me nuts the first few oil changes until I read about that trick on this board somewhere.
TreyH
New member
Oh yeah, gears - There should be 3 levers on the left side of the seat. Two are two side by side and the other behind those. Of the two that are side by side, the outside one will change between high and medium range. The lever behind those will change to **** slow range.
Of the two levers that are side by side, the inside lever will change between 2wd and 4wd.
Also, there should be a lever to the rear of the right footrest that you can operate with your foot. This lever will lock the rear differential.
I've got some part numbers for regular maintenance items if you need them.
Of the two levers that are side by side, the inside lever will change between 2wd and 4wd.
Also, there should be a lever to the rear of the right footrest that you can operate with your foot. This lever will lock the rear differential.
I've got some part numbers for regular maintenance items if you need them.
I would appreciate that very much trey, if you can give me those numbers or a link to a site that has them, I would be much obliged. I have read some of the other postings and found them to be very helpful. It's good to hear that there is probably nothing wrong majorly, but I plan on getting a head gasket just in case it goes out down the road. Do you know where I would get one, do you think that the MF dealers would have those in stock? I'll call the ones that I was told about out here to find out, just want to know if you have any other leads on parts. I understand that it is a M code engine and haven't been able to find one on Ebay, they do have the C and J ones. I really appreciate your fast response and helpful nature, it's an attestation to what a community gray market tractor owners have.
I will check that out.
Hinomotoman
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2009
- Messages
- 258
- Location
- Western NC
- Tractor
- LS R3039, Hinomoto E2604, Hinomoto N239, Case IH 1140, White Field Boss 31
Massey dealers probably won't be able to help. The last head gasket I bought for one was 2 years ago. It was right at $300 then. sheaftractor@grics.net is the best source for Hinomoto parts but they're drying out quick. The lever you're talking about I believe cuts the transmission ratio in half making 24 speeds. Do you have the newer tractor with the black grille frame or the older one with the red grille frame?
Eugene
formerly buppy69
Eugene
formerly buppy69
TreyH
New member
The 4 position lever to the right of the main gear shift will be your PTO speed. Position 1 is what I use most of the time for mowing and bush hog. Sometimes I use position 2 when finish mowing but it seems just a bit to fast rpm. You may also discover a turn knob under the front of the seat. It is used to lock the lift arms in place.
**One important thing you should know about this tractor is that it has a non-live pto. That means that even though you push in the clutch the pto is still engaged to the transmission. Know that if you are bush hogging and push in the clutch to stop, the tractor will NOT stop until you bump the transmission out of gear or the bush hog stops turning. A remedy to this hazard is known as an overrun clutch. An overrun clutch attaches between the pto spline and rotary mower drive shaft. It will allow the pto to power the equipment but will 'free wheel' when the equipment trys to power the tractor.
Here's some part numbers:
Oil Filters
----------------
Puralator L30042
Wix 51512
NAPA 1512
Air Filter
------------------
Puralator A42019
Fuel Filter
---------------
Napa 3262
Massey Ferguson Crossover: 1030? (Some parts only)
I've got the glow plug part numbers somewhere - I ordered those off the internet. If you need those just let me know and I'll dig them out.
**One important thing you should know about this tractor is that it has a non-live pto. That means that even though you push in the clutch the pto is still engaged to the transmission. Know that if you are bush hogging and push in the clutch to stop, the tractor will NOT stop until you bump the transmission out of gear or the bush hog stops turning. A remedy to this hazard is known as an overrun clutch. An overrun clutch attaches between the pto spline and rotary mower drive shaft. It will allow the pto to power the equipment but will 'free wheel' when the equipment trys to power the tractor.
Here's some part numbers:
Oil Filters
----------------
Puralator L30042
Wix 51512
NAPA 1512
Air Filter
------------------
Puralator A42019
Fuel Filter
---------------
Napa 3262
Massey Ferguson Crossover: 1030? (Some parts only)
I've got the glow plug part numbers somewhere - I ordered those off the internet. If you need those just let me know and I'll dig them out.
