Is this old MF165 worth the time\money investment in your opinion?

[justknight]

It's my wife's late grandfather's old tractor... 1973 MF165 203 Diesel Multi-power trans almost 3k hours. It has been sitting in the rain for some time (at least 2 years uncovered, at least 10 without being run, exhaust was covered with a can) Rust has taken it's toll. I would really like to get it in running condition. It was running before until a starter\electrical issue caused it to be parked and not used for years according to some in her family. I will definitely have to redo the wiring. Can anyone give me advice on where to start? What's the best resource for wiring diagrams etc for it. I don't know a lot about diesels or tractors for that matter but I would really like to at least to get her operational. I'm posting pics so tell me where would you start, and please don't say by getting a battery as I know this :laughing: How much money would you estimate assuming the engine is still good would you estimate to redo wiring, gauges, having starter fixed. I would like to get some marvel mystery oil on top of the cylinders too to have them start soaking, what's the easiest way to accomplish this? Thanks and sorry for beginner questions if you're an old pro.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Just did a quick search for MF165 service manual. There are several sites that have service and parts books available for free. Sign up for AGCO Parts and you have access to parts books for your tractor. Used Tractors For Sale at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, tractors for sale, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Kubota lists them at around $4-9,000 which gives you a rough idea of how much money to spend on your restoration. TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors will give you the year and other information. Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles, Coupons and More | eBay has guages for sale but I don't know how good they are. I guess I'll find out as I'll order a set to repair my MF 245.

To get oil on top of the pistons you'll have to pull the injectors. Not a hard job but you just need to be careful. A service manual will tell you how to do it.

Have fun

 

[TomSeller]

I have never been afraid of rewiring older tractors. I just start with one wire and go to the next until I am done. Per the previous comment, pull the injectors and put your Marvel in there. Do you know that the engine is seized? I see what may be starter fluid on the hood, so you may have been trying to crank it over?

 

[justknight]

I have never been afraid of rewiring older tractors. I just start with one wire and go to the next until I am done. Per the previous comment, pull the injectors and put your Marvel in there. Do you know that the engine is seized? I see what may be starter fluid on the hood, so you may have been trying to crank it over?

No it was an hour from my house so I was there getting things in order to load it on trailer to bring back to my house. I had to move the rear and front wheels in so it would fit on trailer (pb blaster helped a lot loosening the nuts), those rear wheels were tough to move in without tractor running lol. Also the left brake was stuck and the tire wouldn't budge, it took a while but after removing the brake adjustment and tapping it finally released. The engine might not be seized at all, I just don't want to damage engine in anyway trying to crank it after sitting up so long, that's why i would like to put some MM Oil on top of em. Do you think that it's not worth removing the injectors for the precaution?

 

[TomSeller]

No it was an hour from my house so I was there getting things in order to load it on trailer to bring back to my house. I had to move the rear and front wheels in so it would fit on trailer (pb blaster helped a lot loosening the nuts), those rear wheels were tough to move in without tractor running lol. Also the left brake was stuck and the tire wouldn't budge, it took a while but after removing the brake adjustment and tapping it finally released. The engine might not be seized at all, I just don't want to damage engine in anyway trying to crank it after sitting up so long, that's why i would like to put some MM Oil on top of em. Do you think that it's not worth removing the injectors for the precaution?

If it were me and it had been siting a decade it is a reasonable thing to do. You could budge the tractor by putting it in gear and tugging it to see if the engine turns in case it not is not seized. That doesn't mean valves are not stuck, but it would be good to know.

 

[bucktaker]

before even beginning any ideas of rewiring I would be sure its not stuck.... can you turn by hand? push or pull to see if it turns over? if it turns over put fuel in the tank, drop the filter and fill , bleed air and try to get it started. Then evaluate if it worth it to you to. A tractor mech could do all this for $500.00. Or less

 

[flusher]

That 165 is a pretty heavy tractor. Engine problems are one concern. If you have to do a ring or valve job, removing the oil pan is not easy. That pan is very heavy since it's an integral part of the tractor's main structural support system. You'll need floor jacks and jack stands for that work.

Also, you may have to split it to fix potential problems with the clutch, transmission, especially with Multipower. That would be expensive ($2K or more) if you can't do the work yourself. Minimum requirement is a shop with a concrete floor. My 1964 MF135 diesel had Multipower and it was stuck in low range. The tractor worked OK that way but to fix it I would have had to split it.

Good luck

 

[justknight]

I was able to get it cranked up and running yesterday!! I had starter rebuilt, new fuel filters and fuel, cleaned glass so i can actually see the fuel now lol. New Oil and filter. Everything seemed to work for the most part except the old alternator 10DN Delco Remy wasn't charging, it's the external regulator kind. I also left the multi-power alone and don't know if it switches from low to high but it shifted and moved in all the gears. Next I need to troubleshoot the hydraulics, I haven't messed with any of that yet and I don't know where to begin, any tips on where to start?

 

[irvingj]

Woo-Hoo! :cool2: You're on your way! :thumbsup:

I just love bringing old things back to life.. (take a look at my 1956 Piper there!)

 

[TomSeller]

Good job! What is wrong with the hydraulics?