Iseki E3CD-T (turbo)

[bigbyrd]

I purchased a 2005 Massey Ferguson 1440 H about 2 years ago. While mowing with finish mower about 3 months ago, a tremendous amount of white smoke started coming out of valve cover vent hose. Tractor quit running about 2 minutes later. The two mechanics (who are not familiar with Iseki engines) determined I had a hole in a piston.
I have checked around and the best price I can fine on a rebuild kit is over $1400, and I will have to hire someone to rebuild engine. On some other sites they have some "take-outs" priced between $1800 and $2200 with less than 600 hours on them, and are guaranteed for 60 days. Are these engines new or rebuilt?
All answers or thoughts appreciated.
Thanks for looking.
Robert

 

[Roadworthy]

Take out engines would be neither new nor rebuilt but engines removed from running low hour tractors. In your position I believe I'd get a second opinion. I'd hate to commit to a total overhaul only to learn I had a blown head gasket.

 

[bigbyrd]

Thanks for your response Roadworthy. I fully intend to remove head and oil pan to fully analyze the reasons for engine not running. I am just doing some research to see what my options and costs are going to be. My main question is: where do these engines Iseki (E3CD-Turbo) come from that these engine sites on the internet have for sale. Is there a tractor salvage yard like automobiles? On previous post I said rebuild kit was over $1400, that was incorrect, it is over $1700. Finding someone familiar with Iseki diesel engines in my neck of the woods is proving to be a challenge. Besides all that, it is a beautiful day.
Y'all take care.

 

[Roadworthy]

I can't give you a real answer, just a possible one. Years ago rumor had it that Japanese cars over a certain vintage or so many miles (30,000 I think) were not permitted in Japan. Many of these low mileage Japanese engines were sold for low prices in the US at that time in lieu of rebuilding engines. Fifteen years ago I purchased a grey market Mitsubishi tractor with a similar story - the Japanese government was encouraging or subsidizing farmers into newer tractors to reduce pollution. The old tractors were then shipped to the US and resold at reasonable prices. My neighbor bought an Iseki about the same time. It is possible that still goes on but some outfit may just be importing the engines not the complete tractor as it's possible in Japan to get a new engine for a tractor. I've not heard of tractor engines for sale anywhere here but won't discount the possibility. I don't know what your high dollar overhaul kit includes versus what you need either. When you get into the engine you may wish to make a list of parts actually required.

 

[bigbyrd]

I can't give you a real answer, just a possible one. Years ago rumor had it that Japanese cars over a certain vintage or so many miles (30,000 I think) were not permitted in Japan. Many of these low mileage Japanese engines were sold for low prices in the US at that time in lieu of rebuilding engines. Fifteen years ago I purchased a grey market Mitsubishi tractor with a similar story - the Japanese government was encouraging or subsidizing farmers into newer tractors to reduce pollution. The old tractors were then shipped to the US and resold at reasonable prices. My neighbor bought an Iseki about the same time. It is possible that still goes on but some outfit may just be importing the engines not the complete tractor as it's possible in Japan to get a new engine for a tractor. I've not heard of tractor engines for sale anywhere here but won't discount the possibility. I don't know what your high dollar overhaul kit includes versus what you need either. When you get into the engine you may wish to make a list of parts actually required.

Thanks again Roadworthy. You have answered my question. A friend of mine and I am going to start working on tractor engine in the next 3 or 4 weeks and I was wanting to know about any and all options.
Again, Many Thanks.