Massey 235 Engine Re-Build

Mpd224 · Dec 15, 2005

First off let me say that I have been speaking with Bigdean about my problem and he has been very helpful, however I'm sure he has better things to do than answering all of my questions.

I have a 235 which has been in the family for as long as I can remember and it was my Grandad's, so it means alot to me since he is now living the good life with the big man upstairs. Last winter I was clearing our drive which is 1/4 mile long and at times I was running at pretty high RPM's. The engine shut down and locked up and it won't turn over at all now. My uncle who was in charge of maintaining the tractor, I think failed at his job. When the engine shut down, I pulled the dipstick and no oil. I know, it's my fault and I should've checked it before working. Well after finding out that my uncle abandoned the 235 and went out and bought a new tractor, I have decided to take the 235 and rebuild it since it was grandad's. Bigdean suggested that the engine locked up due to no oil and I would say he was probably 100% right. I was wondering if you guys think that it would be more economical to rebuild the engine or buy a crate engine for $2100.00. I am planning on having the crank ground down and getting a rebuild kit for $450.00. I am also going to have a machine shop go through and check the block and head and rebuild the head. I know it's hard to say how much a machine shop will charge, but I was thinking if I'm getting close to even $1500.00 it may be worth my time to get the crate engine. This will be my first overhaul so that's why I'm asking so many questions. Sorry for the long post, but thanks for your help.

Chris

Nasty135 · Dec 15, 2005

Mpd224, Hi and welcome to TBN, Sorry to hear about your tractor /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ...

Well this is a problem that will be solved by asking yourself a few questions: Are you an engine kinda guy thats up for the challenge or an operator kinda guy? Do you have the time and place to rebuild it.?

Do you need it running ASAP?
Is the $2100 installed?(sounds a little low)
Is your old engine going to be traded as a core or will it be sitting somewhere(in your way)?

You may get many differing opinions on this question because it boils down to your comfort level with a rebuild vs. $$$

Somebody with enough $$ might say get it done while someone with a more limited income may say "I can do this correctly and cheaper myself" Some food for thought /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mpd224 · Dec 15, 2005

Nasty135;

Thanks for the reply. I have messed around with engines most of my life and I do like a challenge. I have room in my garage to put the tractor in and it would allow me to work on it at my pace. Thankfully I'm not in need for the tractor any time soon and that's why I thought I would tackle it myself as a project. I plan replacing parts as I go, like sheet metal and other parts. The crate engine is from tractorpartsinc.com and they said that it ships for free and no core charge, so obviously it's not installed. Again this is the first time that I will be messing around with a tractor at this level, but I think it would be fun and give me a chance to learn. The thought of having it repaired never crossed my mind mainly due to the money. I am also a pretty picky person and like things to be as perfect as possible. Thanks again for the ideas, it always helps to hear ideas and thoughts from other people.

gamble77 · Dec 16, 2005

I am just telling you this so you will know. You are about to put a lot of money into a tractor that isn't worth what you are putting into it. The MF235 is the tractor that put Massey Ferguson into bankruptcy court and has one of the worst steering systems ever used on a tractor. That being said however, if the tractor means something to you and has sentimental value then no amount of money can buy that...good luck with your rebuild. Where are you at, maybe I can help you out with some parts?

Mpd224 · Dec 16, 2005

Gamble,

Unfortunately I know that the tractor isn't worth that much and that I am about to drop around 2 grand on just the engine, however if I have about 3 grand total in the tractor I'll be happy. If it didn't have sentimental value, it would be very easy to let it go and get something different. I also know about the steering problems and if I remember right, the steering gear box and other steering parts were gone through about 10 years ago. I am located in the south west portion of Ohio, about 45 min. north of Cincinnati.

gamble77 · Dec 16, 2005

I totally understand about the sentimental aspect of it. We have a JD model G in the shop right now that the guy is putting well over 10K in to restore. PM me if you need any parts, I will be more than willing to help.

WilliamBos · Dec 16, 2005

Hey,

Actually, Conrad Black put MF into bankruptcy, not the tractor.

But sentimental value is priceless. We are converting our MF(FE ) 35 over to a Perkins, from a Standard 23c. To me, it will always be priceless!!

Take care,

Will