Massey Ferguson 202 Work Bull has major oil leak from weep hole

mreimers · Apr 4, 2017

Hi all,

New member with a work tractor issue I want to fix correctly. Purchased a 1960 MF 202 with 200 loader from a private party with restoration/work as the goals. Got it home and tested everything again and determined I have a massive leak of oil from the transmission. Filled it up half way and I'd say it leaked out while running the tractor in 5-10 minutes to where the oil was at the bottom of the transmission case. Private party said you bought it as is and I didn't have a leak before. For what I paid for the 202 I'll just fix it. I know I'm going to have to split the tractor and repair whatever it is that would cause this kind of leakage. What else besides clutch assembly should I budget/plan for while I have it split for repair? Also, any tips on safely removing the 200 loader? Everything else important works great on the tractor.

I've purchased the Owners Manual and the Service Manual for the 202 from AGCOPUBS.COM. I've been reviewing parts etc at AGCOPARTSBOOKS.com. It seems patience while working on these tractors is critical so I'm going to patiently wait for you "experienced" tractor owners to give me your sage advice on what and when to do it.

Thanks in advance for the understanding that I'm new at this and that I'm going to attempt to do this right. She'll be beautemous when I'm done and I'll get to play with her besides.

shaeff · Apr 6, 2017

mreimers said:
Hi all,

New member with a work tractor issue I want to fix correctly. Purchased a 1960 MF 202 with 200 loader from a private party with restoration/work as the goals. Got it home and tested everything again and determined I have a massive leak of oil from the transmission. Filled it up half way and I'd say it leaked out while running the tractor in 5-10 minutes to where the oil was at the bottom of the transmission case. Private party said you bought it as is and I didn't have a leak before. For what I paid for the 202 I'll just fix it. I know I'm going to have to split the tractor and repair whatever it is that would cause this kind of leakage. What else besides clutch assembly should I budget/plan for while I have it split for repair? Also, any tips on safely removing the 200 loader? Everything else important works great on the tractor.

I've purchased the Owners Manual and the Service Manual for the 202 from AGCOPUBS.COM. I've been reviewing parts etc at AGCOPARTSBOOKS.com. It seems patience while working on these tractors is critical so I'm going to patiently wait for you "experienced" tractor owners to give me your sage advice on what and when to do it.

Thanks in advance for the understanding that I'm new at this and that I'm going to attempt to do this right. She'll be beautemous when I'm done and I'll get to play with her besides.

As far as safely removing the loader, I'd figure out a way to suspend it, disconnect everything, and try to back out from it at least enough to perform your work. Your 202 is functionally the same as my MF 35 Utility. (just different sheet metal), which is for the most part, extremely similar to the MF 35 AG tractors. Here's a great guide to splitting them and proper reassembly:
Yesterday's Tractors - Massey Ferguson 35 (and up) Tractor Assembly Notes

mreimers · Apr 6, 2017

Thanks for the pointer on reassembly of the MF 35 in the articles. Any ideas or links to articles on the splitting of the MF 35? I already determined I need to get the loader off and out of the way. Not quite sure how yet but looking at it there seem to be 8 bolts holding it on the tractor and 3 hoses I need to disconnect. Hopefully some will come up the a farmer's fix for lifting it up as I don't have a hoist or other lifting tool. If you know of a method or have access to a link on loader removal I'll get on it.

shaeff · Apr 6, 2017

Splitting is fairly straight forward from what I've seen. I haven't done it myself yet, though I need to replace the rear main seal.

If you have a good sturdy tree, you could tie off the loader frame to it and that should support it while the work is being done. Putting some 4x4 posts as "deadmen" under the frame will help relieve some tension on the tree, and can be added using a floor jack after your initial removal. I'd remove the front pump too, as you don't want that spinning with no fluid after its all disconnected.

As for splitting, once the loader is removed, grab some wooden wedges and hammer them in on the axle to prevent the tractor from tipping itself once it's rear end is removed. Once you've wedged it, carefully support the front and back halves, but not with too much upward pressure!

Many guys build a trolley Jack and roll the rear end away from the front enough to work between them. Again, make sure it's all very well supported! There are other ways, even a floor jack that can't slip off will work. You want the front and rear halves to remain perfectly level as you remove the bolts securing them. Once they're all out, gently start to wriggle and pry it apart.

Remember that even though the bolts are now out, the clutch is still lined up and needs to be carefully separated. Don't let one half of the other become un-level and allow it to bind up.

I don't know if you need to disconnect anything in the clutch/bellhousing. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me on this subject will chime in!

mreimers · Apr 7, 2017

I read about using a couple of heavy Duty Engine Hoists to remove the loader. Thought that was doable as I just have to lift it over the front tires. I'm trying to figure what I should preorder or maybe I just wait until I get it split to see what;s necessary.

shaeff · Apr 7, 2017

That could work, too. I'm not sure I'd pre-order anything just yet. I like to make a list once it's all apart to make sure I can save on shipping.

You also may have more luck if you ask to have your thread moved to the vintage Massey Ferguson section. Much more knowledgeable guys than myself in there.