MF 135 No engine number

[Basil P]

I live in Australia and have just purchased a MF 135. I'm very impressed with the performance of this little work horse. According to the serial number which is located on the right side of the dash on a tag it was born in 1973 The tag reads MF135 432482. I can not locate the engine serial number though. It has the AD3 152 diesel motor and according to all the information I can gather the engine serial number is supposed to be stamped into the block under the lift pump. There is only a clear surface there. Does anyone know how else I can find out the serial number of the engine? I mainly want to know to find out if the engine has rope seals or the lip seal.
I'm currently in the process of restoring this little beast to it's former glory. The engine, transmission, hydraulics and final drive are all in good order, but I've replaced all bushes, bearings and pins at the front end. I figure it is worth it.
Any advice on the engine number would be appreciated. Maybe it can be cross referenced from the serial number?

 

[murphy1244]

Stamped on left hand side of block near the top. /have any pics?

 

[Masseywrench]

The Serial # on the tag is all you will need to purchase parts for your tractor.
The number on the block which can be located in a couple of different locations is considered the "build list" or "build set"
Only on rare occasions have I had to have that number and it was on a 6cyl turbo motor, but perhaps there is a reason you need it.
You might look near the injection pump on the left side instead of the mechanical lift pump.

So it being a 1973, does your tractor have power steering?

If there is an issue of "early production" or "late production" when it comes to buying parts, your serial # on the tag will solve the problem.

 

[TomSeller]

These old Masseys are great little workhorses like you said. I am glad to are restoring your 135.

 

[Basil P]

Thanks Murph. There are some raised lettering and numbers on this side, but none that correspond to engine serial numbers.

 

[Basil P]

Thanks Masseywrench. I'm mainly curious to know if the engine has rope seals or the lip seal. I guess if I ever need to replace them I'll get to find out by inspection.
No, my tractor does not have power steering. I hang a 5 foot heavy duty slasher behind it and have had to get front wheel weights to give me more traction on the front. It feels like I have power steering when the slasher is on, which is most of the time.

 

[Basil P]

Thanks Tom. If I can work out how I will post a photo when it is complete.

 

[Basil P]

Restoration complete. Here are a couple of pics http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...tractorbynet.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

 

[TomSeller]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=366210"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=366211"/>

Restoration complete. Here are a couple of pics http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gifhttp://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

Very nice. Those are some of the best looking tractors ever IMHO.

 

[The kid]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=366210"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=366211"/> Restoration complete. Here are a couple of pics http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gifhttp://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

Nicely done. i've always favored the european models or the US built ones. :thumbsup:

 

[Basil P]

Very nice. Those are some of the best looking tractors ever IMHO.

Thanks Tom. I am probably a bit biased but I agree. They are so simple and functional and one can do a complete tear down with a !/2" socket set and related spanners. I have started a new thread MF 135 RESTORATION which have some more pics.

 

[Basil P]

Nicely done. i've always favored the european models or the US built ones. :thumbsup:

Thank you The kid. I had a look at your pics and mine was in similar shape before I commenced the restoration. I have started a new thread MF 135 RESTORATION which has some more pics if you are interested. I have to smile at your description " bush hog ". We call them " slashers " in Australia.
I just assumed that my MF 135 was made in the UK. The serial number is 135 432482 which indicates that it was born in 1973, but I don't know where.
How did yours finish up?

 

[The kid]

From the thousands of pictures I've looked at of 135's the British use them as transportation as well as a farming tool. They have foot operated throttles, pull up hand brakes while parking. Both front and rear marker and running lights. Full cab that was heated in the winter and even has windshield wipers. They where also better made IMHO. There tractors where almost all diesel because of the high cost of petro or gas as we yanks call it. To beat it all, there seems to be MORE reproduction parts available for non US models. Probably because the manufacturer wants deep pocketed yanks to buy new. Enjoy your build, I know I will. Have a great day, spring is in the air here and time for me to get busy on a ATV project. Ga day Mate as you would say..

 

[The kid]

Thank you The kid. I had a look at your pics and mine was in similar shape before I commenced the restoration. I have started a new thread MF 135 RESTORATION which has some more pics if you are interested. I have to smile at your description " bush hog ". We call them " slashers " in Australia. I just assumed that my MF 135 was made in the UK. The serial number is 135 432482 which indicates that it was born in 1973, but I don't know where. How did yours finish up?

My plan was was not to create a show tractor but a respectable looking operational one. A few here have mentioned I post some finished pictures and actually forgotten about it till you mentioned " How did yours finish up". I'll dig up some pics and post them. As for "bush hog" which is actually a brand of "slasher" called BUSH HOG. Speaking of slashers, check my ATV thread on the mini RC-42 which is a two point hitch 42" slasher Take care -kid

 

[Basil P]

From the thousands of pictures I've looked at of 135's the British use them as transportation as well as a farming tool. They have foot operated throttles, pull up hand brakes while parking. Both front and rear marker and running lights. Full cab that was heated in the winter and even has windshield wipers. They where also better made IMHO. There tractors where almost all diesel because of the high cost of petro or gas as we yanks call it. To beat it all, there seems to be MORE reproduction parts available for non US models. Probably because the manufacturer wants deep pocketed yanks to buy new. Enjoy your build, I know I will. Have a great day, spring is in the air here and time for me to get busy on a ATV project. Ga day Mate as you would say..

G'Day The Kid. It appears that mine is a UK build then because it has the foot accelerator and parking brake. It used to have lights on the mudguards and even direction indicators, but I have dispensed with those as I only intend to use it on my property. The lights were real elbow skinners too! Parts are readily available and quite reasonably priced.
Autumn is with us now and the season is rapidly changing - Winter on the way which in one way is good because it has been very dry this Summer. I live on the south coast of Western Australia and we usually get some Summer rains, but not this year.
I'll check out your ATV.
Have a good one.

 

[redman135]

Australia and New Zealand MFs are UK origin.
Nice restoration job.
What gearbox, ie 8sp?

 

[Basil P]

Gday redman.
Thanks. It has a 6 speed gearbox, no multipower. I would have preferred an 8 speed box ( without multipower ) but I was happy to get what I got.

Australia and New Zealand MFs are UK origin.
Nice restoration job.
What gearbox, ie 8sp?