MF 30E woes

[mrbill3223]

Update to hydraulic problem: Yay !! It works !!! Took y'alls advice and drained all old fluid, removed and cleaned strainer (gooey), replaced and filled with Tractor Supply hydraulic fluid (12.5 gallons). Removed transfer pipe cap and cranked (w/out starting) engine until fluid pumped clear. Closed up everything and (fingers crossed) started engine. Whew !! "magic" everything worked. NOW....have to get to the Perkins problem. My first post says while working the loader, the engine developed a loud knock and started smoking from the crank case (it was pressurized). Engine ran strong, oil pressure okay, no black smoke, no white smoke. Something gave way internally but only symptoms were the knocking and pressurized crankcase. I'm tempted to run it until it "hand grenades" but then it may not be repairable. Any thoughts???

 

[redman135]

More info please?
When the knock occured, was it continuous, or knock for a bit (how long) and then stop?
I had a 135 do a main end bearing shell. It knocked loudly so I shut down quickly. Repairs were rings, bearing shells (crankshaft), and seals.Also the crankshaft needed honing to remove the bearing(some bits of bearing had stuck to the crankshaft). Because the engine was shut down quickly, there was no major damage. I did most of the repair myself, and the engine is just an oversized meccano set.
I reccommend you repair the engine now while it is fairly cheap. I would.
Good luck which ever way you decide.

 

[mrbill3223]

The loud knocking occurred while I was working it hard to remove a tree stump. The loud knocking did not stop and also started blowing smoke from the crankcase. I agree with you, probably needs repair/rebuild. I have no problem tackling the engine rebuild, I just hate the thought of all the aggravation of having to remove the loader and rams and having to split the front of the tractor just to get at the little Perkins. :-( BTW, thanks for responding, I feel like I have some great help on this.

 

[rider7767]

Yup, the tractor has been outside since I've owned it (about two months). It was outside in the rain where I bought it and who knows for how long.
And yes, rubber boots around all the shift levers look decrepit.......so I will drain the fluid and change/clean the filters to see if this remedies the problem. I will post the results when I finish. Thanks again for the tips.

You can get a CV shaft boot repair kit from the auto parts house and cut it down to fit over your gear shifter. They are very flexible and last.