Oil & Fuel MF135 3 cylinder diesel motor firing issues

greens · Sep 29, 2014

Hi All,

My 135 appears to be missing when under no load or easy going work. When working harder it sounds fine.

I have had the injectors serviced/overhauled and they are said to be fine.

I am not sure the sound isn't typical for the 135 or if something is not right.

The timing has been advanced and retarded slightly to see if it makes any difference - moved the pump a few millimetres in both directions and couldn't hear a change.

Do you think it could be the injector pump?

If I remove the pump can it be easily reinstalled; i.e. does the quantity of fuel and spray pattern from the injectors have to be checked or can I simply bolt on the replacement pump and 'go for it'? (I understand the timing will need to be set).

Cheers
Simon

TomSeller · Sep 29, 2014

greens said:
Hi All,

My 135 appears to be missing when under no load or easy going work. When working harder it sounds fine.

I have had the injectors serviced/overhauled and they are said to be fine.

I am not sure the sound isn't typical for the 135 or if something is not right.

The timing has been advanced and retarded slightly to see if it makes any difference - moved the pump a few millimetres in both directions and couldn't hear a change.

Do you think it could be the injector pump?

If I remove the pump can it be easily reinstalled; i.e. does the quantity of fuel and spray pattern from the injectors have to be checked or can I simply bolt on the replacement pump and 'go for it'? (I understand the timing will need to be set).

Cheers
Simon

How long have you had the 135? The Perkins 3cyl diesels do have a unique sound. I always contributed it to the fact that they are 3 cylinder engines with a 2 port exhaust manifold. 2 cylinders share one port while the 3rd port is dedicated to its cylinder. I might be wrong, but the tone seems to level out at higher revs. To me, I like the sound at lower revs. Very distinct Massey Perkins sound.

greens · Sep 29, 2014

Hi Tom,
I have not had the tractor long - it's my first 135 although I also own a 3 cylinder JD which runs evenly. I previously owned the 35 with the 4 cylinder standard engine - this also ran evenly but gave significant issues trying to start it in cold weather.

Noting your comment perhaps I should find and listen to a 135 running to see if it's normal.

Thanks for your prompt response.

Cheers
Simon

Kenneth S · Sep 29, 2014

They do have their own sound, but it should sound, and run smooth. The injector pump isn't too hard to pull, and install. You take the oil fill cover off the front, remove the 3 bolts that hold the gear to the pump, unbolt the pump from the engine noting the timing marks, the carefully remove the pump without moving (turning) the pump gear, and that's it. There is a dowel pin in the gear, and pump/gear will only bolt together in one way. As long as you don't turn the engine over, or move the injector pump gear when the pump is out it should go back together the same way it came out, and be in time.

Kenneth S · Sep 29, 2014

Here is a couple of good videos of a 135 running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7mKe2FllyI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1obKD9Df6Uo

greens · Sep 30, 2014

Hi Kenneth,

I have listened to both sound tracks of your 135 running and I am now convinced that mine has a problem. As the injectors have been 'done' I guess the next thing to look at is the injector pump.
Thanks for your response.

Cheers
Simon

Kenneth S · Sep 30, 2014

While that isn't my 135 that you hear on the video's (mine has the 4 cylinder gas engine) my brother has a 150 with the same engine you have. He bought it used in 1975 (I was only 10 years old at that time) he still has it, and it sounds the same today as it did when he got it back in 1975. So I've heard the sound of the 3 cylinder Perkins diesel for almost 40 years.

greens · Sep 30, 2014

No worries - thanks for that

windy acers · Sep 30, 2014

Replace the lift pump( $ 50.00). If it is bad the engine run with a hollow sound and engine will Quit under load after 5 min. Then it will start after gravity feeds the injecter.