MF210 Fuel Filter Change

cudaman · Jul 18, 2015

Hi, I decided to change my fuel filter on my own. I know bad idea. I thought if I bled the lines no problem, right? Wrong. Now it won't start. Anyone have any advise? Thanks.

Ed of all trades · Jul 18, 2015

Not a bad idea, you just have to learn how. someone with a 210 will likely be giving you the info you need soon. Welcome from Va.

cudaman · Jul 18, 2015

Thanks Ed, I be waiting in the wings for a reply. 10-4.

TomDavis · Jul 19, 2015

I have a MF210 and the manuals. Here is the page on bleeding the system. The fuel filter is an easy thing to change BUT a diesel fuel system can be a pain if you have dirty fuel or algae in the fuel. I love diesels but still have a lot to learn. Assuming you kept everything clean during the change and no grass or dirt or leaf parts or ... got into the system then you need to get the last little bit of air out. Below is the link to the page. I hope it helps. Oh, is your battery fully charged as a diesel has to spin well to crank?

If it still does not crank then my mechanic (when I gave up on by Ford 5600) slightly loosen the nut on several fuel injectors and bleed the air there. He also told me to be very careful with starter fluid as the intense explosion in the cylinder shatters the upper cylinder ring causing lower compression that makes it harder to start and it becomes "addicted" to starter fluid. Good Luck. Let us know how it goes.

cudaman · Jul 19, 2015

Mr. Davis, you are a life saver. I followed the instructions and after waiting patiently it started right up. I don't like to use starter fluid unless I have to. So I kept it simple. Which manual do you have? I looked on line, but every description was vague; therefore, I have not ordered one. I am thinking of selling this tractor in order to purchase one with a loader. It has 1007 hours on it, and aside from the paint being faded it is in pretty good shape. I have limited knowledge of tractors. I was wondering if you could suggest an asking price for my MF210 and perhaps you could recommend a good compact tractor to be on the look for? Once again, I want to thank you for providing this information. I looked on line at YouTube, but all the examples were for models with bleed valves on the filter housing. God Bless America.

TomDavis · Jul 19, 2015

Glad I could help. The manual is the one that came with the tractor when Dad bought it new in 1983(?). Here is the front and back cover. Note it only costs $0.55 then and that was not that long ago...at least for me. As to a recommendation I am not your guy. I grew up on the farm and left before he bought "Fergie". [I learned here that is what the MF fans affectionately call them]. I also was told by a mechanic I trust that the diesel in it is a great long term engine. I have had no problems and like the way it chugs along. I also think I would like a front end loader but not sure I would use it that much and there are gardening implements I need to replace. I was also told that to really get the most of a loader the tractor needs to be 4-wheel drive when they are as light as Fergie. When I was valuing it for estate settlement purposes I arrived at $7,000 by searching the internet where there are a lot of dealers advertising such units. They are in rather high demand by those that want an American made 20-30 HP tractor. You have a great tractor.