MF65 "Multipower" does not work.

Northerner · May 20, 2009

I checked out a local Massey Ferguson 65 yesterday. The early models had 6F-2R, the usual 3spd with hi-lo range. That all works fine. This is a '64 with the "Multipower" option, an addition high range. When the lever is pushed nothing happens. The linkage all the way to the tranny case is moving. It will do what I need without the high range, but I would fix it if it wasn't too difficult/expensive. Are there any "simple" problems that might cause this, or am I looking at splitting it open?

P.S Probably relevant: There is no compression braking, possibly related to the Multi Power problem?

kenstrac · May 20, 2009

Make sure the transmission oil is OK and not loaded with water.
and yes you have to split tractor to get at M/P unit it's expensive one shaft alone is $1200 I would never buy a MF with M/P again.

Duffster · May 20, 2009

Northerner said:
P.S Probably relevant: There is no compression braking, possibly related to the Multi Power problem?

There is no engine braking with the multi power in low

Northerner · May 20, 2009

Is the tractor likely to continue working with the Multi Power non-functional, or could it die completely? ... Should I stay away from this one?

Does the Multi Power provide a higher, or a lower speed range than you would have without it?

Duffster · May 20, 2009

Northerner said:
Is the tractor likely to continue working with the Multi Power non-functional, or could it die completely? ... Should I stay away from this one?

Does the Multi Power provide a higher, or a lower speed range than you would have without it?

Good question

I can't answer, every MF we have has a Multi power. I can't imagine not having it.

banjodunn · May 22, 2009

G'day the tractor will continue to work in hi mp we have one at work as a shop tractor and the mp has been shot for years boss not worried about it and he was massey dealer for 35 years as mentioned earlier they are an expensive repair with some of the parts nla

. Best of luck with it though

Jon

DANOCHEESE · Jul 7, 2009

I have one with a bad MP for about 15 years now. Best little tractor a guy could get. I hauled it 600 miles home this spring because it would not start. 45 minutes later it was running great. I can't find replacemnt distributor clips so I have the cap taped on. It has been like that for about 5 years now. We treated this tractor like a bull dozer. PArts are easy to find with the exception of the clips. Tractor supply has basic parts.

R W · Jul 9, 2009

The Multi Power was regarded as great idea when it was introduced, but when they started to give trouble and proved costly to repair many owners have wished they had never heard of them.
Personally I would not purchase any M-F fitted with a MP,although otherwise I consider them a great tractor.

Grrrr · Jul 9, 2009

Multipower tractors only had engine braking in high range, as other had said.

So you can't shift to low to slow down when towing a heavy trailer. Plenty have tried, some may have died in the process

I would accept a multipower box stuck in high, thats useable.

A multipower stuck in low is just darn right dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The first time it takes off with you down a field you will realise why.

The brakes were also appalling relatively speaking on these tractors, so they will be no help.

You can weld the multipower together in high range, essentially removing the multipower, fix it for a lot of money or just find one without multipower or with working multipower (and check it well).

Give this tractor in question a miss.....

Duffster · Jul 9, 2009

Is the MP more reliable in the newer tractors?

All my Massey's are 200 series and havn't had a problem with the MP ever.

None of these tractors are new anymore and have quite a few hours on them.

VMC · Jan 31, 2015

How did you get on with the Multipower unit. I have a MF148 which is only operating in low. Is there anything I can look at or check before I start to pull it apart. Someone suggested I weld it up but I want to retain the multipower features and the higher operating speeds in "high"

leveled · Feb 1, 2015

pretty sure there is a soft line in the the hydraulic section the runs from a pump to the transmission to a clutch or something like that, it could be broken i had a 165 with multipower I wouldnt buy one again. also check the linkage and if oil is coming out of the weep hole on the bottom of the bell housing.

fitter1 · Feb 1, 2015

I had a mf 165 with multi-power that was stuck in low, no engine braking. Tractor needed to be split to repair. I traded it in for my jd990.

ToddL · Feb 1, 2015

I believe you have to have high pressure oil flow for the "hi-power" selection to work. There is an additional oil pump in the transmission section (just behind the bell housing) that supplies the needed oil and pressure. There is a bulkhead fitting on the clutch side of the bell housing with a metal tube attached. The other end is connected to the oil control valve which is part of the input shaft bearing housing. There are a few things you can check because it sounds like you may not be producing oil pressure or dumping oil in the bell housing. You will have to split the tractor. Once split, loosen the nuts and remove the oil tubing. Next, make sure the tractor is in neutral as well as the PTO. Rotate both input shafts, in the proper direction, to see if any oil is pumped by the secondary oil pump. If not, consider rebuilding or replacing the secondary pump. Another thing to check is the "o-ring" on the oil control valve spool. A 10 cent piece of rubber will shut you down, if worn or damaged. The next text is to take a air blow off nozzle with a rubber cone tip and stick the rubber cone into the oil inlet fitting on the oil control valve. Apply air pressure in both multi-high power and low settings to see if any air escapes around and through both input shafts. If so, the snap rings will have to be replaced on the other side of the bell housing.

VMC · Feb 2, 2015

Thanks everyone for the info. Looks like we will have to split the tractor to get it to work properly.

VMC · Feb 7, 2015

Before I split this tractor (MF148) and repair the multipower can anyone tell me if a standard 6 speed or 8 speed box will bolt straight into this tractor without major modifications. I am just looking at my options at this point. Vince

banjodunn · Feb 7, 2015

G'day yes you can bolt a standard 6 speed box straight up to it or you can weld the multi power up and put it back that way

Jon

VMC · Feb 9, 2015

banjodunn said:
G'day yes you can bolt a standard 6 speed box straight up to it or you can weld the multi power up and put it back that way

Jon Thanks.