MF65 : Would you weld/patch this block?

[bsbrum]

The good news is that I knew that my "new" MF65 had a hole in the block when I bought it, the bad news is that the "spare" engine that I got with the tractor is a G193 not a G176. Long story short, I am going to try to sell the G193 to bankroll the repairs of the G176.

To assess the damage to the G176, I decided to start by dropping the oil pan and looking around.

When the connecting rod end cap let go, the ensuing chaos in the crankcase also broke a segment out of the camshaft, breaking it in half. I did not find any trace of the camshaft or the missing tappet in the oil pan - they must have been thrown out of the hole.

Based on the pictures, I know it's hard, but do folks here think that this block it salvageable? I know some skilled craftsmen can weld cast iron, something like JBWeld is also an option, with the right cast iron patch.

I have found a block 3 hours away from me, but I don't have the cash - so I am looking for options.

 

[rjmack]

you might want to disassemble the motor to determine the extent of the damage first... crank etc.

there might be more problems than just the block.

 

[bsbrum]

Yeah, I am headed there. Going to pull the top end off today.

Kinda just wondering how far folks here have gone to save a block.

Like I mentioned, there's one 3 hours from me that they're asking $325 for. I have a tractor with a steak repair bill and I am on a taco bell budget. ;-)

 

[RDrancher]

It really depends on whether the parts to repair will exceed the purchase of another block.

I have a Ford 9n with a welded block that runs just fine.

 

[DJ54]

Do you have the piece(s) that came out of the block..??

There is Columbus Col-Weld that does that type of repair, down on Harrisburg Pike. They used to price repairs like that at 1/2 the cost of a new block, so that $325 may not look so bad.

There is also a fellow amd his son that have a shop between Baltimore, and Pickerington. He used to tig weld titanium, for Rockwell a few years back. He did some work for me on some antique items I had, and he is good..!! He will tackle things that Col-Weld won't. Still thinking, at least in the neighborhood, of the used block price.

I did a quick search on TractorHouse, and found 8, 65 gas engines just up the road from you... That is, if that was your ad I saw yesterday, and your location. World Wide Tractors Parts, a salvage yard located at Bellelfontaine. They have more listed, but some are diesel, and one LP. A couple are burned, another a hole in the block also, and one says it has "engine problems" ding*ding* ding*!! Here is the link to the page: MASSEY-FERGUSON 65 Farm Parts, Tractor Parts at TractorHouse.com

If the crank is damaged, or just plain beyond turning, you'll have quite a few bucks in a reman'd one. Plus a cam shaft, etc.

Once you have determined what you will need, it may be worth checking into one of those tractor engines. There may be a half decent runner in the bunch to get you by a while. Or just a decent rebuildable complete engine. Plus the fact they may be willing to do some trading of the G193 block & parts. Their marketability of it is much greater than yours, as them being hooked up with TractoHouse, it is possible to do a world wide search for parts, through them.

Just some food for thought...

 

[bsbrum]

DJ54-

As always, thanks for the insight.

I do not have the missing block pieces - they are out in a field somewhere :-/ complicating things quite a bit, I know.

I called WWTP last week and they told me that they didn't have any blocks. He wasn't volunteering information and I wasn't asking about complete engines. I'll have to call back.

I also had a chat with a Massey dealer up north and he has cracked block, but nothing serviceable at this time. I mentioned the G193 to him but he didn't seem interested. I'll run it past WWTP and see if they nibble.

I doubt that I'll get very far with my current block - I am just trying to vet my options.

I spent the morning digging into the top side and the stinking carriage bolts and springs for the gas tank/heat shroud plum tuckered me out. At least I can see the rocker box cover! ;-)

I'll keep hunting for a buyer for the G193 and a replacement G176 for me.

Thanks again!

 

[boomer1025]

It's time for another engine, alot more damage then just the block am afraid.

 

[Don87]

It's time for another engine, alot more damage then just the block am afraid.

I agree.

Part of the camshaft gone, along with a lifter. Lots more damage than the pictures are showing.

I also believe the pan was off before OP purchased it. Chances of all the missing parts flying out of the hole are lodged somewhere between slim and none.

 

[flusher]

I'd junk that G176 block and adapt the G193 block to your tractor.

Good luck.

 

[bsbrum]

I also believe the pan was off before OP purchased it. Chances of all the missing parts flying out of the hole are lodged somewhere between slim and none.

I don't think so. That gasket looks pretty darned near original... and for what it's worth, the connecting rod cap and both bolts were in the pan, along with a couple fragments of the piston skirt. The other bits may be stuck somewhere that I haven't gotten in to yet, but they weren't in the pan.

Regardless, I sadly have to agree that I think the block is a total loss - and while the crank looks okay, it may also be a loss. About $50 at the scrap yard may be all I get out of it. I'll probably pull the pistons and head for spares.