bsbrum
Silver Member
I've posted some questions, and told you the tale of my first gas 1959 MF65 that had the hole punched in the block. I got it for just above scrap value, with a second engine that turned out to be a G193 forklift/air compressor motor, so it didnt do me a lick of good.
I mistakenly thought that replacing the engine would not be too expensive or difficult to find parts (under $1000). I was disabused of those notions after a number of months of searching and seeing the calculator ticking over the $1500 mark - and not slowing down.
Then I found out that a friend had a parts hound buddy track down a block for me. It was even better that guy is only a couple miles from me. I went over to talk to the guy, and to my shock and joy he had a diesel MF65 sitting in his barn. We talked about the diesel, never the block. He turned right around and followed me home to see my disabled baby - and after ruminating a bit, we shook on a trade and price. He was asking a fair price for the diesel, and effectively offered me $50 more for mine in trade than I paid.
That was early February. Stuff happens, kids need clothes and beds, cars need emergency service ... So time ticked by. I stopped by and talked to the fellow and assured him that I was working on the money.
Well, long story shortened, Monday morning at 9:30am he pulled up with the diesel MF65, and we did the trade.
I'll get into all my challenges later, but for now, I'll tell you that I got this baby started up, and I drove her up and down the driveway.... With a grin a mile wide. I'd never driven a tractor before, but had read up on how to operate her, and didn't have any problems (once I figured out that the neutral interlock also required the high/low shifter to be in neutral).
I have some exhaust leaks, and diesel seeps, and a few other leaks here and there, but she runs. She runs well, and everything seems to work as you'd expect.
I am one seriously happy boy. Thanks to all who have helped me along the road to this point, and I am sure I will lean on you all even more as I dig into this old beast and try to tame her.... And learn a thing or ten along the way.
I mistakenly thought that replacing the engine would not be too expensive or difficult to find parts (under $1000). I was disabused of those notions after a number of months of searching and seeing the calculator ticking over the $1500 mark - and not slowing down.
Then I found out that a friend had a parts hound buddy track down a block for me. It was even better that guy is only a couple miles from me. I went over to talk to the guy, and to my shock and joy he had a diesel MF65 sitting in his barn. We talked about the diesel, never the block. He turned right around and followed me home to see my disabled baby - and after ruminating a bit, we shook on a trade and price. He was asking a fair price for the diesel, and effectively offered me $50 more for mine in trade than I paid.
That was early February. Stuff happens, kids need clothes and beds, cars need emergency service ... So time ticked by. I stopped by and talked to the fellow and assured him that I was working on the money.
Well, long story shortened, Monday morning at 9:30am he pulled up with the diesel MF65, and we did the trade.
I'll get into all my challenges later, but for now, I'll tell you that I got this baby started up, and I drove her up and down the driveway.... With a grin a mile wide. I'd never driven a tractor before, but had read up on how to operate her, and didn't have any problems (once I figured out that the neutral interlock also required the high/low shifter to be in neutral).
I have some exhaust leaks, and diesel seeps, and a few other leaks here and there, but she runs. She runs well, and everything seems to work as you'd expect.
I am one seriously happy boy. Thanks to all who have helped me along the road to this point, and I am sure I will lean on you all even more as I dig into this old beast and try to tame her.... And learn a thing or ten along the way.
