New to me Massey 165 maintenance

[JScott1112]

I see that this forum is pre-'70 models but mine is close. I just purchased my first tractor and it's a 2 owner '73 MS 165 with very little use. When I say little use I mean it has been used to shred and only has 460 hours on a working Tac. All gauges but fuel work. Besides checking/changing fluids, greasing pto parts, and other general maintenance(need to replace some bushings), what do I need to be mindful of with a tractor that has seen minimal use? Previous owner was a mechanic with too many tractors to put a lot of hours on this one the last 15 years. Steering links are tight though power assist is a little slower to get going turning left. Breaks are good. All gears work in H/L. Haven't put a load on the pto yet to check hydraulics.

Thanks for all comments. Though I have never posted, this forum has helped a lot already.

 

[Agvg]

Not much else to do, check for leaks, seals don't like stand still to much. And it's always a good thing to make it work real hard a few hours, constant light work is not good.

 

[BADDBOYY21]

I have a 1970, 165. It has about 2200 hours.

What I have done so far is changed the engine oil and replaced the canister filter with a spin on setup.

Flushed and changed antifreeze.
Changed hydraulic oil.
Changed both fuel filters and air filter.
Put on a new belt.
Rewired the tractor including lights, new voltage regulator.
Replaced the temperature gauge. Just replaced the fuel gauge hoping it was that simple but the fuel sending unit in the tank needs replaced too.
Replaced tierod assembly and widened the front axle.
Replaced the front wheel bearings
Replaced all of the clogged grease fittings and greased everything.

Things that need done in the future, brakes, bushings on the fuel tank mounts are dry rotted, hydraulic pump leaks down fairly quickly once the engine is off, replacing the generator with a 1 wire alternator that I already purchased.

The tractor has a few tiny leaks that drip overnight. Nothing major. I love this tractor. Starts very easily. Has a lot of power.

 

[JScott1112]

Not much else to do, check for leaks, seals don't like stand still to much. And it's always a good thing to make it work real hard a few hours, constant light work is not good.

Good idea on letting it work hard for a few hours. I have just the right job in mind. Not too much just yet but see how it responds first.

 

[JScott1112]

That is a great list. Thanks. I plan on setting some time aside this winter to do a lot of preventative maintenance as well as anything else that might pop up.

I have a 1970, 165. It has about 2200 hours.

What I have done so far is changed the engine oil and replaced the canister filter with a spin on setup.

Flushed and changed antifreeze.
Changed hydraulic oil.
Changed both fuel filters and air filter.
Put on a new belt.
Rewired the tractor including lights, new voltage regulator.
Replaced the temperature gauge. Just replaced the fuel gauge hoping it was that simple but the fuel sending unit in the tank needs replaced too.
Replaced tierod assembly and widened the front axle.
Replaced the front wheel bearings
Replaced all of the clogged grease fittings and greased everything.

 

[BADDBOYY21]

I use mine about once a week. I have property to maintain up in the mountains. I don't farm with it.

It gets the job done.

 

[SIMassey]

That is a great list. Thanks. I plan on setting some time aside this winter to do a lot of preventative maintenance as well as anything else that might pop up.

Change the thermostat when changing and flushing the cooling system. Read many of threads that mention the new owners find that the previous owner has removed the thermostat to prevent overheating. (Assumed reason) The engine would certainly run better in colder climates if engine is allowed to reach desired operating temperature.