Saving A Ford 3910

[PM Wells]

Ok tried turning the injection pump 1 degree back yesterday evening, it did not make much difference as far as engine smoking, engine didn't seem to run as smooth as before. I then adjusted it 1 degree forward and let it sit overnight, this morning I started it up and same as before, light blue white smoke, cleared up a little quicker, but again engine didn't seem as smooth as when it was set on zero. Set pump back to zero and started engine this afternoon, it ran better and smoke cleared until there was no smoke to speak of. I did find out from the PO the tractor sat for about 8 months after it stopped running before I got it, maybe valve guide seals.
I did check the manifold heater and return fuel line that feeds it, no fuel in the manifold to burn out. I am thinking running it may make it clear up some.

 

[PM Wells]

I reinstalled the radiator shell and guard along with the air filter housing and new inner and outer air filters, also replaced the pre cleaner that was missing. I could tell a difference in the sound of the engine, with that little extra tug to get the air it needed to run.

 

[ovrszd]

Keep pushing, little bites at a time, you'll end up with a good tractor.

 

[PM Wells]

I think you are right, today a man that knew I had been working on it and has seen the progress so far ask me what I wanted for it. I thought for a minute, and said I don't even know what I have in it so far. I said what would you give? he smiled. It did make me feel like I was going forward. I found the leak in one of the power steering lines, the reservoir was empty, filled it with transmission fluid and turned the wheel back and forth a few times and power steering started working, no noise, so pump must be good.

 

[super55]

I love reading threads like this where old machinery is resurrected and brought back to life with the assistance from others.

As for the tractor sending a little smoke during startup I wouldn't give it much concern. As someone posted earlier might just be the characteristics of your engine. I have two JD tractors 4310/4400 one has under 800 hours and the other has 3200. At startup (especially in colder weather) They will billow some blue smoke for a minute or two and once the engine warms up a little it all clears up and you can actually hear the engine clear itself up. I've concluded that is just a characteristic of an older Yanmar diesel.

 

[shovelmike]

I have been following this thread and enjoying reading about your progress in rejuvenating your old tractor.
Congratulations on a job well done. The smoke while cold is probably normal, looks like you're good to go.

 

[PM Wells]

Well thank you Mike, I really do like to see things restored back to useful condition, whether it be man or machine, I think the inside is more important in the beginning than the outside, it can have that patina look if that is what someone wants, or can be made to look new again. I still have some things I need to do, like changing the transmission and rearend hydraulic fluid and filter. the sheet metal was not in bad shape, beat up a little in front, with surface rust here and there. The tractor is fairly tight. It has turned out better than I thought at one time, I had a salvage yard make an offer and started to let them have it. There was something the man said that made me change my mind, he said we have people that will buy those Ford tractors. We will put an injection pump on it and get it running. I decided then to go forward with it, so far so good.

 

[Jstpssng]

I've also been following this. I don't know much about working on diesels but love those old Fords. It's always nice to read about somebody who will spend the time to keep one going.
Keep going forward, and updating your progress. :thumbsup:

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I’m glad you got it going, I’ve got five similar Ford tractors that I use regularly, two 10 series and three 30 series! They’re great tractors and this is a great thread.

 

[PM Wells]

The 3910 is doing better each day, started it this morning, very little smoke that cleared away in a couple minutes. I adjusted the clutch, now takes hold about 3/4 out, feels about right to me. I had a set of headlights that came off a 3930 that I installed a front loader on a couple years ago, installed them, connected the wires pulled the switch and they are working. I did get a new 4DLT battery for the tractor actually before I did very much to it because the battery was missing. I didn't get to change the transmission, and rear end fluids because I bought what I think is the wrong fluid. When I told them at the parts store what I wanted, they gave me Warren AW-32 which I believe is 10wt. I have read that I need at least a 20wt. I have 5 gal of VP Racing ultra J20A Plus, that I think came from TS. Thinking about taking the AW-32 back and getting 10 gal of the ultra J20A Plus. What do you think? Here are a couple more pics with light on and tractor running

 

[RickB]

Do not use AW32. The J20 compatible oil will be ok for the brakes and PTO clutch if they are referencing the Deere J20 spec. You can use it in the transmission and power steering as well.

 

[fried1765]

The 3910 is doing better each day, started it this morning, very little smoke that cleared away in a couple minutes. I adjusted the clutch, now takes hold about 3/4 out, feels about right to me. I had a set of headlights that came off a 3930 that I installed a front loader on a couple years ago, installed them, connected the wires pulled the switch and they are working. I did get a new 4DLT battery for the tractor actually before I did very much to it because the battery was missing. I didn't get to change the transmission, and rear end fluids because I bought what I think is the wrong fluid. When I told them at the parts store what I wanted, they gave me Warren AW-32 which I believe is 10wt. I have read that I need at least a 20wt. I have 5 gal of VP Racing ultra J20A Plus, that I think came from TS. Thinking about taking the AW-32 back and getting 10 gal of the ultra J20A Plus. What do you think? Here are a couple more pics with light on and tractor running

View attachment 622269View attachment 622270

Ran out of paint after the breather cap, and the diesel fuel cap??

 

[PM Wells]

I ordered the air cleaner cap off ebay, it was supposed to be black, but as you can see it was blue, the fuel cap was on the tractor as is when I got it , don't know if it had been replaced or not. I did change the transmission and rear end fluids along with new hydraulic filter today, I used a premium grade tractor hydraulic & transmission oil that was recommended for New Holland tractors M2c134 a,b,c,d. I was surprised at the condition of the underside of the tractor, paint was pretty good and drain plugs were in good condition with no rust. The transmission fluid was milky, the rear end fluid was getting dark but still looked good, no water in it. Started the tractor after changing fluids and have very little smoke. I will probably put the rest of the sheet metal back on it and just use it as is for a while. I am happy with this project so far and think it was worth the cost to get it going again.

 

[ovrszd]

You should be very happy.

I agree. Use it for awhile then decide how far to go. Might be fine just like it is!!!

 

[PM Wells]

I had not started the 3910 in the last 4 or 5 days until today. There was quite a bit more smoke since the last time. What about valve guide seals? that seems to me that it could be the problem with the smoke at startup.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Take a video and post it next time.

 

[PM Wells]

I am pretty sure the engine has some carbon buildup on the valve seats, and maybe in the cylinders, and valve seals could be worn.
When I started it today, it had some smoke but not near as much as after it sat for 4 to 5 days

 

[shovelmike]

A little bit of smoke at start is liveable, if it runs well use it.

 

[RickB]

I am pretty sure the engine has some carbon buildup on the valve seats, and maybe in the cylinders, and valve seals could be worn.
When I started it today, it had some smoke but not near as much as after it sat for 4 to 5 days

If you want to overhaul the engine, just do it. I sure would not, but you have been talking yourself into it for a month now. If you had done the **** compression test you would know more about what it needs.

 

[PM Wells]

I was told by the man that rebuilt the pump that the engine would not even start if the compression wasn't at least 325 on each cyl. If I had done the compression test before I tried to start it, and it was low, I would probably not have went on with it. I am not planning to rebuild the engine, but may do some valve work if that would help with the smoke problem. Now if you have a problem with me asking questions about this tractor, that is your problem. You certainly do not have to read any of my post, and don't think you can come back with your smart A response just because you worked on tractors before.