601 Workmaster question...

[cubluvn8n]

I have a 601 labeled Workmaster diesel. It's been parked for a few years because it's due for a rebuild. It had a non diesel knock sound in the engine, smoked bad, and the oil had a funny smell to it. The tractor never gave up on me and it still ran strong when I parked it, I didn't want to create unrepairable damage but it seems like I will break the bank for an overhaul! My question, is the tractor worth keeping??? I replaced it with an 8N but I really miss my 601!
 

[souNdguy]

being a 601d, and if it has it's original engine.. it will be the more rare and spendy 144ci diesel.

while i hear parts are available.. I also hear they cost a bit mor ethan the counterpart larger brother 172 diesel.

I think I might find an engine substitute for it if it truly is sick, then part the other engine out perhaps..

any of the 134/144/172/192 4 cyl red tigers will bolt up.

if you convert to gas.. you will have a lil additional work... etc..
 

[Denny Falk]

If your interested in a trade I have a 64 2000 4 cylinder engine still in my tractor that I am removing soon to replace with the bigger one. You can hear it run before I take it out. Just a thought if you don"t want to spend the money on a diesel as I just did. I live at 46777 or you can reach me at 260-824-3157 if interested.
 

[old]

If it was mine I would pull the oil pan off and see if you can find the knock that way. If it is a rod bearing you could pull the engine flip it over and do the crank and then put in rod and mains and maybe a set of rings which would be a half job and make it run a good long time for probably $500-1000.
 

[Tony Jacobs]

Unfortunately there is no cheap way to rebuild a 144 diesel mainly because of the lack of aftermarket parts made for that engine only New Holland still makes the pistons , sleeves . Rings , bearings amd gaskets can be had at a decent price . If you follow old's advice I guarantee the engine WILL NOT LAST and blow up . Connecting rod bolts MUST BE CHANGED and the crankshaft, connecting rods and blocks MUST BE MAGNAFLUXED to check for cracks . The last guy here on this board that did not follow my instructions to the letter spent $5000 for another shop to rebuild his engine broke a crankshaft after only 150 hours because nobody bothered to check it for cracks . EVERYTHING MUST BE CHECKED if you do it the CHEAP WAY it will all you will be doing is throwing your money away . Thanks Tony
 

[cubluvn8n]

I happened to find a gas 641 close to me. The guy said the engine could use a rebuild. Would it be best if I did an engine swap? Im trying to be thrifty with the money I spend on this thing, it will never be a show piece. I just need something stronger than my 8N.
 

[Tony Jacobs]

Yes you can do an engine swap or just use the gas 641 and use the diesel for parts that way there you can do an in frame rebuild on the gas 641 which is acceptable with no problems like the diesel has after 50 plus years of use and abuse . Thanks Tony