MF88

[Rst277]

I was moving my 88 into the shop when I started to notice a lack of power and it started running a little rough. After I parked, noticed a mix of fuel leaking from the front, I suspect from the cylinder head gasket. Any tips on where to get this gasket? I was thinking of having the head cleaned and valves ground should I go for a total overhaul? Thanks, Ralph
 

[onefarmer]

I have a question about your 88. Does it say it's an 88 on the side or 85. I have never seen one that was badged an 88. By all my research my 85 should be an 88 but it says it's an 85
 

[JJL]

I have an 85 and I've seen a few 88's. The 88 was the western or standard version of the 85.
The 88 had cast wheels, fixed front axle, wheatland fenders and no 3 point hitch. The 85 had steel rims, adjustable front axle, row crop fenders and 3 point.

Do you have a picture of your 85? Also does the serial number tag say 85 or 88?
 

[Rst277]

The sheet metal says 88 and there is no 3pt hitch. I have a 88 diesel with a blown crank I bought for parts as well. There is the odd one around I see once in a while but I am "in the west" in Manitoba, Canada so maybe that makes sense. Rst
 

[onefarmer]

JJL what your saying makes more sense to me. That the 88 is a standard/wheatland/western version of the 85.

I read something that said the 88 was a diesel version of the 85 but I knew that wasn't true. Being in Mich I can see why I have never seen a 88.

My 85 has spin out rear wheels, adjustable front axle, 3pt, 18.4x30 rears, clam shell fenders, and a pto.

I have seen pics of 85's with an aluminum strip under the hood (mine has it) and pics with out the strip.
 

[Dieselmatic]

Diesels had the chrome strip, gas models did not.
 

[onefarmer]

oooohhhhhh yea! That makes sense.