FARMALL MD

[Farmall M 248]

I hope your wallet is prepared for what’s about to happen to it. When you need engine parts, give Carr’s Repair a call. Gerald will get you what you need.
Good luck.

I finally gave him a call and looks like I’m getting stuff from him .

 

[Farmall M 248]

From photos cannot see surface of rocker arm radius contact to valve to stem , suggest resurfacing.
The Three and four journals from photos look like bearing surfaces are not real good .
I also suggest ring the crank with brass hammer for solid ring tone . This will tell if it is cracked
I also suggest the same ring test for the camshaft . Care, do not drop the camshaft it will shatter.
The crank can be welded and resurfacing to perform.
Cam can be resurfaced . https://www.camcraftcams.com/contact/ possibly
Don’t know how far you want to take this projects just some ideas to be looked at.
Press ahead with you project .

I took your advice and I rung the crank and it had a very nice loud ring to it, same with the cam .

 

[Farmall M 248]

Have you made any attempt to search for another non runner MD with a free engine? Is that a big rusted pitted area about the size of a dime on the cam on that front journal in your picture? Something rusted up like that from setting exposed just screams this will be a problem motor to get cleaned up for assembly. You can take it for what it is worth but all these things add up to trouble for reassembly. It would be one thing if this was a very rare machine and you had to make do with what you have because replacements aren’t available. I am willing to bet that you are going to end up with way more in it trying to make this rusty weather exposed engine run than if you seek out an engine with a solid start point. This is why I suggest as rustred did to seek out another specimen you’ll be time and money ahead. This is just a word to the wise as I said in another reply 34 about applying “financial intelligence” to your project. I know others may look at this as me trying to discourage you from taking on this project that is not my point at all, being smart and assessing options is what I am talking about.
Best of luck on whatever path forward you choose!

There was no pitting on the cam or even rust that was old oil.

 

[Farmall M 248]

And them old mains and rods should have been plastiguaged and the number wrote down so you actually know and have a reference on the clearance. Rods still can be done. Just torque them rods up on the crank one at a time. Post pictures of all them brgs.

I got the bearings and the crank put in just to check the clearances and everything is definitely within factory specs so I’m going to take it back out and clean it up really good for final assembly.

 

[560Dennis]

Ok it’s good to know that feedback . Keep working at your project,
I’m confident that your crankshaft and cam can be repaired. If you find it necessary to get expert advice from repair shops that specialize in that type of repairs. You will find this experience very helpful in future projects.
Suggest store the crank and cam in a location that there is no possible chance of any damage to them .

 

[Powered By IH]

I got the bearings and the crank put in just to check the clearances and everything is definitely within factory specs so I’m going to take it back out and clean it up really good for final assembly.

Just curious, how did you check those clearances?
Did you measure the crank with both a micrometer and plastigage?
(Micrometer checks for out of round bearings, plastigage checks for running clearance. Both should be done with no oil on the crank.)

 

[Farmall M 248]

Ok it’s good to know that feedback . Keep working at your project,
I’m confident that your crankshaft and cam can be repaired. If you find it necessary to get expert advice from repair shops that specialize in that type of repairs. You will find this experience very helpful in future projects.
Suggest store the crank and cam in a location that there is no possible chance of any damage to them .

That was the first step next is the cam bearings and sleeves but just have to save up for them but will keep posting progress. I’m storing them on a shelf under a wooden bench so there pretty safe but thanks for the advice.

 

[Farmall M 248]

Just curious, how did you check those clearances?
Did you measure the crank with both a micrometer and plastigage?
(Micrometer checks for out of round bearings, plastigage checks for running clearance. Both should be done with no oil on the crank.)

I checked the crank journals with my micrometer and they were 3.748 which is basically no ware on the journals and to measure bearings we bought a plastigauge kit.

 

[560Dennis]

Anything new with your project

 

[Farmall M 248]

Thanks for asking, yesterday I got the injection pump all cleaned up and it looks like it should work ,it is just missing the primary pump. but I think I know where to find one.
Otherwise I’m just saving up for the cam bearings and the cylinder kit.

 

[Farmall M 248]

As I get the parts I will post the progress !