180 Massey Ferguson

[Juneoh7]

I recently acquired a 1965 Massey Ferguson 180. I had been told that the crankcase filled with diesel as it was being used, which was true, because I drained 4.5 gallons of diesel and oil out of it. Is it possible that being that full of diesel caused the crankcase bearings to seize, or could the pistons hydro-lock, because of the amount of liquid in the crankcase. The engine seems to be locked solid. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Dieseltech]

As an OLD MF mechanic the two main causes of fuel into oil is FIRST, the fuel supply pump on the right side of engine. When the diaphragm fails inside fuel can get into oil. SECOND choice is the injection pump main drive hub seal, I see those fail too on pumps I get in for repair a lot lately. If engine is locked solid, there MIGHT be a head gasket leaking coolant into the chambers, remove all four injectors and then see if engine will turn, if it blows coolant out of the injector holes you have your answer.

 

[used red MN]

Is it possible that being that full of diesel caused the crankcase bearings to seize

Yes, especially if a bearing was already worn to borderline failure. The thinned oil may have not provided adequate lubrication to the bearing and it failed spun and locked.

or could the pistons hydro-lock

This is somewhat unlikely, I don’t know how the dipstick seals on that engine but the oil level would have to get high enough to get to the level of the pistons at or near the bottom of their stroke. This is the only way oil could get up over the pistons. A failed injector that was letting fuel past it could also do this but that is also a highly unlikely event. A hydro locked engine should turn backwards at least enough for you to determine the engine is not fully locked.