1968 5000 Utility--GAS

[Alan8n]

Going to look at this tractor over the weekend. Seems like most people want a diesel in a tractor this size, but this tractor is in good condition at the right price and location. Transmission is NOT SOS. I am a hobby farmer and don't need to make money from what I am going to do with this tractor, just make my life easier. Several questions:
1) Is there a real reason to avoid a gas tractor.
2) Do these tractors have a good reputation as reliable
3) Are there any weak areas I should look for ?
Thanks
Alan

 

[johnofnewhaven]

The Ford 5000 is a great tractor.
Just about bullet proof. About
the only reason to avoid a gas is
because it will be thirsty
compared to the diesel. I have a
1974 diesel. It has wet brakes
and are a bit of a chore to
change. Make sure they are in
good working order or understand
it is a bit of a job to replace
them. Make sure the PTO shuts off
too. Others will be along that
have far more knowledge of the
5000 than I do. I really like my
5000 diesel!

 

[diesel fumes]

yes ford 5000 is a tough reliable tractor ; dad bought a new one back in the day ; after he had it a while he said he should have bought 2; it now has many hours on it ; and i also have 2, never had brake issues, but yes, check pto , and normal stuff,
like clutch, hydraulics ,does it smoke. i would not be to concerned about being gas, injection systems are way more costly to repair.

 

[shaun wallace]

Brakes will last 10,000 hrs or more. Check brake boots they split and leak hyd oil. Yes the pto brake is small and will turn. It is better to use orc when running shredder because brake will take long time to
stop it. Steering is some what to be desired at times, will turn good one way and funny the other. With patinence it can be made to turn with one finger. I have 69 5000 8 speed diesel with unknown hours.

 

[ford1956tractor]

I have a 68 Ford 5000 gas with tricycle front end. Use it in hay every year. Super reliable and the one I would go in extreme cold
conditions to start.

 

[Destroked 450]

68 was a change over year for Ford, especially for the 4000/5000 models
Early 5000s used a 233 ci engine making 60 hp
After April the engine was upgraded to 256 ci and made 67 hp
Tractors between April and August 1 could have either engine
Check the build codes stamped into the clutch housing behind the starter to see when it was built
If the tractor has a vented hood it will have the smaller engine
We have a 66 and a 74, the power difference is noticeable

 

[Alan8n]

I don't have access to the tractor number plate but here is a pic of the hood I believe this is a NON vented hood, correct ?
Thanks

 

[Destroked 450]

Yes thats a non vented hood so it could have a 256 engine

 

[Alan8n]

WOW...that is great information. My I ask how you came about that info ? From a book or ?? I find jems of historical knowledge like that awesome
Thanks

 

[Sean in PA]

They made a number of changes on 4/1/1968, including the change in the sheet metal from the louvered hood with the wraparound lower grill to the inset lower grill, plus both the gas and diesel 5000 engines got a bump in displacement from 233 to 256 ci, and the 4000 gas engine did as well, from 192 to 201 ci.

 

[PaulTrev]

My 1968 gas 5000 is a strong tractor. Have only had it a few years but have found the power steering to be the biggest issue as the lines tend to rub and wear through unless properly secured. Also, check the sediment bowl for rust particles from the gas tank, can causing surging of the engine...I have to replace or clean it out and put in that liner stuff that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head.

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 21:40:50 01/20/22) My 1968 gas 5000 is a strong tractor. Have only had it a few years but have found the power steering to be the biggest issue as the lines tend to rub and wear through unless properly secured. Also, check the sediment bowl for rust particles from the gas tank, can causing surging of the engine...I have to replace or clean it out and put in that liner stuff that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head.

There are a few different gas tank coating products out there. I have had success with the ones from POR-15 and from KBS. I've never tried any of the others so I can't speak to those.

 

[PaulTrev]

Is there a way to check which engine is in a 68 5000?

 

[Destroked 450]

The engines build date is stamped on the blocks mounting tab below the distributor drive
Block casting numbers on the right side beginning with C5NN or C6NN will be the earlier 233 engine
The 256 has a bigger bore and would have a different casting number but Im not sure what it is
Our second 5000 is a 74 model with block casting D0NN

 

[Sean in PA]

The engine serial number is stamped into the flat rail on the right side (as you're sitting on the tractor) of the block down low, just above the oil pan. If it is an earlier 233ci engine the serial number will start with the letter P. If it is a later 256ci engine the engine serial number will start with the letter E.