FARMALL MD

[used red MN]

I’m planning on doing more than a little bit of work with it so I going have “as good” or “better than new” because I know what I have in it then

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!

 

[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!

Some surface rust but no deep pitting and the whole inside of the block is not rusty at all,and there is a nice thin coat of old oil on the entire inside of the block so as far as reassembly goes it’s pretty much going to be pretty easy.

 

[Farmall M 248]

I was sooooooo surprised when I saw this.
This is the oil filter that came out of the oil filter housing from the MD block!!!!!!

 

[jon f mn]

Ive seen before on this site where folks get to giving advice on cost effectiveness. It's always good advice and usually accurate, but it misses tge point for this fellow, and for me in many cases. Seems like he is doing this because he likes the challenge, not to make money on it. All my tractors have more $ in them than I could ever get out, but I have enjoyed the projects and since I use them myself I like knowing what I have. It would be nice if we could all just stick to offering help to what is asked and stay on subject. Even I catch myself trying to dissuade poster from some projects based on cost effective, but generally once they say they are doing it anyway I try to offer what help I can. Hopefully this poster keeps with this project and is successful in completing it. Im sure the pride in the finished project will make it worth it to him.

 

[JOCCO]

Ive seen before on this site where folks get to giving advice on cost effectiveness. It's always good advice and usually accurate, but it misses tge point for this fellow, and for me in many cases. Seems like he is doing this because he likes the challenge, not to make money on it. All my tractors have more $ in them than I could ever get out, but I have enjoyed the projects and since I use them myself I like knowing what I have. It would be nice if we could all just stick to offering help to what is asked and stay on subject. Even I catch myself trying to dissuade poster from some projects based on cost effective, but generally once they say they are doing it anyway I try to offer what help I can. Hopefully this poster keeps with this project and is successful in completing it. Im sure the pride in the finished project will make it worth it to him.

All my tractors have more $ in them than I could ever get out, but I have enjoyed the projects and since I use them myself I like knowing what I have. Sums it up for me.

 

[Mrfred54]

Been following this post. I also like a good challenge. Ive got an M that had alot of issues also, cracked block, cracked crankshaft, everything in the engine froze up. Had to bust the pistons out with a large bar and even larger hammer. All new seals in the complete tractor, didn't want any leaks. So, ya I've got more money in it than ill ever get out of it but that don't matter, its what I wanted to do, just like Farmall M 248. Didn't post anything while I did this project, didn't want the ridicule of wasting my time and money

 

[MM-TX]

Been following this post. I also like a good challenge. Ive got an M that had alot of issues also, cracked block, cracked crankshaft, everything in the engine froze up. Had to bust the pistons out with a large bar and even larger hammer. All new seals in the complete tractor, didn't want any leaks. So, ya I've got more money in it than ill ever get out of it but that don't matter, its what I wanted to do, just like Farmall M 248. Didn't post anything while I did this project, didn't want the ridicule of wasting my time and money

This is a perfect example why it's worth the effort to develop a culture of support. I think @NormanSavesTractors is working on that. Show us some pictures.

 

[NormanSavesTractors]

Been following this post. I also like a good challenge. Ive got an M that had alot of issues also, cracked block, cracked crankshaft, everything in the engine froze up. Had to bust the pistons out with a large bar and even larger hammer. All new seals in the complete tractor, didn't want any leaks. So, ya I've got more money in it than ill ever get out of it but that don't matter, its what I wanted to do, just like Farmall M 248. Didn't post anything while I did this project, didn't want the ridicule of wasting my time and money

I understand. This has become an internet "Culture" and it's unfortunate. We are working on that. I hope you become more open to sharing. I am putting my money where my mouth is and we are enforcing this direction of a helpful culture here, at our company level, on our social medias. Everywhere.

Here is my take on all of this: It's YOUR tractor, YOUR money, and YOUR time. No one here should ridicule you at all. I think this is awesome. Keep working on your tractors. If other's think it's too far gone, but you don't. You're right.

Keep Carrying On Friends!

Happy Friday

 

[Jim in LA]

Pete from “A Few Acres Farm” posted on YouTube a few days ago that he is moving on to other things and won’t be doing YouTube anymore. I always enjoyed his videos.

 

[MeanGene1]

No one here should ridicule you at all.

I guess this is a good time to say this- there is a definite tendency by some to bully or ridicule with their words, strongly pushing their own "opinions" as hard facts- and I for one am glad that someone is watching and noticing. Some have the know-it-all attitude, and then of course there are the "correct police" that are always amusing- sometimes. I'm sure most of use remember "change yer sparkies- no argue!!" lol. Recently there was a thread that included "useless", "goofy" and "crazy not too"- probably words that would not be chosen if one was face to face with the recipient. I ran my first tractor at 7 (340 Utility with a loader) and was chasing wrenches at 5. Gramps owned an IH dealership, lime spreading operation and several farms, so I had a pretty good education before starting to build roads and freeways. I, like most of us, tinker with these old beasts for fun and nostalgia, and if I can help someone who asks for it I will chime in, and am not afraid to ask if I run in to something that I haven't before, because I know someone else has, and most are willing to help in a friendly fashion, which is greatly appreciated. Tell me I have to do it your way, in an insulting fashion? I don't think so, Scooter

 

[Farmall M 248]

Ive seen before on this site where folks get to giving advice on cost effectiveness. It's always good advice and usually accurate, but it misses tge point for this fellow, and for me in many cases. Seems like he is doing this because he likes the challenge, not to make money on it. All my tractors have more $ in them than I could ever get out, but I have enjoyed the projects and since I use them myself I like knowing what I have. It would be nice if we could all just stick to offering help to what is asked and stay on subject. Even I catch myself trying to dissuade poster from some projects based on cost effective, but generally once they say they are doing it anyway I try to offer what help I can. Hopefully this poster keeps with this project and is successful in completing it. Im sure the pride in the finished project will make it worth it to him.

Thank you for that post ,you are right on!

 

[Farmall M 248]

Been following this post. I also like a good challenge. Ive got an M that had alot of issues also, cracked block, cracked crankshaft, everything in the engine froze up. Had to bust the pistons out with a large bar and even larger hammer. All new seals in the complete tractor, didn't want any leaks. So, ya I've got more money in it than ill ever get out of it but that don't matter, its what I wanted to do, just like Farmall M 248. Didn't post anything while I did this project, didn't want the ridicule of wasting my time and money

Know what you mean.

 

[Farmall M 248]

I understand. This has become an internet "Culture" and it's unfortunate. We are working on that. I hope you become more open to sharing. I am putting my money where my mouth is and we are enforcing this direction of a helpful culture here, at our company level, on our social medias. Everywhere.

Here is my take on all of this: It's YOUR tractor, YOUR money, and YOUR time. No one here should ridicule you at all. I think this is awesome. Keep working on your tractors. If other's think it's too far gone, but you don't. You're right.

Keep Carrying On Friends!

Happy Friday

Thank you!

 

[Rbellucci]

I’m starting new thread to post some pictures of my new project, and to post the progress till I get it running!

That is a great looking project to start on. There is nothing like the feeling of getting an old Farmall back to life. I am looking forward to seeing the photos as you move through the restoration process!

 

[Rich'sToys]

I guess this is a good time to say this- there is a definite tendency by some to bully or ridicule with their words, strongly pushing their own "opinions" as hard facts- and I for one am glad that someone is watching and noticing. Some have the know-it-all attitude, and then of course there are the "correct police" that are always amusing- sometimes. I'm sure most of use remember "change yer sparkies- no argue!!" lol. Recently there was a thread that included "useless", "goofy" and "crazy not too"- probably words that would not be chosen if one was face to face with the recipient.

For a while the words "hack job" were also showing up here far too often.

 

[used red MN]

Thank you for that post ,you are right on!

Some of the things Jon said seems to apply to suggestions I made. I was only making suggestions to help the young man avoid “project regret” whether it was monetary or mental. In one reply I did add at the end he is welcome to move forward as he pleases, maybe in the other (reply 34) it was not as open ended. Even though that is my intention, only to convey my opinion and then the OP can go from there. NOT saying if you don’t head my word you’re doomed because by golly I know what I’m talking about. I’m happy this individual wants to work through the difficulties of the more challenging path, more power to him. No discouragement here.

 

[Not db4600]

Jon
Thanks for the statement and observations there in.
It’s frustrating when the replies move to fast to criticize a poster. M 248 has recently joined us here for input and advice and has been surprisingly resilient through this process.

I am not a skilled mechanic. Rather I build things. If I don’t teach and pass on what the years have given me I’m defeating my purpose at this point of my career. If I tell a young carpenter your tools are junk and methods wrong it neither helps him or me.

At YT we should be promoting the preservation of these things. The questions asked here are for a reason and this should be a helpful place.

 

[Farmall M 248]

Here is picture of the bottom view of the block.

 

[Farmall M 248]

And after I power washed it .

 

[Farmall M 248]

Other side.