MF 65 - starter tips

[RuralTowner]

Recently picked up an MF 65. Going by the SN of CNM 679862 so it's a late 1960 model. Even came with a set of new tires (separate). Seller had purchased it with intent to get it running but had a backhoe turn up so it just sat. Per seller it will run with spray but not diesel which says the pump needs a service. Went to pick it up & also hear a test run (on spray) but only got as far as hearing the motor (reasonably healthy sounding) crank over for a few seconds before following up with spray to hear it but the starter conked out. Connections only spark. It got push loaded.

Got starter off today thinking maybe just a bad solenoid so jumped starter directly. Just sparks. Might just be brushes OR it might've shorted elsewhere...not sure but either way needs starter. Has the 3-bolt DELCO part # 1107503. I see the PARTS section here has those for grabs but the price is a bit rich for me at the moment. Should the Lucas type work? I to see the Delco number listed in the info.

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Massey-Ferguson-65_Starter_SLU0008.html

Tractor also came assorted small extras including an IP kit but seller wasn't sure if it was all there as it had been opened so will be getting one of those too.

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I have a '63 MF202 Work Bull with loader & box scraper (ripper is toothless) but has it's own share of issues. Power steering pump is shot. The shuttle shift likes to pop out of Reverse so must be held with a knee while muscling the wheel around. Being an Industrial meant the clutch got worked often to change between Fwd & Rev so clutch got worn out long before I got it let alone the PO. Has no brakes remaining on Left & the Right seems it locked up in released position from neglect. Intent was to transfer the loader...it would have to come off anyway to split the tractor to get to the clutch. Also it tends to sit for extended periods I'm always having to fidget with the carb. The 65 being diesel will happily sit...still has a strong clutch & otherwise just needs brakes adjusted. Though it sits higher being an Ag model (good thing I have long legs) the mount points for equipment on the front bolster are the same height from the ground as on the heavy cast nose of the 202 & axle mounts for the rear frame match.

 

[used red MN]

The starter fitment looks to me to be dependent on the teeth count on the starter drive. The Delco is listed as a 9 tooth and the Lucas is a 10. So the tooth spacing on the flywheel ring has to match the starter pinion spacing.
I am not sure if you are familiar with YT member Dieseltech, he is the one I would recommend for servicing your pump. Also a word of caution or a suggestion if you are planning on leaving diesels set 3 or more months these days. The low sulfur diesel available tends to have less lubricating qualities than that of the past. Many use a mix of 2 cycle oil in the fuel to help with pump lubrication on older machines particularly if there is a plan for it to be unused for a time. If Dieseltech does your pump I am sure he may have a recommended additive for this.
One last thing, does your 202 have an auxiliary front hydraulic pump on it driven by the front of the crankshaft? If it does and it cannot be moved to the 65 you might find the speed of the loader operation off the 4.6 GPM pump in the pitiful range.

 

[RuralTowner]

The Delco12v with the same part# I have mentions 10 & the Lucas also claims 10 teeth. I still need to double check mine but should be the same. DO see 9 tooth mentioned further down but it's 2-bolt.

Recently sent a Roosa Master off to to Dieseltech for someone & got it back. The cam pin broke apart during teardown for a cleaning & I had to split the housing to get it out. I couldn't find a bare housing but he had a good housing to spare to go with the internals if I sent it to him. Night//Day difference compared to condition the pump was originally in. Pump is reinstalled now but haven't had a chance to see the tractor run yet as the owner has other fuel system stuff to get first.

This 65 has a different IP & as long as there's nothing broken a thorough cleaning & re-seal SHOULD at least get it running. Good point on the pump lubricity. Have other stuff piling up to do on property so it would be run more often.

My 202 (a 1963) has the pump powered off the front of the crank but turns out that won't work here since the steering unit & front axle is in the way. Unless by some chance the bolting pattern for the front end to the engine match the 202 to end up with a Massey Frankenstein. OR find a decent PTO pump...which would mean finding an output since this thing just has the thread-in plug cap. Even if the loader swap doesn't happen it will find uses.

 

[Bob NY]

The Delco12v with the same part# I have mentions 10 & the Lucas also claims 10 teeth. I still need to double check mine but should be the same. DO see 9 tooth mentioned further down but it's 2-bolt.

Recently sent a Roosa Master off to to Dieseltech for someone & got it back. The cam pin broke apart during teardown for a cleaning & I had to split the housing to get it out. I couldn't find a bare housing but he had a good housing to spare to go with the internals if I sent it to him. Night//Day difference compared to condition the pump was originally in. Pump is reinstalled now but haven't had a chance to see the tractor run yet as the owner has other fuel system stuff to get first.

This 65 has a different IP & as long as there's nothing broken a thorough cleaning & re-seal SHOULD at least get it running. Good point on the pump lubricity. Have other stuff piling up to do on property so it would be run more often.

My 202 (a 1963) has the pump powered off the front of the crank but turns out that won't work here since the steering unit & front axle is in the way. Unless by some chance the bolting pattern for the front end to the engine match the 202 to end up with a Massey Frankenstein. OR find a decent PTO pump...which would mean finding an output since this thing just has the thread-in plug cap. Even if the loader swap doesn't happen it will find uses.

Just a couple observations. The 65 in the picture is obviously a "high arch" model with 38 inch tires. There was also a standard clearance agricultural model with 28 inch tires. A 1960 diesel would have the A4-203 indirect injection engine. That particular engine was notorious for cracked heads. It was replaced by the AD4-203 direct injection engine for the 1962 model year I think.