Update on my Farmall 504 Engine knock/miss.

I pulled the injectors last night. They actually removed far easier than I imagined. The cylinder near the operator (cyl 4?) I think is the one in question. Cyls 1-3 were dry and looked like they had the same coloration and amount of deposits. The 4th cylinder had standing diesel in the precup and the bottom of the injector was wet. I'm going to carry them to the injector guy later this week.

I hope this it the ONLY problem. I have spoke with several diesel mechanics and they seem to agree that an injector leaking excess fuel into a cylinder, especially an indrect injection like this one will knock to hell and back.

CT

Charles: I figured you were over reacting on how hard it would be to remove those injectors. I didn't say anything as it's been close to 30 years since I pulled one of those injectors. A lot of corosion can happen in 30 years.

Hopefully you found the problem. I perhaps over react on that possible broken sleeve. As far as I was concerned my 560 block could have been saved had that kid better knowledge of what to do when you hear knock. Good 282 and 188 blocks are getting hard to find. I know in my case in 1978, there were not many used 282 blocks yet around. We've come full circle, for 25 years they were plentiful, and now it has swung other way again. I also understand, maybe you said it, CaseIH has rendered some D-188 and D-282 parts obsolete.

In my case, IH dealer wanted $4,000. for a short block that included crank, pistons etc. I would have had labor plus my used head and injection system. I couldn't see spending that kind of dollars on a tractor without 3 factory 3 point hitch. Besides he had a 2,000 hour 766 diesel for $8,000.

I never experienced fuel knock on either of my 282. I have on a Deere and a Cummins, not quite as sharp as a mechanical knock. The bent valve push rod I experienced on 656, was the odd one. Through the rad it sounded like it could selfdestruct any min., behind the tractor, even in the seat hardly noticable.

Thanks Hugh for the insight. I was worried that the injectors would give some difficulty since it has been in the family since 1962 and as far as Dad knows, they have never been removed. He had changed the glow plugs, he gave me the used set today. I was the one that said that the IH injector parts are getting difficult to find NEW and OEM, per one diesel injector and pump service. Though Roosa Master is still available.

An older gentleman (mid-50's) that I work with was an IH mechanic in his earlier years. He had told me it may require TWO rolling-type pry bars on each "ear" to get them out... At the most I used two end wrenches to ease out the #3 cylinder injector.

I am still a little nervous about the sleeve... Or head gasket... I DO NOT want to pull the head. I should have the injectors back later this week, maybe Friday.

I'll post pictures of the injectors. Maybe the diesel guru's can confirm that I am not needlessly rebuilding these 47 year old "virgin" injectors.

Thanks again guys,

CT

Charles: I'm afraid we folks that like old tractors are in for a jolt. Gone are the days of Farmall letter series when IH sold 200,000-300,000 of each model. With that many floating around, there will be parts.

When we start getting into models like 504, 656, 560, 460 with little more than 50,000 units built, some less than that. Then you throw in the factor that pre 1958 tractors were over engineered compared to later models. Not certain on this, however I'm thinking a higher percentage of 66 series tractors have been parted out than letter series. CaseIH will soon loose interest in parts, and I doubt if there is enough volume to interest aftermarket. Just take 40-60 series as an example, no manufacturer has picked up on manufacturing sheet metal.

I have seen 8, 504's parted out this year on EBAY and through newspapers. 7 of them were running. I bought some parts off of a few of them. I asked a few why part a running tractor and they said that they can make more off of the parts than the whole tractor... Sad, but true and the modern junk dealer has to eat too. I did get some good parts. Complete steering shafts and U-joints, complete rear tires and wheels, misc other parts, and a good T/A (paid $50 for it).

CT