F-20 Block & Sleeves

doehmke · Dec 10, 2009

I have an F-20 block, which needs a sleeve replaced. The block has had everything except the sleeves removed for many years. Should I pull the other sleeves, which are good, to replace the seals? Seems like I heard these may dry out, shrink and/or crack over time if the block has been apart for awhile. Any recommendations? Thanks, Dan

J.J. from Afton · Dec 11, 2009

Ya Id say if you are pulling one you might as well pull the rest and replace the o-rings now rather than hfinding out they are bad later. Of course be sure to clean all the grooves really well. You may also want to wire brush/clean up the outside surface of the sleeves before re-installing them. If you plan to hone the sleeves at all you may want to do that while they are removed, just to make the cleaning afterward easier.

Just my thoughts

-Jordan

Loafersglory · Dec 11, 2009

From what I gather you are working with a bare block. At this point I would spend the money and replace the sleeves. You remove all doubt as to the condition of the seals and you will never have a better opertunity than now. Are you rebuilding the engine? What is the history of this project? AR

doehmke · Dec 11, 2009

Two brothers tore the tractor down to rebuild with their father, who was the original owner. When he died, they lost interest and it sat in a barn for some years. I got it at an auction for $125. And it's been about 4 years since the auction. Tires/rims shot, engine totally disassembled on two pallets, but complete. Had the crank turned, rods babitted, head gone over and small crack pinned/welded, replaced rear rims/tires. Need to replace the oil pump screen and camshaft and go through mag and carb, and deal with front rims/tires. And so on. Sort of an example of no matter what you pay for a tired tractor, it still costs time and energy to resurrect it. But nothing like starting it for the first time.

F-Dean · Dec 11, 2009

I take the approach, "If it ain''t broke, don't fix it!" Otherwise you will have a $5,000 F-20.

Just replace the one sleeve and test for leaks by bolting a piece of metal over the block outlet to the radiator. Install the sleeve, test for leaks and put a can of stop-Leak in the block while you are reassembling the rest of the engine. That should solve your reservations.

Loafersglory · Dec 11, 2009

Sounds like you’re off to good start. I have a 1958 IH 350 Utility that threw a connecting rod through the block. After getting a used block I am slowly piecing it back together. I did invest in an engine kit, had the crank ground and a valve job done. Other than the oil pump everything else seems serviceable. Like you the thrill of finally starting it up will outweigh the busted knuckles and grease stains. Good luck. AR

F-20 Block & Sleeves

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