1948 MD

Adam Wiles · Dec 22, 2009

I've been looking for an MD for a long time but I've never owned one. I found one for sale for $1,000. It's complete, straight sheet metal and motor runs but the owner said that the #1 sleeve doesnt fit well and it is leakin oil. Is this a good deal? How much am I going to get into with this sleeve?

Mark W. · Dec 22, 2009

DO NOT BUY THIS TRACTOR!!! Instead, give me the guys phone number and location so I can call him and um,ahhh....tell him he's crazy.

Andy Martin · Dec 22, 2009

It will cost a lot. Parts are expensive when you can find them.

$1,000 is a good price.

They have dry sleeves, so I don't know what he means by leaking oil. Does it miss on number 1 cylinder?

Are you going to try to work the tractor, or just enjoy it? It may not need to be "fixed".

sflem849 · Dec 22, 2009

You should be alright buying it for a grand if TIRES, sheet metal, fenders, grill, etc are still decent. You could probably find one a hair cheaper, but I know you could find one for more money.
I have an MD that has bad injectors that is diluting the oil. How does he know it is the sleeve? If he had it aprart to figure that out why didn't it get fixed!?!

Adam Wiles · Dec 22, 2009

He said he has the motor apart because #1 cylinder was "leaking oil". He said the sleeve was replaced and didn't seat well and that's why it was leaking.

Adam Wiles · Dec 22, 2009

I plan on working this tractor some and just enjoying it. My brother has a sawmill that I was going to use it for... Oh, and he said that he found a new sleeve for it but it wouldn't fit the pistons he has.

D Slater · Dec 22, 2009

No oil is suposed to be in contact with the external parts of the sleeve to leak. If oil leaked to the outside of the head gasket on the right side, maybe the sleeve has to much protrusion above block is what he refers to. Saw some leak there for other causes though. I would worry more about coolant getting in the oil than it leaking oil unless the block is bad.

Adam Wiles · Dec 22, 2009

True. I just found it this morning and the seller lives quite a distance from me so I called him to try to get some info on it. It just sounded like a good deal but I figured I better ask some of you for your opinion before I went any further. Thanks again for your quick posts!

sflem849 · Dec 22, 2009

Is there any possible way it could be a bad head? Now that could get expensive. Just want to make sure you have your bases covered.

In Wisconsin that would just be an average deal on the tractor. You can get most of them bought for somewhere near a grand plus or minus 200.

Adam Wiles · Dec 22, 2009

It's a possibility... He didn't seem to sure what was going on all he said it did run. But that's a good call. Just wish they were more plentiful in MD. ;-)

Andy Martin · Dec 22, 2009

If it is disassembled I'd offer $600 and settle for $700.

If you rebuild the engine you are easily talking $3,000 to $4,000 once you find the parts.

Two years ago it seems everything was $100 per hole:

Valves $35 each, four rings $25 each, piston $95, sleeve $110, head rebuild $400, head gasket $100. It adds up.

You are money ahead if you find one running well and haul it 1000 miles.

So it does not hurt to talk him down, but saving $400 up front does not pay for an engine rebuild.

I have several, including MD's, Super MTAD, and 450D. Still looking for SMD and 400D. Taken care of they are a blast to own and run. I never get tired of switching from gas to diesel and listening to it pick up on diesel.

Adam Wiles · Dec 22, 2009

Thank you Mr. Martin. My next question was going to be how much to offer him. I appreciate everyones input! I'm going to call him back and talk to him and try to get some more specifics on the tractor. Thanks again

Janicholson · Dec 22, 2009

That is like saying I got such a good deal on 20 gauge shells I bought 20 boxes, though I don't have a 20ga. All the pistons in a M Farmall (and others) must be the same weight, they are balanced by 2 up, 2 down. Different weights/sizes in the same engine is problematic. Jim

sflem849 · Dec 22, 2009

Did you get that tractor bought yet? I would haul it, but my trailer doesn't leave in winter...and you are 12 hours away!
Like they said. I would start at 6 or 700. I would walk away for anything with four digits. As said, you are better off to buy the best tractor you can afford than a basket case with hopes of fixing it.

Adam Wiles · Dec 23, 2009

No I haven"t called him back yet but I plan to tonight. I"m going to ask him some more questions. Ill let you know the outcome

Adam Wiles · Dec 26, 2009

Ok, so I called the owner back and he said that he #1 cylinder was leaking oil past the rings because the sleeve was pitted. He said when it ran it switched over to diesel with ease and everything worked. He has the motor torn down now and has 4" sleeves in it. So I need to buy 4" pistons and rebuild the motor... What do you guys think? $600 or just leave it and look for another one? I don't mind working on it but I am finding that it is difficult to find parts...

Nebraska Kirk · Dec 26, 2009

(quoted from post at 11:03:07 12/26/09) Ok, so I called the owner back and he said that he #1 cylinder was leaking oil past the rings because the sleeve was pitted. He said when it ran it switched over to diesel with ease and everything worked. He has the motor torn down now and has 4" sleeves in it. So I need to buy 4" pistons and rebuild the motor... What do you guys think? $600 or just leave it and look for another one? I don't mind working on it but I am finding that it is difficult to find parts...

Why would you need to buy pistons? What is wrong with the old ones?

If the only thing wrong with it is one pitted sleeve, then I would buy it in a heartbeat. You can offer less and then negotiate, but I would be willing to pay the $1000 asking price if the owner holds firm. You should be able to find a good used sleeve without too much difficulty.

Adam Wiles · Dec 26, 2009

Well he said that he got 4" sleeves and installed them and was looking for 4" pistons for it. I don't know if he has the old pistons or not.. If I'm not mistaken, doesn't the MD have 3.875" bore?

Nebraska Kirk · Dec 26, 2009

Ok, I follow you now, Adam, yes, the MD came from the factory with a 3 7/8" bore. I think you can still get new 4" pistons, CaseIH dealer can probably get them, aftermarket suppliers too, they are probably expensive though. Hopefully the owner kept the old sleeves and pistons. The old 3 7/8" sleeves, if they are worn and pitted, can be bored to 4" and reused with new 4" pistons.

Adam Wiles · Dec 26, 2009

Sorry for not being clear. I've been searching online for pistons. The owner is supposed to send me some pictures of the tractor.

Nebraska Kirk · Dec 26, 2009

Bates Corp. has new 4" pistons, $203 each though :shock: IF it was me and IF the owner kept the old sleeves and pistons, and IF just one sleeve needs to be replaced, and IF the other three sleeves and 4 pistons are in good enough shape, I would reuse them and then just find a good used 3 7/8" sleeve. A lot of ifs, I know :lol: But since new parts are so expensive and the tractor will probably not be used 8-12 hours every day earning a living, then I would be more inclined to go this route. Hope it does not need main or rod bearings, main bearing set will run you $500 or more; rods, $160 for set of 4.

Adam Wiles · Dec 27, 2009

That's a good point. I would be hesitant to put used pistons and sleeves in a motor that was going to be working hard but since the tractor will only be used for light duties and not on an everyday basis I'm not as worried about it but I'll have to check out the condition of the pistons, sleeves, etc. Thanks again for your insight, I aprreciate it greatly!

Jay Snyder · Dec 28, 2009

Hello I have 3 - 4 inch bore pistons that are used. They look good I also have a set of sleeves 4 inch that are used but they are wore. Not crack or anything but they are wore but may work well. I also have a engine bloack with the original 3 7/8 inch pistons and sleeves. They look good also would need new rings and honed im sure. I would sell either one. I would perfer not to pull the sleeves from the block though. Let me know. Shoot me a email if interested.

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