Starting a 140 after it caught fire............

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

Hey guys, I've been working on a 1976 Farmall 140 as most of you know that had caught on fire 2 years ago. From what we could tell, it looked as if the fire was centerd at the fuel bowl/dash. I am including a list of what we've done or what we've replaced on the tractor.

I would like all of your input as to what we need to check/inspect that might be a problem since the fire. We are planning on starting it up for the first time soon, and I'd like for yall to tell me of some "checklist" items we need to do before starting it.

rustyfarmall · Aug 18, 2010

Definitely check all of the fluid levels, maybe even change the engine oil and filter. Wouldn't hurt also to remove the spark plugs, squirt some oil into the cylinders and then turn the engine over by hand a few times before attempting to start it.

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

List of NEW Parts (pertaining to engine):

Starter Solenoid
Key Ignition Switch
Coil (with built in resistor)
Set of Plug Wires
Distributor Cap, Rotor Button, Points, Condenser
Radiator Mounting Pads (set of 2)
Oil Pressure Gauge
Water Pump
Thermostat
Radiator Hose (upper)
Radiator Hose (lower)
Spark Plugs (4)
Oil Filter
Fuel Sediment Bowl
Carburetor
Fuel Line (flexible)
Fan Belt

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

We took off the engine head, and had to hone out #3 cylinder because the engine had stuck from sitting out in the weather for 2 years.

After freeing up the engine, we had the head professionally rebuilt because the valve springs had fully decompressed from the high temperatures of the heat.

All new fluids will be added prior to starting the engine.

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

Here is a list of USED PARTS we installed:

Starter (original ok)
Valve Cover

Fuel Tank

Hydraulic Reservoir Box
Hydraulic Lines/Manifold

Distributor (inside parts new)
Radiator (repaired original)
Complete Wiring Harness

Steering Shaft Support Collar

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

We also used the original Hydraulic Pump. We installed new engine gaskets on the components that we took off.

Notice I haven't mentioned anything about the governor. Do you think we should do anything to it?? Do you think the fire damaged anything there?

Have I left out anything important?

Rootsy · Aug 18, 2010

Just how badly did it burn? Was the fire localized or did it burn the tires and everything else?

Anywhere that got hot you can almost guarantee the seals are gone... Rust sets in soon afterward... Bearings, etc you name it... That's just to begin with....

Anonymous-0 · Aug 18, 2010

Depending on how hot it got...watch those freeze plugs close.

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

(quoted from post at 17:40:46 08/18/10)
Just how badly did it burn? Was the fire localized or did it burn the tires and everything else?

Anywhere that got hot you can almost guarantee the seals are gone... Rust sets in soon afterward... Bearings, etc you name it... That's just to begin with....

It burned fairly bad with the fire being centralized around the fuel tank/dash. All 4 tires burnt and were ruined beyond use (1 front was salvagable) The distributor cap melted, but that was about as far forward as the fire went. The wiring melted from the heat and the harness plugs in the rear of the headlights got hot and "deformed". The alternator wires on the other side of the tractor got hot and deformed a little, but it really didn't get that bad on that side of the tractor.

Hope that gives you an idea of the damage.

DeltaRed · Aug 18, 2010

Start 'im up and see,you'llfind out soon enough.good luck

AL Farmall Boy · Aug 18, 2010

HAHA, yea. We're excited, yet kinda nervous. This actually isn't our tractor. We're just re-doing it for a friend, and she is paying for everything in the end. Gosh though, she's already spent (we have) $2,400 in parts, and half are used parts from a parts tractor.

Hopefully it will not need anything else, and she'll be running good and ready to go.

Bus Driver · Aug 18, 2010

Wrens love to build nests on top of the manifolds if the tractor is stored in sheds for their access. The nest will burn after a few minutes. Really ruins the paint on the hood. I kept mine full throttle running to blow the heat away and the fire soon went out.

NawlensGator · Aug 19, 2010

I'm always pulling wren nests from my 140 exhaust manifolds. When I forget the burning nests usually remind me.

sflem849 · Aug 20, 2010

(quoted from post at 11:17:48 08/18/10)

(quoted from post at 17:40:46 08/18/10)
Just how badly did it burn? Was the fire localized or did it burn the tires and everything else?

Anywhere that got hot you can almost guarantee the seals are gone... Rust sets in soon afterward... Bearings, etc you name it... That's just to begin with....

Click to expand...

It burned fairly bad with the fire being centralized around the fuel tank/dash. All 4 tires burnt and were ruined beyond use (1 front was salvagable) The distributor cap melted, but that was about as far forward as the fire went. The wiring melted from the heat and the harness plugs in the rear of the headlights got hot and "deformed". The alternator wires on the other side of the tractor got hot and deformed a little, but it really didn't get that bad on that side of the tractor.

Hope that gives you an idea of the damage.

I have always heard if the tires burn it is not worth salvaging, but you are too far gone now

IMO the fire isn't "localized" if it burns the tires off and "doesn't go forward of the dist cap" but still burned the fronts off.
But anyhow, I am restoring a JUNK manure spreader. We all have our problems :lol: It sounds like you are on the right track. I assume with all that work you replaced the engine oil already. I would probably replace it again after a short run period. Like stated, that red rust develops quickly.

Starting a 140 after it caught fire............

AL Farmall Boy

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