What am I in for to restore an M deisel?

JEK1 · Nov 6, 2010

I have been an avid tractor restorer of many tractors with a hankering to restore an International. I have an opportunity to purchase a Farmall M diesel, single front very reasonable. It has been setting outside for at least ten years. Needs tires, engine stuck & will have to go thought, have a hunch the head has that crack problem. The plus side is that it is all there with good sheet metal, rims and has not had any hack work done on it. What am I in for when I get into the injectors, pump and cracked head?

Doc Larry · Nov 6, 2010

My experience with this engine is that the injector pumps get water in them very easily and when they do, kaput! Otherwise, an interesting motor and fun to work on.

John M · Nov 6, 2010

GOOD heads ar hard to come by, so are some of engine parts!

slowchokeoff · Nov 6, 2010

I have 2 International diesel 400's. Almost the same tractor you'll be getting, the MD. Don't get too worried about the cracked head may not be cracked at all. Great engine, parts are plentiful. Best wishes and enjoy.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 7, 2010

Just finished restoring one. This was a running tractor (on diesel side) so I thought it was worth fixing. Head was OK, but it had a million leaks. Interesting to work on, yes, but very time consuming, and parts, even gaskets, are rediculously expensive. You can make quite few of these gaskets yourself for a lot less money.

John - OH · Nov 7, 2010

From my personal experience, what you will get into is lots and lots of money. Parts are available, usually not cheap though. I bought a Super MD that sat for 20+ years. I rebuilt the engine, rebuilt the injector pump, had the head fixed. It was a fun experience and it is a neat tractor. Just something about switching them from gas to diesel and listening to it come alive that never gets old.

Farmallhal · Nov 7, 2010

Probably an empty wallet but a lot of interesting restoration work, you'll most likely find numerous sources for Farmall tractor parts needed in the future, an experience you couldn't buy anywhere and a great very unique tractor when completed. It'll take a couple of years to get the grin of satisfaction off your face as well once completed, good luck and go for it and enjoy the journey, Hal.

NEKS · Nov 7, 2010

Hi, My son and I just pushed a MD into the shop a few months ago to start restoreing. Haven't had much time to work on it. So we do not know what we are in for either. Sleeve broken on #1 cyl. and have not gotten #3 broke loose yet. This is our first restoring job. Will be interested in how you are doing from time to time.

grademan100 · Nov 12, 2010

I am rebuilding a Super MTA Diesel right now. Here is the list so far
Clutch kit $300
Grind Crankshaft $250 You can only get bearings in standards and 30's
Engine kit with new bearings $2200
Repair/rebuild head $275
New starting valves $100
Carb parts (no kit is available) around $100
Fuel and oil filters $60
Rebuild injector pump $500 plus $250 in gaskets (no kit is available)
Machine shop work for hot tanking block and machining fly wheel ? dont have bill yet
Seals for Torque amplifier $60
Epoxy Primer and necessary supplies to prime while apart $175
Gasket set for TA $60
New Radiator $372.50 plus shipping
Water Temp Gauge $30
Repair manuals around $100
Injectors I hope are fine
Lots of time at my bead blast cabinet
Shop labor is still adding up, I guess I will have around 6 to 7K in engine total. And this tractor ran well, but was pouring out water after running for a few minutes. All I can say is be ready to fork out some money!

What am I in for to restore an M deisel?

JEK1

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Doc Larry

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John M

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slowchokeoff

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Anonymous-0

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John - OH

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Farmallhal

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NEKS

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grademan100

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