MD to Mgas motor swap

jfrankhash · Jan 12, 2012

Anyone out there have experience swapping out an MD motor with a M gasser?
I'm looking at probably $5K for parts, machine shop time, etc. to rebuild my 1952 MD, and while the rest of the tractor is in great shape, I don't know if I will run into totally un-available parts as I get into this.
If I did swap, costs would be about 1/3 to 1/2 for rebuild parts for the gasser.
Another option would be to buy a rebuildable M gas and then use all the good running gear, tires, etc. Comments?

agpilot · Jan 12, 2012

Hello jfranlhash: I will suggest you just buy a fairly good running M and sell the MD as-is rather then switch engines. A gas M will hold its value. If you still want to restor the MD, go ahead but switching engines is mostly wasted labor unless you have a great work shop for doing it. Those MDs are getting to be hard to find with mostly original parts. Taking parts off of a MD will probably loose you more $ in the long run. I will pay a LOT more for a MD then any gas M. So will others here in MN.

Bill Krosnicki · Jan 12, 2012

I would have to agree, sell the MD as is and use the money to buy a running gasser. Or maybe someone would trade you. It may not cost you anything out of pocket. You might even make money.

jim warehime · Jan 13, 2012

Don't destroy the md they are getting to hard to find, you can get most of the parts for them. If you don't want to mess with it then sell it to someone who can appreciate those engines and will put the time and money into it. A gas m is a dime a dozen you could buy a nice m for 1500 the md is worth at least that in parts. Running its worth alot more. Don't destroy a good tractor to make a cheap POS!

jfrankhash · Jan 13, 2012

agpilot, what is your email? Maybe I could trailer this MD from Montana to you. Respond to [email protected]

D Slater · Jan 13, 2012

Don't know what the deal was, but a MD hood with a little damage around the exhaust hole and badly faded paint sold for $710 on dbay a week ago.
If you realy want to change to a gas. Drain and plug return hole in diesel tank, install bowl and a fuel line. Install gas air cleaner and connections. Install complete gas throttle linkage parts and brackets. Need a gas rear steering support post top for that. Unless you want to make the MD hood do, the hood, front upper bolster, steering worm shaft and middle steering shaft casting needs changed to a gas. Need a choke rod. Side engine mount blocks and bolts. Have to use the diesel starter with a MD clutch housing or find a starter or nose cone for a W6 gas starter. Depending what all is on the gas engine thats going in and ignition or charging system used other parts maybe needed or changed to install different. May want to use gas frame rails. Also if you want to reuse the diesel upper bolster the frame rails can be shortened about 1.5 inches. If you do that a gas hood and steering parts are still needed.

sflem849 · Jan 13, 2012

(quoted from post at 11:42:28 01/13/12) Don't know what the deal was, but a MD hood with a little damage around the exhaust hole and badly faded paint sold for $710 on dbay a week ago.
If you realy want to change to a gas. Drain and plug return hole in diesel tank, install bowl and a fuel line. Install gas air cleaner and connections. Install complete gas throttle linkage parts and brackets. Need a gas rear steering support post top for that. Unless you want to make the MD hood do, the hood, front upper bolster, steering worm shaft and middle steering shaft casting needs changed to a gas. Need a choke rod. Side engine mount blocks and bolts. Have to use the diesel starter with a MD clutch housing or find a starter or nose cone for a W6 gas starter. Depending what all is on the gas engine thats going in and ignition or charging system used other parts maybe needed or changed to install different. May want to use gas frame rails. Also if you want to reuse the diesel upper bolster the frame rails can be shortened about 1.5 inches. If you do that a gas hood and steering parts are still needed.

The MD hoods are longer than the gas Ms, same length as an SMTA but the hole is in the wrong side.

agpilot · Jan 13, 2012

Hello jfrankhash I just sent email using your name with no caps (j) as is custom with email..
10:48 pm Friday

MD to Mgas motor swap

jfrankhash

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agpilot

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Bill Krosnicki

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jim warehime

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jfrankhash

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D Slater

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sflem849

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agpilot

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