Farmall M Head

IAtractorKid · May 30, 2014

Hey guys! Just got a call from the machine shop about the M head I dropped off. Valves are shot and it has eight, yes 8, cracks! They can fix it for $1105 or sell me a NEW head for $1475. Haven"t looked a lot yet but pretty sure I can buy a remanned head or find someone selling a good head for less.

My question is what all heads would work?

I know an IH guy in southern MN that has a 400/450 head, #362174-R1, that is ready to go for $750...will that work?

Janicholson · May 30, 2014

That head will work.
If the head has "real" cracks that leak water in, or compression out it is junk.
If the head has superficial cracks that are not through the material, (common) the head is OK.
Were it mine, I would be able to tell the difference. Were it mine and I was unsure I would take it to a place that was not going to sell me a (NEW) head that no one currently makes, and unless it was NOS (a real new head that came form old stock) It would likely be remanufactured, which is what you are having done.
I think you need a second opinion. Good used M heads are not Mega dollars. Jim

D Slater · May 30, 2014

If its the LP head the aftermarket is making new they were going to sell you? Look at them on e pay. You can see some close to the best going prices.
See this site also is selling the new heads.
Machine shop is probably not far off on the price after they get the valves and check the seats and pay shipping, if that's the head.
Should be able to find a checked and good head ready to go for half the new price quoted or less.

IAtractorKid · May 30, 2014

Not sure on the types of cracks...had good compression but was getting oil in the antifreeze. He said the new head was Chinese cast so I'm not really interested in that. This is a small local shop that was highly recommended by multiple people.

I'm not sure which casting # my current head is...I'm guessing the kero heads will have lower performance than the 8060 gas head. How would the 362174-R1 head compare? If it will work, that seams like a good price since it has valves included. 8060 head from this website is $680 without valves.

tim-m · May 30, 2014

Give Dennie a call at Northest Salvage, he should be able to fix you up at about 1/2 that price. This tractor salvage his located in Lyons, Nebraska. 1 800 747 2071

kub6040 · May 30, 2014

I have a 8574 DC for sale 318-542-0896 if interested can't say it don't have cracks but engine ran good until it stacked a bearing.

Janicholson · May 30, 2014

I should have said US manufacturers are not casting new heads. Jim

Dave S. · May 30, 2014

I have a 8574 DC off of a SM I had rebuilt at a machine shop I would sell real reasonable, give me a call if interested. 785-760-5262

Bryce · May 31, 2014

try franzen family tractor parts in Monmouth Iowa.

Farmall M Head

IAtractorKid

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Janicholson

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D Slater

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IAtractorKid

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tim-m

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kub6040

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Janicholson

Well-known Member

Dave S.

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Bryce

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