New Project - Ford 3000 Diesel

[AL Farmall Boy]

We hauled in a new project last week - a Ford 3000 Diesel tractor. For some reason the tractor was left out in the elements for the last 3 years and the engine became stuck and the steering became stuck. We have pulled the head and it doesn't look too bad. No ridges on the cylinder walls and we honed the cylinders (basically a cleaning of the rust) and now we are letting the engine soak with a mixture of transmission fluid and acetone for a week - trying to turn it over each day. The #1 piston was flush with the top of the block, and It did move a tiny bit so I think it will be ok once we get the engine to move freely. We were going to have the head re-done but it actually looks good. Was told the tractor ran great, but they just let it sit. Fingers crossed it will be a good tractor!! Going to order a new manifold for it and see soon I hope!

Feel free to chime in if you see something I'm missing, or have any suggestions with this tractor. First time working on a Ford 3-cyl Diesel. We have one (1995 model) that we bought new, but have never done anything to it but change the battery. I downloaded the service manual and it will be a big help.

[Super A]

You have my deepest condolences! Never been a fan of the blue Masseys.......

Al

[AL Farmall Boy]

Blue Massey? Never heard of that reference before Al. Where'd that come from? Why not a fan of them? We have a 1995 New Holland/Ford 3430 we bought new, which is the same as this basically but a newer version. It has never given a minutes trouble and is a tough, well made tractor! Of course we don't even have 500 hours on it yet......

[AL Farmall Boy]

More pictures of the project.

[Super A]

Blue Massey? Never heard of that reference before Al. Where'd that come from? Why not a fan of them? We have a 1995 New Holland/Ford 3430 we bought new, which is the same as this basically but a newer version. It has never given a minutes trouble and is a tough, well made tractor! Of course we don't even have 500 hours on it yet......

I take credit for that one. The smaller Fords from the N series up through the 1000 series all look like they did before Ford and Fergie went their separate ways--the silly struts from the front axle to the chassis because the front axle isn't heavy enough to stand on its own, crude dry brake shoes out on the ends of the axles, and just generally lightweight, flimsy, and crude, just like the MFs of the time under 90 HP. The later, larger Fords from about 50HP and up were indeed much better (they lost all their MF characteristics) and were pretty nice tractors. There's also zero parts/service support for them in our area now.

Al

[AL Farmall Boy]

I gotcha.

[BIGHOSS]

I "resemble" those remarks about a Ford 3000. I have a 1974 gas that I bought in 1995. It has been and still is one of the best tractors ever made. The engine has never been opened up and still does not smoke or use oil. It pulls a 6' rotary cutter with ease, usually in 4th gear(4 speed with high/low range) and a Massey 24 square baler. This tractor has very few issues in the 23 plus years that I have owned it. The major expense was about 10 years ago for a complete clutch rebuild.
It starts right up and runs very smooth. Especially since I changed to Petronix ignition and a hot coil a few years ago.

I strongly recommend a 3000 Ford to all my friends

[AL Farmall Boy]

After talking with my grandfather we have decided to put it in our little shop over the pit and pull the oil pan and remove pistons. We just have to get a Farmall 140 and Farmall Cub moved out of there as they are sitting over the pit. We will install new rings and new pistons and put back together. We will also have the head tested to make sure it is good to go. Once it is running, then I'll give the entire tractor a once over and fix what needs fixing. Other than the steering and some cosmetics, I'm hoping that is all that's wrong.

Do you all think that this is a good game-plan, or should more be done?

[AL Farmall Boy]

Got the pistons out of the engine and we're going to have to get new ones along with a good crankshaft. Going to remove the block and take it to a machine shop to have it measured and checked. It's worse than we thought.