MF 35 4 cylinder diesel trouble starting. Any advice would be much appreciated

[Phil24]

Hi everyone

ok so I think I’d like to check the timing on the pump as I have had this off the tractor and rebuilt. However it’s properly not setup. So the question is.

how do you properly set the pump timing up on a mf35. Is there a easy way to find tdc so I can set the pump? Or am I doing it wrong? Sorry for sounding stupid.

thanks again.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

Hi everyone

ok so I think I’d like to check the timing on the pump as I have had this off the tractor and rebuilt. However it’s properly not setup. So the question is.

how do you properly set the pump timing up on a mf35. Is there a easy way to find tdc so I can set the pump? Or am I doing it wrong? Sorry for sounding stupid.

thanks again.

pump timing is not done on TDC, just valve timing,
cannot remember now, but pump timing is 18 or so degrees BTDC, there is a holr for a 1/4drill to fie flywheel for pump timing, but the cam timing needs done first,
i don't think you will manage this, and would be better to get someone that knows a bit about the job

 

[davidroberts30]

Personally I'd compression test it

 

[multi power]

Hi

yea we have another one which starts every time with a bit of heat. It just frustrates me that they are the same but one starts and the other is a pain.

thanks for your reply though.

If you tow it does it start any better ?

 

[Phil24]

If you tow it does it start any better ?

Hi

yes if you tow it then it will start almost immediately. It just won’t do it from the key?

we already have a large geared starter on it which cranks it over faster than the other one but still no joy.

thanks again.

 

[Grass And Grain]

Hi everyone

ok so I think I’d like to check the timing on the pump as I have had this off the tractor and rebuilt. However it’s properly not setup. So the question is.

how do you properly set the pump timing up on a mf35. Is there a easy way to find tdc so I can set the pump? Or am I doing it wrong? Sorry for sounding stupid.

thanks again.

Look at condition of the timing chain and chain tensioner, then go through the timing sequence. Vintage Tractor Engineer http://vintagetractorengineer.com/
for a video on how to do the whole job.

You may find that you also need to re-grind valves, skim head, new valves etc. etc. Basically a full engine rebuild. That said, you might get away with the timing chain and timing the engine, maybe set valve clearances as well. If engine is breathing at all or low compression, then it will never be brilliant at starting.

Another common thing to do is enlarge the entrance to the pre-combustion chamber, as this aids starting performance.

If you strip the engine, send to engineers for liners, pistons, crank grind, head skim, valves, enlarge inlet to pre-combustion chamber, expect a cost of about £800. So not too expwnsive if you strip and rebuild yourself. Seen as though you have already spent moneyon injectors and pump, you will then have a very good engine which will start well.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

This engine has low oil pressure as stated in the other thread, and a bad starter,

Now in reality it needs a full rebuild, totally and don't skimp,
You have 2 problems here, firstly is the cost, and secondly and most importantly finding someone who can do it, as there will be people out there that think they can do it, and willing to have a go,
Even many Massey ferguson workshops around the country over the years, that have worked on them have failed,
This engine needs to be understood properly by the man doing the job,

Over the years so many have failed to cure the starting problem by lack of knowledge, this is not a run of the mill engine, So many differences to others,

And the biggest fail of all time, is someone with little knowledge and understanding of it, trying to sort it out on a shoestring budget, skimping on the attention to detail, and then blaming the engine not the lack of skills and money,

Do it properly, or don't bother

 

[Grass And Grain]

Pennine Ploughing is probably correct, in that you will need to do a full rebuild without skimping on anything.

You could be lucky, and get away with timing chain and re-timing, but in my experience a full rebuild will be most likely.

 

[Goweresque]

Whats the assembled experts view on the fact it will start easily if towed? Does that not suggest that the timing etc is actually OK? Or would towing turn everything over much faster than the starter and thus be more likely to get it going?

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

Whats the assembled experts view on the fact it will start easily if towed? Does that not suggest that the timing etc is actually OK? Or would towing turn everything over much faster than the starter and thus be more likely to get it going?

low oil pressure not keeping the timing chain tight, low compression not higher enough or hot enough to fire, poor valve seats,

 

[Phil24]

Hi

Thank you for your advice. Pennine Ploughing can you recommend anyone who knows these engines and would be willing to undertake a rebuild?

We may have a go at this ourself but just wondered.

Thank you

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

Hi

Thank you for your advice. Pennine Ploughing can you recommend anyone who knows these engines and would be willing to undertake a rebuild?

We may have a go at this ourself but just wondered.

Thank you

I could do it, but not at the moment due to work and family health problems, so not sure when
And would need engine sent on a pallet
Try @REStracTORATION he may be able to do it , but know he is a busy chap,
Apart from that I don't know

 

[Goweresque]

Where are you located @Phil24 ?

 

[690 multi-power]

Hi

Thank you for your advice. Pennine Ploughing can you recommend anyone who knows these engines and would be willing to undertake a rebuild?

We may have a go at this ourself but just wondered.

Thank you

I am happy to take on the work, I am not sure where you are located but I am in Cambridge at Meridian Engine Services. You can send the whole tractor if you don't want to split it your end. I will PM you

 

[Phil24]

Hi everyone

We are located in Kent. I will have a word with my father as its his tractor and see what he wishes to do. Although Cambridge isn’t too far from me.


I just wanted to say thank you again for everyone’s advice. I really appreciate your opinions.

Thanks

 

[REStracTORATION]

I could do it, but not at the moment due to work and family health problems, so not sure when
And would need engine sent on a pallet
Try @REStracTORATION he may be able to do it , but know he is a busy chap,
Apart from that I don't know

Thanks for the mention
I meant do it at the moment sorry @Phil24

Plenty say they can rebuild these engines but be careful
I'd use a trusted rebuilder 690 guy at a purpose engine place is a good area to start

 

[multi power]

Whats the assembled experts view on the fact it will start easily if towed? Does that not suggest that the timing etc is actually OK? Or would towing turn everything over much faster than the starter and thus be more likely to get it going?

I'm not an expert, but my experience is if I ever have to bleed my 35 and undo an injection pipe fuel pretty much just drips out, however with a fast starter or a tow it squirts fuel out properly, just like you would expect from any other pump