FARMALL M

[KETCHAM]

Times are tough!! Still looking for a job here.Everything on hold ,then I'll need to get caught up again.Was really looking forward to tearing the H down and getting the engine rebuilt.No guts to pull or plow.Yours is coming along real nice.Hope your shop picks up too.We all could use a boost right now!!!! Kevin

[Phillip W. Lenke]

In the paint booth for the finish painting on the cast areas.
Engine rebuild starts tonight , should have the sleeves etc today to start tonight.
Other than cleanliness , any surprises that I should know about with the sleeve install.
should I check the rings for size or are they ready to install with the new sleeves.
Phil

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Set the sleeves last night, worked well, froze them, and pulled right in. On to the piston rods babbit bushings.
Phil

[Dusti Snider]

Phillip,

I'd check each ring in each cylinder...better to be on the safe side.

Dusti

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Was ready to start rebuild Saturday Cylinders honed, cleaned all oil galleries, washed the entire engine 3 times , rods and pistons connected,,rings on,
ready to set the Bearings. which I ordered in August, put the mains on set the crank snugged the caps up, turned the crank and it was loose.
Checked the crank when I got it back from the grinders ,Was good. Did not check the mains though, Just assumed they sent me what I needed.
Well they sent the bearings for the late model tractor . Should have pictures Monday of rebuild.
I needed a break anyway.
Phil

[Into Tractors]

Did not check the mains though, Just assumed they sent me what I needed.
Well they sent the bearings for the late model tractor.
Phil

Phil, been there done that....Just when you think all is well, something sneaks up on you.

Glad to hear the sleeve's went in easy for you. You probably thought I was nuts (and your wife might not have appreciated you sticking the sleeves in the freezer) when I told you to stick the new sleeve's in the freezer for a couple of days. But the first time I tried that trick I was amazed how much easier it was, I sure wished I had known about it several engines earlier.

Good luck with the rest of the job.

MD

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Thanks Mike
I will be sending the Sleeve puller you sent to me
It was a huge help could not have done it without your kindness. I have the crank in and the pistons in. I ordered them on Monday and they had the replacements to me on Tuesday AM.
Yesterday Tractor Pats.
Will keep updated to progress.
Phil

[KETCHAM]

I know what the bearing mis-hap is like.I was doing rod bearings on a cub.There are two differnt sizes.Early and late ones.ERRRRR!!!!! Glad you got her worked out.Kevin

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Got the tires on and home, next up finish the engine get it painted and installed , used the restoration series paint at TSC ,loved it great finsh.
Now for the fun assemble detached parts and getting to fire it up.



Looks better in person.
will post Pictures after engine is installed and running.

Phil

[KETCHAM]

Phil,all I can say is wow!!!!!! Great project!!! Kevin

[Phillip W. Lenke]

I am looking for pad strapping for our M 's hood and fuel tank, if you look at the first picture on the fuel tank if protects the sheet metal.
I have seen them on cars and some tractors ,Where can I get this . it is approx 1 inch wide and 3/32 thick or so
Phil

[KETCHAM]

Phil,try a NAPA or a body shop supply place.They should be able to get you going in the right direction.Kevin

[Dusti Snider]

That really is lookin' good. You'll be set with those stepped pistons. Glad you had good success with the TSC Restoration Series Paint. I'm probably going to use it on mine when I paint it later this winter or early spring. Did you use hardner? As for the webbing, I think i seen it in my Steiner Tractor Parts Catalog. I plan on ordering some if it for mine as well. You've really done a great job, very thorough.

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Yes , we used hardener
Thanks for the positive comments , My wife even said" it truly was a rescued tractor."
I hope to fire it up Thanks Giving Day. It is down at my Friends with the engine attached and the front end removed so we can get everywhere with the paint. Will post pictures when I get my camera back from my Daughters. Hope to post a initial start up video clip.
I am not sure how to do it but I am sure i can get some help.
Phil

[Phillip W. Lenke]

Am getting engine finishing touches ready, What size spark Plugs I want to steer away from Champions though.
Phil