Ford diesel quality engines?

[msjanket]

I know little about the Ford diesel engines that went into Ford tractors around 1980. I'm referring to the 3 cylinder Ford diesels that had around 2.6 l. displacement, like in the 2600 tractors.

Are these a solid, tough engine that is fully dependable or are they loaded down with problems big and small? Any pros and cons that are noteworthy? I'm looking to take ownership of one of these units and I want to bone up on these engines as far as their overall quality is concerned.

 

[jinman]

I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but I think your question is its own answer. Any tractor that has been around 32+ years and still runs well has got to be considered solid, don't you think?

 

[msjanket]

Only has 132 hours on the diesel. Just broken in, no telling what happens from here on. I'm gonna work it hard and it's nice to know you got a good engine in a tractor, but like I said, I have never had a tractor with a Ford diesel engine in it before. I still don't have any idea of the pros and cons of this genre of engine.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Internal rust, dried up gaskets, and oxidized rubber/plastic parts all could make this engine an outlier from the experiences of those that have run the engine more than 4 hours a year, assuming the use was spread out evenly over the 32 years.

 

[3930dave]

Hi MS,

Biggest issue might be what grsmnky is referring to. I'll get back to this below.

I have a '92 3930, with a 3 cylinder 3.147 L diesel, non-turbo. I like the engine, so far. Bought used, with about 1400 hours on it. In the 70's and 80's, my uncle's ran Ford tractors, had great service from them - unfortunately, both my uncle's and the tractors are no longer around, so I can't quote models/engines.

I like Fords, but was open to other brands when I went shopping for used tractors a few years ago. Did bid on a Case before I got this 3930, but dropped out of the bidding. The price went crazy high (IMO) for the hours and condition of that Case. Just sayin', I'm open to considering other brands for the right price.

If Soundguy sees this, he may chime in, if not, try PMing him - I might be wrong, but there is a good chance that he may have direct experience with the engine you are looking at.

Tractor has been sitting a lot, over all those years. Test drive it, if everything critical works, have somebody that knows diesels well check the engine (compression). Have a good look at the fluids, if the anti-freeze looks like oatmeal and/or U-haul orange colour - your call if you pass, or knock the offer down.

I don't know you, so don't take this the wrong way, but plan on changing ALL fluids right away. Antifreeze will be shot, and all oils will be loaded with moisture.

As a tractor mechanic commented to me "2 things many people don't service on tractors - Antifreeze and Hydraulic fluid". These two are often neglected, even on tractors that get other items serviced.

I can't tell from your post if you are new to diesels period. Read up on fuel treatment and storage tips if you are new to diesel - critical anywhere, but esp. if you have to deal with cold weather, and want to use your tractor before Spring !

Please let us know what more you find out, and what you decide.

Rgds, D.

 

[RickB]

Only has 132 hours on the diesel.

Due respect, unless you have more supporting information than you are sharing, the chances of that tractor having 132 total hours is very, very slim.

 

[TractorTech]

True that the age of the tractor is testimony. I had many customers say that the problem with Ford's, is that you could keep rebuilding them at a reasonable price...they never wear out!

I agree with 3930Dave as to looking closely at the fluids, but if they have been changed recently (a good used tractor sales must), then you may only be able to see some corrosion/build-up in the radiator. If you do end up with it, then the coolant should be drained and a good quality anti-freeze with SCA additive should be added. This is a must on ALL diesels.

But it is very likely, as RickB says, that these are not original hours. Ford hour meters on 65-99 tractors are terrible, being prone to vibration and stop working, very often with low hours. That tach could be the 3rd, 4th or 5th installed. I would have to say, with 30+ years working/selling these tractors, the hour meter is the worst part of the tractor.

 

[Soundguy]

look at wear on clutch pedal.. on brake pedals.. and other things.. like sheet metal where hands laid. steering wheel wear.. tires.. other parts that may have been repaired.

if the 132hrs are true.. the machine should be in oem paint and all original parts on it and no wear on any part whatsoever.. pait still on the clutch pedal and all... same tires even...

that said.. my 78 ford 4600 is a workhorse! I used to like my 5000 alot.. this 4600 is making it awfull jealous.... 5000 only got started a couple times this year.. one was to move it out of the barn to get to the 4600 to mow with..

 

[art]

If the tractor really only has that low of hours as with any diesel that doesn't get warmed up and run properly to seat the rings the cylinders get glazed over and when that happens there is a loss of horsepower and normally you have considerable oil consumption. This normally can be checked by taking compression.


To rid the engine of this problem it might be simple that a few hours under a good load applied by a Dyno might cure it. The worst case wouold be to tear it down and hone the cylinders and possibly new rings and you would be as good as new.

As Sound Guy has stated, check the clutch and brake petals for slop as well as loader pivots.

 

[mahlers]

What's not clear to me is whether the tractor has 140 hours on it since it was new, or 140 hours on a rebuilt engine. If it's 140 hours on a new engine, and the rest of the tractor is in good shape, it'll probably run a lot longer than any of us will... If it's an all-original tractor with only 140 hours claimed, I'd be leery of that claim. It's either a tractor that someone bought and never used, or the seller is BS'ing you and the hour-meter has been broken for the last 30 years or it's been swapped out.