Massey Flywheel Fix

[Deaddog]

I have a 1963 MF35 that won't start. I took it to my local dealership and they replaced the starter but it hung up also. It appears the flywheel teeth are destroyed causing the starter to catch. So here's my dilemma. I'm $400 into the new starter, labor, etc. And now I'm looking at about $1900 for the 12 hours of labor to fix the flywheel. They also suggested that while the tractor is broke in half, they should change out the clutch because the tractor is 61 years old and I might as well do it while the tractor is open. So total cost for all of this is around $2300. Counting the starter already installed, I'll be $2700 into it. I've owned this tractor for about 20 years and have replaced the back tires, rims, solenoid, front radiator fan motor, and a few other things and it's a strong machine. Any thoughts on what direction I should go? Fix it or sell the tractor "as is' for parts?
Thanks for any suggestions on the subject.

 

[TractorTech]

12 hours of labor to fix the flywheel?? Does it have a loader on it?? That tractor shouldn't take more than about 6 or 7 hours to split and put back. Clutch could be examined and you could make the call. The ring gear costs about $50-60 and labor to torch it off and heat shrink it back on shouldn't take more than an hour.

 

[Mike1955]

I think it all boils down to if you want it or not. I don’t have many things around here that I don’t have more money in that I had figured. Deaddog we can’t let our money control or consume us. Good luck sir

 

[masseyrider]

Sounds like it maybe the dealership that's the problem.
Should have checked the flywheel when they had the starter off.
That's a lot of hours to split a old simple Massey.
I've done it and put it back together again without the benefit of a shop in 4+ hours.

 

[Deaddog]

12 hours of labor to fix the flywheel?? Does it have a loader on it?? That tractor shouldn't take more than about 6 or 7 hours to split and put back. Clutch could be examined and you could make the call. The ring gear costs about $50-60 and labor to torch it off and heat shrink it back on shouldn't take more than an hour.

Thanks for the info. It doesn't have a loader on it so I'm thinking you're suggesting that will lower the time needed to split the tractor. I haven't committed yet and have some farmer and tractor friends around that I'm going to get their opinion on it as well. It's out of my league to do something like this myself so my options are a bit limited.

 

[Deaddog]

I think it all boils down to if you want it or not. I don’t have many things around here that I don’t have more money in that I had figured. Deaddog we can’t let our money control or consume us. Good luck sir

Thanks. I do use it, mainly for running my brush hog or pulling a trailer. I have a newer Kubota as well but having 2 tractors means I don't have to put the extra wear and tear on my Kubota and I don't have to change implements out as often. I guess I'm leaning towards what you're suggesting. I have the money to get it fixed and I doubt I could find something to replace it for $2500 and I know what I have in mine. Thanks again for the response and something to think about.

 

[Deaddog]

Sounds like it maybe the dealership that's the problem.
Should have checked the flywheel when they had the starter off.
That's a lot of hours to split a old simple Massey.
I've done it and put it back together again without the benefit of a shop in 4+ hours.

Good to know. They are a local New Holland dealership but the closest shop to me. They've worked on my tractor before and the head mechanic seems to be upfront and honest. I know a guy who is a Moline collector and he's going to get me the name of someone he knows that works on tractors out of his garage. So I'm going to call around before I commit to anythings. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Williy]

If you need a new flywheel type this in search bar:

1963 mf35 flywheel replacement

willy

 

[Mike1955]

Good to know. They are a local New Holland dealership but the closest shop to me. They've worked on my tractor before and the head mechanic seems to be upfront and honest. I know a guy who is a Moline collector and he's going to get me the name of someone he knows that works on tractors out of his garage. So I'm going to call around before I commit to anythings. Thanks again for the info.

That’s a great idea. This old dude doesn’t have the overhead the dealer has. And from your statements he’s got the experience. Sometimes I think the mechanics at the dealer drink to many Cokes instead of working! Inexperienced guy’s knowing they are short time, most of them