Mf 135 starting problem

[grangenumber4]

we have a mf 135 at home now this 20 years was always know as the best starter around the place, needed little power til get her gon, she was in real need for restoring a few years ago so we set about restoring her which we did and now looks the part but ever since that shes found it harder til start until recently she keep turning and turning and turning, i got a brand new battery for it the other day to she if that is the problem but no, it seems til be struggling to turn over. but the new battery started it after a while, all the injectors have be restored and lines are bleed and new lift pump and heat plug but still no go, when you turn her over there is grey smoke and then shel go like its gona start change to black then slow down again, does anyone know how to solve this problem,

 

[grangenumber4]

Btw this tractor is a 3 cylinder

 

[David Devuono]

Sorry to hear about your problems. My MF135 Diesel starts well with temps 5-10 degrees below freezing. I did have mine torn down to repair major fire damage, including removing the fuel tank, filters etc. I spent hours trying to get it started. Sure I cracked the injector lines and had some fuel present but it still would not start. I had to go back through the bleed process a couple of times, bleeding the fuel filters and two bleed points on the injector pump. All okay for a few years now. Good Luck

 

[leveled]

good batteries with high cold cranking amps and good cables will help, my 165 cranks really good after i changed to better cables and cleaned connections. good luck here is a pic of my 165 at the moment i have to rebuild transmission.

 

[grangenumber4]

thanks for the replys, i have the fuel system fully bleed as the tractor has been running before this but i had to tow start the tractor. i have also replaced the battery and the cables and the connectors but she still wont start right even when the tractor is warm it still just isnt right,

 

[kjung17]

The old girl may need a starter. Have you checked the Amp draw, while cranking?

 

[grangenumber4]

easier said than done the amp dial has seen better days lol but il check it out. how would u know if thats the problem

 

[Mur386]

First let me say I am not a expert with these tractors, however I have one, that starts very easily even when below 32F, and believe me before I started using it, it had no maintenance at all.
I have a few questions, during the restore what all was restored, just bodywork? any engine work performed? Injector pump work? Really sounds like a fuel issue, have read on this site about lift pumps, even new ones not working correctly. When the tractor is running does it seem to run properly? Will probably ask more questions after your responses
Billy

 

[kjung17]

easier said than done the amp dial has seen better days lol but il check it out. how would u know if thats the problem

Lol. That is a problem. You would need a Clamp type amp meter that reads at least 600 amps. Hook it around the large wire going to the starter. I use a 1000 amp Fluke. Simply take a reading while cranking. Excluding inrush spike, I would not expect much over 350 amps out of that machine. Maybe, 100 amps higher when really cold. Do you know an electrician or mechanic?

 

[kjung17]

Just re-reading thread: I assume you replaced your Ground cable as well?