MF 165 Rebuild.....Am I Mad???

[morrisj30]

I have been looking around for quite some time now for a Tractor Rebuild project, I have always had a Massey Ferguson at the top of my list. In the last week I purchased a MF165 from a friend of a friend for very low money (I could not refuse, the price was so good). It has not ran in 5+ years but everything is present, and the coolant was drained out of the radiator when the farmer stopped using it, this is very important in Ireland because it is very common for old tractors to have "cracked blocks" due to frost. Am I mad? please feel free to share experiences, tips, do's and don'ts, as I am about to climb this mountain.

 

[DaButcher]

Ya, you may be a little "Mad", but interesting project. You may want to come to this section where more "Mad" MF people hang out Massey Ferguson Classic/Vintage

 

[murphy1244]

Oh Boy's, that needs a little work.

 

[MIKE R]

Your not mad. I've seen ones in worse shape missing most pieces brought back. At least all the parts are there to use as templates if new ones need to be made.

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.

 

[mkane09]

Yup, you're mad. I love mad. Can't wait to see the resurrection (did I spell that right?)..... Don't forget to take lots of pics.

mkane09

 

[morrisj30]

The project is well under way now, but before I could start attacking the tractor I had to clean out my workshop. I had become a bit of a hoarder over the last few years, but having spent the last week cleaning out the workshop, Im hoping I have learned my lesson. I installed a bit of a loft and removed some shelving in an attempt to free up some floor space...what a difference this has made, Im very close now to having a fully functional workshop and instead of the large dumping ground it had become. All I have to do now is try and keep it clean!!!! Back to the tractor. Over the last few days in nearly 30 DegC heat which is very, very unusual for Ireland, I have started stripping down the tractor. I have removed the old loader brackets and frame, the Cab (which was a lot heavier than it looked!!!) and removed what was left of the front grill and side panels. Next I have to remove the Mud Guards and give it a really good power wash before I move it into the workshop and start tackling the good stuff. Most of the parts that I require to overhaul the engine were delivered this morning, Im not going to lie, it felt like Christmas morning....I know that sounds very sad, but hey....whatever makes you happy!!!!

 

[LouieJunior]

I'd say you're mad -- no question! My prior tractor was my father's MF165. I upgraded a few years ago (mine was in good condition compared to to yours -- completely operational) I got more trading it in to my Deere dealer than my MF dealer would give me, only $2500. Found out later it was sold to somebody in INDIA! How sad is that! Now, every time I see the Deere Dealer the guys remember me as the one with the tractor that went to India.

 

[TomSeller]

Those Masseys are sweet tractors. The tin is in rough shape but how are the mechanicals besides the engine rebuild? That will tell you how much you are in for.

 

[Seasaagricola]

Great Project, a Little work never bothered anyone!!!! My father in law has a Massey 165 that needs a complete motor, as a rebuilt motor, no kits do you know where I can find one? Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

[Arc weld]

How come the engine looks so clean compared to the rest of the tractor? 165's were the best selling tractors in their HP range and the diesel was the most fuel efficient.