MF 30E woes

[mrbill3223]

Hi...........am a newbie to the forum. Recently bought an old MF 30E and it worked fine (for a short while). Then the engine developed a loud rattle and the crankcase became pressurized. Then the 3pt lift quit working. Am somewhat of an experienced gear-head and have automotive tools and believe I can work on it. I have acquired factory manuals but am reluctant to dive in without doing some research. The Perkins starts right up and doesn't blow white or black smoke and seems to have plenty of power so am puzzled by the pressurized crankcase. However, I believe I need to trouble shoot the 3pt hydraulic lift first (loader works fine). I'll begin searching this forum for some answers. Wish me luck.

 

[davesl708]

Hi. Welcome.

The pressurization could be the PCV valve plugged.
I am not familiar with the MF 30 but it could be a safety switch.

 

[TBN Support]

:welcome:

I'm going to move your thread on over to the Massey section.

Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[mrbill3223]

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out. However, now I am currently trying to figure out if the hydraulic fluid is contaminated. It's milky in color in both the rear 3pt lift and the front loader. Front loader works fine, still trying to figure out why the rear lift quit working. Dip stick indicates below minimum, trying figure out where the fill access is. My aftermarket books aren't clear on this.

 

[mrbill3223]

Thx...

 

[rgr33]

Milky hydraulic fluid? Sounds like a complete change of fluid and filters is a good place to start.

 

[mrbill3223]

Yup, I agree. Good place to start. Thx....

 

[redman135]

Ditto rgr33 and mrbill3223. Was the tractor stored outside?
What condition are the rubber boots on the gear sticks? They perish and let water (rain) in.

 

[mrbill3223]

Yup, the tractor has been outside since I've owned it (about two months). It was outside in the rain where I bought it and who knows for how long.
And yes, rubber boots around all the shift levers look decrepit.......so I will drain the fluid and change/clean the filters to see if this remedies the problem. I will post the results when I finish. Thanks again for the tips.

 

[mrbill3223]

Update to hydraulic problem. Not solved yet, my time working on tractor is somewhat limited. I did manage to drain all the fluid (in 90 degree heat) all 12 gallons of it. The overall color of the fluid is "tan" or "light brown." Apparently some brands of hydraulic fluid are "colored" although I don't know which ones are. Got my replacement fluid from Tractor Supply and looks like plain old oil to me. Anyway, still have to remove strainer before I replace new fluid. My main problem is having manuals (I have three) that are not accurate to the tractor that I have. So stay tuned, I'm getting there.

 

[mrbill3223]

Update to hydraulic problem: Yay !! It works !!! Took y'alls advice and drained all old fluid, removed and cleaned strainer (gooey), replaced and filled with Tractor Supply hydraulic fluid (12.5 gallons). Removed transfer pipe cap and cranked (w/out starting) engine until fluid pumped clear. Closed up everything and (fingers crossed) started engine. Whew !! "magic" everything worked. NOW....have to get to the Perkins problem. My first post says while working the loader, the engine developed a loud knock and started smoking from the crank case (it was pressurized). Engine ran strong, oil pressure okay, no black smoke, no white smoke. Something gave way internally but only symptoms were the knocking and pressurized crankcase. I'm tempted to run it until it "hand grenades" but then it may not be repairable. Any thoughts???

 

[redman135]

More info please?
When the knock occured, was it continuous, or knock for a bit (how long) and then stop?
I had a 135 do a main end bearing shell. It knocked loudly so I shut down quickly. Repairs were rings, bearing shells (crankshaft), and seals.Also the crankshaft needed honing to remove the bearing(some bits of bearing had stuck to the crankshaft). Because the engine was shut down quickly, there was no major damage. I did most of the repair myself, and the engine is just an oversized meccano set.
I reccommend you repair the engine now while it is fairly cheap. I would.
Good luck which ever way you decide.

 

[mrbill3223]

The loud knocking occurred while I was working it hard to remove a tree stump. The loud knocking did not stop and also started blowing smoke from the crankcase. I agree with you, probably needs repair/rebuild. I have no problem tackling the engine rebuild, I just hate the thought of all the aggravation of having to remove the loader and rams and having to split the front of the tractor just to get at the little Perkins. :-( BTW, thanks for responding, I feel like I have some great help on this.

 

[rider7767]

Yup, the tractor has been outside since I've owned it (about two months). It was outside in the rain where I bought it and who knows for how long.
And yes, rubber boots around all the shift levers look decrepit.......so I will drain the fluid and change/clean the filters to see if this remedies the problem. I will post the results when I finish. Thanks again for the tips.

You can get a CV shaft boot repair kit from the auto parts house and cut it down to fit over your gear shifter. They are very flexible and last.