My first tractor

1stormseekr · May 3, 2010

well i just drove 250miles one way last night and baught a ferguson 30 for $600. This is my first tractor should be interesting finding out and fixing it's problems. Real easy to start so far but doesnt like to stop *grins*.
So far i need to look at the brakes, does have water in the oil, and smokes.
Havent messed with one in 15years...ahh grandfather would be so proud.

well after a while tinkering in the daylight the brakes just need pads, and it smokes like a freight train. Think it needs a headgasket, but i figure i am just going to rebuild it.

Texas Blues · May 4, 2010

Congratulations on the new toy! Which motor does it have? TB

1stormseekr · May 5, 2010

z129 4cyl gasoline, is that the info your looking for? Not up to speed on the engines of old tractors...now if it was in a muscle car i am your man.

Texas Blues · May 6, 2010

A continental motor. Dont know a whole lot about the continental motors, mine is a perkins. If it smokes that bad, the pistons the rings and sleeves are probably wore out. Im guessing a headgasket is not going to stop it from smoking. Someone else might have a better idea for you. Maybe the head needs work and oil is getting by the valves, that would certainly be a cheaper and easier solution if that were the case (dont hold your breath lol). I would toy around with for awhile and see how everything works before you tear it down. I dont know how bad yours smokes, but when I bought mine it was so bad you couldnt really use it without being choked out, so I rebuilt it real soon after the purchase. Good luck, and how about a few pictures of the new toy? TB

Woodcanoeguy · May 6, 2010

They are prone to cracking between the cylinders....I had two TO30's that did that. Can be plugged and/or welded.

1stormseekr · May 8, 2010

lol choking ****, this thing kills every insect within a mile. Taking it to fatherinlaws tomorow and we will tear into it then and see what it's problem's are. I am in luck, he is a mechanic with close to 40years in the business and has a full machinest shop! *grins* It pays to stay on his good side.