New MF TO35 with Standard Diesel

[IdahoMan208]

I just picked up this 1958 MF TO35.



The story is that it sat for a lot of years and didn't do much work during its life. Allegedly was running just two years ago.

I have some questions about the diesel and getting it to start. Here are the steps I've taken so far.

• I took the top off the diesel injection pump and shot it with carb cleaner and made sure it was free to move and operate.
• I replaced the two fuel filters.
• I drained the diesel from the fuel tank and refilled it with new diesel and half a can of seafoam.
• I bled the system to the first fuel filter, then the second fuel filter, then to the fuel injection pump, and then to the injectors.
• I've ordered new nozzles for the injectors. They arrive this week.

Now for my questions, since I can't get it to fire up.

Do I need starting fluid every time to get it to start? Assuming I have good compression and fuel to the cylinders, how difficult are these old diesels to start?
When I bled the fuel lines to the injectors I was only getting a little tiny bit of fuel coming out. Is that normal? How much volume should they have?
Will the new nozzles be enough or should I have ordered all new injectors?

That's all for now. I'm new to the forum and not a diesel mechanic, so any and all advice is appreciated! Also, I'm in Idaho, obviously. Anyone in the Boise area that wants to come have a look let me know.

 

[mllud]

I just picked up this 1958 MF TO35.

View attachment 660746

The story is that it sat for a lot of years and didn't do much work during its life. Allegedly was running just two years ago.

I have some questions about the diesel and getting it to start. Here are the steps I've taken so far.

• I took the top off the diesel injection pump and shot it with carb cleaner and made sure it was free to move and operate.
• I replaced the two fuel filters.
• I drained the diesel from the fuel tank and refilled it with new diesel and half a can of seafoam.
• I bled the system to the first fuel filter, then the second fuel filter, then to the fuel injection pump, and then to the injectors.
• I've ordered new nozzles for the injectors. They arrive this week.

Now for my questions, since I can't get it to fire up.

Do I need starting fluid every time to get it to start? Assuming I have good compression and fuel to the cylinders, how difficult are these old diesels to start?
When I bled the fuel lines to the injectors I was only getting a little tiny bit of fuel coming out. Is that normal? How much volume should they have?
Will the new nozzles be enough or should I have ordered all new injectors?

That's all for now. I'm new to the forum and not a diesel mechanic, so any and all advice is appreciated! Also, I'm in Idaho, obviously. Anyone in the Boise area that wants to come have a look let me know.

Starting fluid is not the cure. It can damage the engine.
Yiu should be getting more fuel at the injectors. Perkins diesel?

 

[mllud]

Starting fluid is not the cure. It can damage the engine.
Yiu should be getting more fuel at the injectors. Perkins diesel?

I see that's not a perkins. I'm unfamiliar. More experienced members in your engine is needed.

 

[IdahoMan208]

I believe it is the Standard 23C.

 

[IdahoMan208]

 

[mllud]

Ya I looked at your photo.
The design of some intake manifold allow either to misfire in pistons that aren't on the compression stroke and brake rings and do other damage. Please wait for other members more familiar with your engine before using either. I just rebuilt my Perkins that I suspect was damaged by either. Broken rings and lands in two out of three pistons.
Sorry I'm not more help with your engine.

 

[Agvg]

With new nozzle you have to adjust the opening pressure, does it have a decomp level? If it's on decomp it wouldn't start.

 

[Agvg]

Tried to tow start it?

 

[IdahoMan208]

@Agvg, I'm not sure what you mean by decomp level. Can you explain what that means and what I need to do?

 

[i7win7]

Road service for semi trucks use wd40 as starting fluid - but it's not their equipment. They get paid to get it rollin' again.