Tired Ford 3000 engine......

[Soundguy]

Deffinately bummer. I'm surprised the crank and the TLC were both nuked.

Soundguy

 

[Kaliburz]

The NH dealer, trying to save me $$$$, decided to try to have an incert put. They said that that they've used those for head bolt holes.....and have worked fine. And since the NH dealer is doing (or having it done), the warranty is still entact.....

I didn't push them to do this. I was prepared to replace the crank w/ a reconditioned...... IF it fails (and hoping it won't), it's their problem.....though that means lightning would have struck a third time.....

Oh, the "rebuilt" tranny that came w/ the machine, was only a 1/2 rebuild. The PTO clutches were in "piss poor shape" and would have failed. They were going through it when I went to get the motor yesterday.....

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Trying to find that silver lining in your dark cloud........By the time this is over, you're going to know every nut and bolt on that tractor on a first name basis.

Such is the life of a farmer.

 

[Soundguy]

The NH dealer, trying to save me $$$$, decided to try to have an incert put. They said that that they've used those for head bolt holes.....and have worked fine. And since the NH dealer is doing (or having it done), the warranty is still entact.....

I didn't push them to do this. I was prepared to replace the crank w/ a reconditioned...... IF it fails (and hoping it won't), it's their problem.....though that means lightning would have struck a third time.....

Oh, the "rebuilt" tranny that came w/ the machine, was only a 1/2 rebuild. The PTO clutches were in "piss poor shape" and would have failed. They were going through it when I went to get the motor yesterday.....

I think I know what you are refering to on the mismatched head bolt hole inserts. if it's the same part I'm thinking of.. it should work fine.

Soundguy

 

[Kaliburz]

A few people were pushing for the repair. Another mechanic budy swares by them. The folks that pulled the engine out for me suggested replacment. Why tempt fate was their thing...and w/ my luck....

Another mechanic suggested against using the incert also. He tends to err on the conservative side. His argument is, if it were a normal tractor, sure, it's fine. If it brakes, one can find another tractor. When it comes to harvest equipment, a failure ..... is not something one can accept during harvest. No matter how much they guarantee things..... ya know Murphy's law.

I decided to go w/ the reconditioned crank, not repairing the original. Oh, the damaged crank, it's all standard. Go figure. The replacment is 10 under, but it's a factory reconditioned...... I'll probobly keep the old crank and get it fixed- maybe sell it- don't know.

Other thing.... the bearings had scratches on them..... go figure. The mechanic asked if I starved the the thing for oil and I said no..... did what they said to do to start. I guess I should have pre-oiled/lubed like the paper said BUT they (local NH dealer) said not to worry....it has plenty of assembly lube they said.

 

[Soundguy]

Yikes.. scratches on the bearing shells. You's think assembly lube would have taken care of that.

Did it take an abnormally long time for oil to come up?

Guess you could always pressure lube the rebuild when it comes back.

Seeings as how the bearings were scratched.. I'd also have voted for work on the crank to check it... Figuring prce.. the recon crank may be cheaper than grinding the old one and repair it. You are probably money ahead on this one, plus some extra piece of mind. You had to buy new bearing shells anyway.. no matter what you did.

Soundguy

 

[Kaliburz]

Yup, peice of mind is a good thing.....

Motor should be "installed" today...... (Friday)

 

[Kaliburz]

Running...... & picking..... (Sat evening)

Though we had to "farmer-ize" a 90 degree hi pressure swivel (hydraulic). Ended up using two spare fittings I had an a black pipe street elbow....... I wasn't going to cancel a load because of a leak.... though it was like Niagra Falls....

 

[Kaliburz]

Well, my grapes are done..... just another farmer's grapes to go....

So far so good...only minor stuff. Hate looking for keys and set screws at the local "super" hardware store at 8pm (aka Home Depot). A few old belts started to tear near the ends..... ended up having to put a new connector to repair.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Well, my grapes are done..... just another farmer's grapes to go....

So far so good...only minor stuff. Hate looking for keys and set screws at the local "super" hardware store at 8pm (aka Home Depot). A few old belts started to tear near the ends..... ended up having to put a new connector to repair.

Not that I'd be so inclined, seeing as to how I'm one of "those guys" who buys equipment expecting a lifetime of service from it, but out of curiousity, how much would a person need to spend to buy a NEW grape harvester?

On a side note, I "retired" from farming last year. My son bought the place. We bought a new (to us) place that's 45 acres, some very hilly, but with 25 acres of what could (should) be productive land. I'm kicking around the idea of growing grapes. That's fast becoming a thriving business here in what was once tobacco country. I've been in contact with a winery near here, talking about growing for them. They would do 90% of the work. I'd just maintain the property.