Quick tractor radiator advice needed

TRAILRIDER · #1 03/14/13, 01:56 PM

Can anyone tell me how difficult it should be to remove and replace the radiator in my Massey Fergusson 1964 M165 ? I'm thinking just take off bottom hose and empty out the coolant in a bucket (wonder how much it holds?) Take off the top hose and detach the unit where ever its attached ? Maybe I'm being too optimistic

I am going to have my neighbor look at it while its running (and leaking) for his opinion. I can tell it's not leaking on or around either of the hoses, but I'll replace them as well. I can't really tell where it is leaking though, since as soon as I can see it leak the fan has sprayed it everywhere.

**Ross** · #2 03/14/13, 01:59 PM

I think you pull off the hood (easy) then the front cowling (a bit more difficult) then disengage the rad from the holding points and hoses. Not the worst job to do really.

unregistered41671 · #3 03/14/13, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

I think you pull off the hood (easy) then the front cowling (a bit more difficult) then disengage the rad from the holding points and hoses. Not the worst job to do really.

That is just about how it is done on a MF250 I am sure 165 and 250 are somewhat similar. Not a bad job at all.

solidwoods · #4 03/14/13, 02:14 PM

It's real important to find where it's leaking first. It could be hoses , cap, engine or rad core.
Mechanics have a pump to pressurize the rad without the engine running so a leak can be found.
With the fan running it's real hard to find a leak.
Hillbillies will bring the engine up to operating temp, then remove the fan belt, run the engine and find the leak. You can't run it long because the engine will over heat (less in cold wx) but with the system up to temp/pressure the leak will show.
jim

FarmboyBill · #5 03/14/13, 02:14 PM

Should likely be 2 bolts that hold it at the bottom to the frame. Might have to remove the fan shroud before pulling it past the fan.

FarmboyBill · #6 03/14/13, 02:15 PM

Might be a crack in the inler pipes where they attach to the radiator. IF so, Easy to fix.

coolrunnin · #7 03/14/13, 02:38 PM

The cooling system holds 42 qt.s.
Autozone and O'Rielly automotive loan cooling system pressure testers.
The Masseys aren't bad to work on at all.

JoePa · #8 03/15/13, 12:24 PM

I've fixed a lot of leaky cooling systems in my day - here's what I would do - run the machine until it gets to operating temperature - then shut the machine off - the pressure in the radiator will momentarily increase - look around to find leak - often times a white deposit will be at leak - if its a hose just get a new hose - if its the core - remove it and solder the leak - if its the water pump then replace it - a water pump leak will drip water(fluid) around fan shaft - seal probably leaking - all these fixes are real easy - anyone should be able to do it - good luck -