Engine Carnage. Fixing the Farmall MD Tractor

[@Daveco82]

Pete if you don't already mentor young adults you should consider it. Todays young people need a self-sufficient role model such as yourself! Thanks for another great video.

[@mattwright8353]

He doesn't know it but I'm already his apprentice!! And he great at it very patient and fast to help thank P that's his nickname lol

[@suburbangardenpermaculture3117]

I was gonna say... isn't that what these videos ARE? Is this a case of 'can't see the forrest because of all the trees in the way'?

[@njd4291]

​@@mattwright8353You beat me to it. I am not a person of interest for tractors, but I like to think I am interested in his work-ethics and outlook in life.

[@bgatlin5918]

GREAT IDEA!!

[@opendstudio7141]

The way to a persons mind and heart is through their cellphone. Greatest human herding tool ever invented.

[@Telephony954]

The only channel on the inner tubes, where we celebrate a tractor repair with a joy ride. You hot rodder you. Be well.

[@nicklewis7291]

Yeah, Peat is tractor rodder.

[@kurtneumann3164]

​@@nicklewis7291 tractor doctor rodder!

[@stevenorton3671]

The wind is blowing his hair and his smile is ear to ear

[@bobwalton4879]

The topic of springs brought back some memories!!! I am 68 but when I was ? 18 my first job was at a spring factory. I knew enough about a spring to produce one. In my 30's as a handyman had to rebuild an old door closer for a very hefty wooden screen door on an old mansion here. found out just as you did that an internal spring had broken that closes the door. No one could rebuild this, the home owner called all over the planet. The original company I worked at was still in business but to make a spring, they had to set up dies and such and the cost would include a 200 spring run to purchase, with several weeks to wait on a batch. Went to my handy dandy box store found a similar size spring, fabricated it to length, and end loops to install very nicely. But the closer would not return and close? Light bulb!!! Went back to the box store, found an opposite direction turned spring as you explained, fabricated it in a day, and it worked. Probably a 100+ year old cast door closer. The result? installed it, worked great, the home owners wife said how much do we owe you? I figured $100.00 for my time and knowledge as I gained as an 18 year old, and non availability!!! she said how much time did you really take to make a spring, that is too much cost for your time, I won't pay it. They were quite wealthy, her husband stepped in and said it works, I'll pay you your fee. And I was happy. sorry for such a long comment, but brought back a lot of memories.

[@opendstudio7141]

I like a good story with a happy ending. 😁

[@willdsm08]

Ah yes, rich people staying rich by making sure you don't. At least the husband was a man of honor. He, at least, knew what was involved.

[@johncourtneidge]

Nice!

[@seapilot2]

Thank you Pete! You helped me with many things. Like you, my dad had a 1948 Farmall MD. He restored it back in the 1980’s. When we moved my parents off the farm for health reasons, my younger brother took possession of the MD and it disappeared. He said he was storing it at a friend’s. I later found out he traded it for a gun. I hunted it down and bought it back. The guy that had it couldn’t get it to run on diesel, so it sat outside along a river bank for 10 years. I am working on restoring it again. I had to pull the head and your videos really helped when I found the precups seized in the head. I had to repair the American Bosch diesel fuel pump. I was able to get the tractor running on diesel before my dad passed away in July at the ripe old age of 95. He was very happy to see his tractor running again. I still have many things to do on it, but it has new paint and is looking good again, thanks to you and all your great videos!

[@JamesCouch777]

What a great story. You did a good thing 👍.

[@keithwest2575]

Pete, your knowledge, expertise, and your ability to share it with these complicated (at least to us commoners) has always left me impressed. Not a snowball's chance in purgatory that I would attempt a fix like that, but I do understand that you are doing it again, and it is certainly not your first day on the big job. So once again, thanks so much for sharing your expertise and knowledge on the inner workings of that engine. Keep sharing, take care, and stay safe.

[@timziegler9358]

I admire your "calmness" in dealing with this issue. God bless!

[@bub7961]

The joy shocked through me at the same time Pete made the noise when he found the missing piece. WOW

[@LiSa.N.J]

The joy of victory of man vs machine. Nice job Pete. Oh as my Dad would say..if you haven't scraped a knuckle or 2 while working on engines...you didn't work on it right. I still remember his ole saying...that's not blood...that's hard work paint. :) STay safe !

[@commishg]

The triumphant repair deserved triumphant music, and thanks for spooling it up. You are a great mechanic who understands the whys and not just the whats. Now on to the truck? I want to hear her when she fires up.

[@wendydesharnais6975]

the smile on your face going down the road, was priceless.

[@stevespangler6042]

Sorry for your trouble, Pete. I have a c-30 chevy dump truck that I've had to redo because of faulty parts, twice. never fun. I learn a lot from you. Thanks

[@timothyrill3825]

PHEW!!!!!! I had confidence in you finding the problem but held my breath. That showed the most rewarding smile by you and Hillary then I smiled a BIG one. You are amazing to remain calm and use your knowledge to repair it. This is one of the greatest accomplishments I have ever seen in my 77 years. Thank you for Sharing this great feat !❤

[@marshallherron8255]

My dad hade the first MD sold in Indiana after WW ll from DEAR&SON in Franklin,IN.

[@tmoomoo42]

I have My Dad's old MD there has been 2 times I've come across problems and it has been Pete who have saved the day just by watching his videos. Thank You Pete for saving my frustration.

[@lanaarpin6540]

My dad could repair any engine with problems. He was a machinist at an oil refinery. He’s gone now and I wish I could watch his hands working again. Watching Pete is the next best thing.

[@chuckstrasbaugh62]

Pete, I am always impressed by and can never get over your patience. Another job, well done-BTW, you mentor all of us in a host of ways.

[@janhorton5197]

For Pete's sake, once again, in Australia, it's my bedtime, and there you are again. I have to watch because I can't wait until morning.

[@jimheise1]

Best of luck with the MD, Pete. I grew up in rural Minnesota and there were several of these tractors that were hauled off to the grove or the woods to expire. The owners were weary of repairing them. They were just too complicated and expensive to keep in operation. Hardly any of their owners could repair them on their own so they just gave up and there was no resale value to an MD that didn't run. I admire your patience.

[@deweydodo6691]

Pete, I rebuilt n restored a 1950 WD-6 probably going over 2 decades ago. Your video now makes me want to pull my valve cover and take a peek at my valve springs.

[@charlesperry1051]

The MD is my favorite of your tractors. I am an engineer and just love the whole "start on gas, run on diesel" complexity of that tractor.

[@MaryRicketts-g7k]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Just watching your face of triumph was a treat.

[@AndrewBishop-n5j]

Hello Pete, I'm 82 years old and when I left school at 16 yrs I was apprenticed to an agricultural firm, agents of International Harvester, happy days, what you call keepers we call them valve collets, keep the videos coming, takes me back. Andy Bishop, England

[@billlyttle8224]

You are a Lucky Man Pete to find that keeper. One less Headache down the road. Saved you a tear down!

[@ralphmills7322]

Pete, Good to see the MD running again, it is a shame that newly manufactured parts just can't perform.

[@Rumblestrip]

Thank you Pete... Just sorry my Dad didnt get to see this. He loved watching you restore those tractors, this in particular excited him the most. I never understood why. He always was a Farmall fan.

[@lifeoutdoorseveryday1682]

Good on Bates for making it right and finding a solution. Very lucky that the engine wasn't damaged again! A little bit of annoying (but fun - of course) maintenance to get it going, but hopefully that will be the end of it!

[@RatdogDRB]

Ugh! The huge blessing in all of that is you found the keeper up top! The second blessing is it wasn't the middle of winter in the middle of a snowstorm. Nice work, Pete. God bless you in your efforts.

[@ryanclark7518]

My dad and I both fix up international tractors, him letter series and myself cub cadet tractors, I moved away from home but being able to watch your videos and chatting about your channel gives me another way to connect with him while I’m gone! Keep up the good work!

[@whitneyhall4744]

Congratulations mechanically, intellectually, and educationally..viewed twice to clearly understand..most enjoyable..many many thanks

[@frankwurth5375]

AS built, the tractor likely had a magneto for the start cycle, and relied on the ground switch in the switch over mechanism. If you've added a ignition switch for the gas cycle, instead of using the internal switch, the ignition needs to be switched off anytime the engine is on diesel cycle. For one thing one tends to forget and leave it on after shutdown, results in a dead battery and burned points. The other issue, and I had this happen on a TD18, one of the plug wires slipped off and grounded against the frame. After a bit it set the machine on fire from the arcing plug wire. Flammable Debris had accumulated while pushing brush. If the motor had been only relying on the spark plugs, we would have heard the miss and corrected it before trouble, but as it's on the diesel cycle, no one noticed it and that led to the fire. It ended up that I had to restore the burned engine compartment. Don't ever let anyone claim iron don't burn! All it takes is a little debris and a ignition source.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi, MD's also came with distributor or "battery" ignition. In the case of battery ignition, there is just a different switch at the end of the intake manifold, which switches automatically with the changeover from gas to diesel and vice versa. In both cases, ignition is switched off during diesel mode.

[@colettenewell4634]

Fortunate to find that keeper. Your look of happiness when you were driving it out on the road priceless. Great job. Lucky you found Bates Corp - hopefully you will be able to keep finding parts.

[@FusedFootage]

I've learned so much from you over the years on how to fix and maintain a tractor. Thank you, Pete!

[@GregCollard-cq5yg]

Pete, Jack of all trades, Master of MOST!! Thanks Pete.🇺🇲💪

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Finding that missing keeper was great, what a stroke of fortune for it to go into the broke spring. I adjust the valve lash like you do, no fancy wrench for me, not that I wouldn't use one if I had it. I liked your reaction when you switched the MD to diesel, same here and I liked the reaction of Hilarie and her wonderful smile. I certainly enjoyed watching, like always, congratulations on the successful fix. Have a nice day!

[@kawazukisoddbits2717]

Possibly the ejected keeper jumped into the spring coils first and that broke the spring? You'll never know - I like the spring compressor tool, never seen one - great for head on repairs!

[@DocTheElder]

Hillary cheering and their son also coming out to celebrate says so much about the quality of Pete as a man and their family. Blessings to them now and for years to come.

[@robreesor5011]

Pretty sure that wasnt Henry I belive it was their daughter.

[@Evelyn-cy6hw]

That was their younger daughter. Go back in the video library and see them all. Then you will be an informed viewer.

[@shirleyraymond9703]

Fantastic work I am old and don’t get out ,you are the highlife of my day. You do a great job ,wish I had meet you early in life .thank you again!

[@kevinkoepke8311]

Those left spiraled valve springs were made for the southern hemisphere. 😅 Thanks, Pete!

[@reginaghee3768]

I have watched every single one of your videos so I have seen you re-animate each tractor. Of them all, the MD was the one I fell in love with. It is a gorgeous girl and I enjoy every time you hop up and bring her out. Your knowledge of these machines is incredible. I am truly impressed by each re-animating video you produce. When you announced there was an issue with her, my heart saddened. Seeing you immediately get into getting her back to right was hope-lifting. Seeing her back was joyful. I am an old lady with no farming background and am not sure how or why this interests me so much, but I've been pulled in. Thank you for putting her back to where she should be...working and sounding like the queen she is. MD forever. (Yes, I've lost my dang mind).

[@marcelo_rcosta]

Li sua mensagem aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷 e adorei. Você é divertida e realmente o canal do Pete e seus tratores é tão bom que atrai a atenção de todos. Fique com Deus!

[@JamesCouch777]

Pete does have a way with story telling.

[@jdschini]

Nice repair job on the MD Pete! Such a great classic tractor. Keep her humming 👍

[@normangarrand1106]

Glad to see you didn't keep running the MD when you noticed the skip . Good find great fix

[@lonniechartrand]

I am by no means a mechanic, but I LOVE watching your videos, and commentary! Thanks Pete!!!

[@terezasnyder]

I have a soft spot in my heart for the MD. I had never watched an engine rebuild and I was FASCINATED. And when you started the first time, I had tears in my eyes. So proud!

[@jeanohlerkingflower7284]

I have watched your mechanical genius at work so many time that I find myself thinking, "I could do that." But I am only fooling myself. It's really interesting to watch you work. And I love how you talk to the equipment pieces and tools just like I talk to my computer. Thanks for your always interesting videos.

[@EL-ru8nl]

Good work Pete. I heard that sigh right before you started her after the repair. I know that sigh. Thanks for the content

[@rolandpinette9946]

Pete, your feeling of success and accompanying joy is palpable to the viewer. I'm happy for you!

[@ericvogel1126]

I'm happy for you that the ole MD didn't swallow a valve and cause more serious damage. It just shows that no matter how carefully you overhaul a machine, it can all be messed up by a broken minor part.

[@MichaelAllanTorrey]

A tale of the unexpected. Patient and clear video of what happened and the positive outcome. Upon restart I could hear the 1-2-3-4 firing cadence. I sincerely hope you can produce videos for a long time. ❤ to you, Hil and family. MD my favorite tractor.

[@davidhougaard7238]

Pete, I was thrilled to see you with bloody knuckles. Unlike you, I can barely fix anything. If I tell my wife “I was out working on…” she demands to see the blood as proof I was really working and not just out messing around. Thanks for all the videos and being human in all of them.

[@canvids1]

Happy for you saving that wonderful Old Tractor, I started driving a gas version when I was 11 or 12 years old, gee that's 70 years ago.

[@WACRE44]

I’m going to call you the MD of this MD lol❤I’m sure this time it will be great 👍🏼

[@cecilkoselke7878]

I agree with you, that it should be fine. For me, it should be the DM of the MD. While studying at Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis in 1974, I earned my "Doctor of Motors", which was presented by Perfect Circle piston rings, after testing in a program that they presented. Still have my certificate somewhere. IMO, Pete should be presented with an honorary one!

[@careyclayton7743]

Pete, another great video. I’m glad you found that keeper. If it fell down into the crankcase, it would have been a disaster. I also appreciate you showing how to adjust the lash. Glad the MD is up and running.

[@johnauerbach1372]

I can only imagine the joy in finding the missing keeper. Not finding it would provide a continuing anxiety every time you operate the machine. While watching the repair process, I was wondering how I would find this missing hard metal part, magnets, fishing tools, snake lights, etc. I was just as elated as you were when the missing item reveled itself in such a convenient location for easy removal. Great videos and great narration.

[@richardclifton4120]

Farmall MD...It has the same title as a doctor... It is always something to "practice" your skills on... Good Repair video, *Dr. Farmall Pete*

[@Serenaar]

Still catching up with videos but dang I am so pleased you fixed it. The sounds of the MD are so good! purring like a kitten indeed.

[@B4UClose]

Use it. Break it. Fix it. Repeat! Cool how the frame rate of the camera and the speed of the tires made it look like the tires weren't moving during the joy ride at 25:07 !

[@lorimecikalski3079]

It always amazes me that you know which gizmo and nobs to push, pull, shift, etc. for each of the numerous machinery you work with. Great brain power!

[@mleppert8535]

Back in the day those motors were a nightmare for some folks. Lot of cracked heads until they learned how to warm Them up and cool them down. I have parts MD tractor. Learned that old parts are best.

[@isaiahshaffer]

What’s the proper way to warm one up and cool it down? I don’t have one but it can’t hurt to have the knowledge if the right one comes along 😂

[@lynnsweeney4529]

We absolutely love the tractor repair videos. In fact, we love all the videos you put out. As always, thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful videos with us all. 😊

[@Passionofachaser]

This is the best channel in KZbin I’m a farmer and I love watching theses cideos

[@JuliaPillis]

You are such a great mechanic. You love those tractors so much. Watching you take that m for a test drive. The smile on your face was super. Great job farmer.

[@SquatchMan123]

The notification came up and I got sick to my stomach. I remember this restoration and I loved watching all the types of your videos. The tractor videos are my favorite I confess. Glad it’s an easy fix and that you found the missing keeper.

[@marcelo_rcosta]

24:05 Hillary e Pete tiveram os destinos traçados desde o céu. Um grande homem e sua grande mulher. Obrigado Pete por mais um vídeo rico em informações e muito agradável de se assistir. Abraços do Brasil 🇧🇷 Fiquem com Deus.

[@emerycreek8016]

You have triumphed! I am so happy. I have a bad attitude about aftermarket parts for these old tractor engines. I assume they are going to be made overseas junk and often are. When you made the repair last time I was so wishing a set of NOS IH springs would appear and was worried another of these "new" spring would break. Thank goodness the valve didn't bend this time. I was first thinking the head was coming back off! How many MD's have sitting time bombs under the valve covers because someone did the correct thing and replaced the valve springs with what turned out to be brittle "new" ones during a restoration. What a shame and potential frustration for someone. It speaks to the quality of those old IH parts from days gone by.

[@raymondutter2616]

Pete, McFadden and sons in Sharon springs n.y has a couple MD models in the back lot if you need parts. Great to watch you solve the farmer's mechanical issues. Thank you

[@GrandsonofKong]

I think I first subbed back when you were rebuilding the MD during COVID. Never heard of this kind of dual fuel engine configuration before that series. Thanks!!!

[@joerodrigues3816]

Happy to see you back and hopefully you are all doing well mate and thanks again for a great video

[@bobwollard9105]

Pete, when I began watching this video I was so very sad for you. I had experienced a similar mechanical failure in a truck I owned. We performed a major engine overhaul and experienced a piston rod failure after 40+ miles. After contacting the piston manufacturer, we discovered that the new pistons had been part of a factory recall several years earlier. The vendor had simply missed this lot of pistons while reviewing his stock. Fortunately, he provided a full set of new replacements along with a written apology. In the end, the old truck was again repaired and has now run more than 100k miles, without problems, since then. It sure was good to see the wonderful outcome of your tractor repair. It sure seems that things like this often occur at the most inopportune times. But Pete overcame once again!

[@hwcmdls7905]

I love the videos on the old tractors. Growing up there was always a small farm machine show down the road from me I went to every summer, added tractors as a future hobby on top of the classic cars, just bought my first antique tractor about 2 weeks ago.

[@cowboy007]

Mister Pete, I wish you health! I've been watching you with Russian translation for two years! Your videos are inspiring! The text was typed in Russian, translated into English by a robot. Possibly not accurate.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you!

[@dougdavis4439]

That has to be a great feeling of satisfaction. Really enjoyed watching you get her back into service.

[@martingardener90]

Interesting that you described the "keepers" as half collars - that's probably why in the UK they are called Collets! Loved the choice of The Ride of the Valkyries!

[@maddog2771]

I had a flash back to when I was 12 , watching my grandfather adjusting the valves on his 3020 John Deer gas tractor before going out to plow the feald

[@DarrylSparlin]

You went and did it again. Produced another great video. I just love watching you work on tractors or any piece of equipment. Hands down you are the best. You are a master at it. I could see the joy all over your face as you was driving the MD down the road. Thanks for sharing and God bless you and your family.

[@JamesCouch777]

That is insane that those springs would fail like that. Glad it didn't do any serious damage this time. I've had some crazy stuff like that happen over the years, not fun. Here's hoping you never have trouble with the MD again!

[@davidbaillie2087]

I love the videos where you are working on your tractors. The smile on your face really shows how much pride you have on restoring and using these works of art.

[@PaRoughandTumble]

Brings back memories. Those MD Farmalls sure where a problem child. Helped my Father fix many at Rice Equipment.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Can you remember if the springs cracking was a common problem (other commenters also ask this question)?

[@PaRoughandTumble]

@JohnSmith-pl2bk it was more the head cracking. The original valve springs would definitely compress a lot. I remember Measuring each valve spring and replacing the shorter ones . I think most of the springs got replaced.

[@terrylittle]

Happiness prevails in MD land once again! I was hoping for some MD doughnuts in the yard but the high speed run down the road was okay. I like going down the road on my 1942 2N Ford in 6th gear with my hi-lo range Sherman transmission. It can leave my 1974 JD 790 in the dust! Stay safe and keep that boyhood happiness alive.

[@landreewilliams]

An old timer trick is to use compressed air to keep the valves seated. Take and old spark plug and drill it out then screw it in and put an air hose around the porcelain with a hose clamp. 60-90psi will keep the valves seated and allow you to put the keepers back in and not need to rotate the engine.

[@josephstiles-2447]

Good video Pete! I had a 400 Diesel and I always loved that moment when switching from gas to diesel. 🔥

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Hi Pete we -( my folks and I) just got back from Dyersville Iowa for The National Farm Toy Show as well as to visit friends that Have a HUGE farm that live about an hour from Dyersville as well as visit several Museums.. had a great time!!

[@garlandhenry6792]

They can be temperamental. I like you have one, mine is a 400. Love the tractor, the sound and love to bale with it. I tell people who are wanting one the one thing to remember is “The gas start IH Diesel are one rotation from a catastrophe 😊. Love your videos and keep on rocking with IH.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

LOL, sounds a bit like the advice I give, "If you're thinking about restoring one, don't."

[@garlandhenry6792]

LOL. A friend of mine was going to buy a SMD. I told him that sounds good. All you need are deep pockets and a LOT of Patience. He ask how deep, I replied to do it rite from front to back and everything in the middle lay 12,00.00 to 15,000 on the table and be happy 😁

[@zygoma]

Your hood shot with flight of the valkyries in the background introduced my beverage to my nostrils. Thank you...

[@jammin4372]

13:26 "giddlywonkers" - I love it when you talk technical. 😅

[@joshk.6246]

Farmall MD: Valve Springs Strike Back . boy I'm glad you didn't have a valve drop in. Wow they sure don't make the quality like they used to. Sometimes you need that old school part to fix the problem. That is pretty cool how it was engineered to open up a little chamber to allow for the spark ignition.

[@martianmuppet]

Mystery, drama and intrigue, with a happy ending. Who knew vintage tractor maintenance and repair could be so entertaining? Great vid, thanks again Pete!

[@theburnhams2925]

You "got lucky" finding that missing keeper, Pete! Always enjoy your videos! Thanks.

[@johncourtneidge]

So the pole barn is the tractor shopthat hasn't yet emerged where the outdoor pigs were . . . Lovely to see your family enjoying 'the moment' too!

[@slowride55]

Sorry for the bad luck. I know the feeling. I completely overhauled my Farmall 350 gas front to back, top to bottom. I have since been rewarded for my work with a scored cylinder, hydraulic leaks, and coolant leaks. I have all of the sheetmetal sitting in a spare room. It still has never been back on the tractor.

[@matteolaborg]

I like how this is not such a difficult job for Pete that he is doing it in the open bay and not even up in the workshop!

[@tamastakats1355]

I feel bad for your breakdown,good thing is you know everything about this tractor and able to repair it..

[@billjanssen]

You would make a great ag teacher at a a High School ! Love your videos soo down too earth !

[@SuperMAZ007]

Lucky catch Pete. Belarus tractors have the same setup only with double springs and yes they do break as well. The double valve spring design is a good thing but even they will fail and have seen it myself. Just looking at the reproduction springs and the old stock. The difference is obvious and I think the MD needs beefier springs just in general. Good you got it back running been here since the day you started with the MD.

[@TheDougnationis60]

You just amaze my husband and I! You attack these problems with such patience! So glad you got her ‘purring like a kitten’ again!!!

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

Yep! Old gear breaks, but there's nothing like getting it back up & running again!👍

[@lekinwyo822]

Pete, As the owner of a 1951 MD, I really enjoy it every time you run or work on your MD. I have learned alot from you about caŕing for my MD. I don't work mine very much as I really worry about replacement parts if I have a breakdown.

[@joevalencic5275]

If you’re not bleeding, you’re not working hard enough! Been there sooooo many times!😂😂

[@bernardjones6162]

Love the Achievement Music in the end! Great work Pete!

[@jackreed3445]

Interesting. I hope this is the end of your troubles with the M. I'm going to watch the video again explaining the engine. Take care, enjoy the great weather while you can, jack

[@lars277]

Good video. Looks like whoever supplied those springs screwed up. Maybe they did not know their springs were bad, but something is not right with those springs. I bet an engine builder would have good advice on where to get good springs. They can make them. All you have to do is provide them with the desired spring load settings, or you can use existing springs that you can buy for another engine. As long as they are the right size and load rating. For example: springs for a Chevy six cylinder may work.

[@ssfoste]

Pete, the IH Wizard. So fun to watch and learn.