1965 Massey Ferguson 135

As can be seen in the photo there is a lot of oil sticking around the inside the bell housing. This could only have come from the engine or the gearbox. The crankshaft rope seal has been replaced on the engine so there will be no more leaks from that side. As a precaution however we replaced the oil seals and gaskets in the gearbox. It was necessary to remove the gearbox as the drive and pto input shaft combination cannot be pulled forward and removed until the pto constant mesh gear is dropped down. To allow this to happen the pto driveshaft is pulled to the rear (after removing the bearing). Inspection showed the rest of the gearbox is in very good condition

1965 Massey Ferguson 135

Called with Colin Gillan, Ballymena today. He was asked to do a full assessment of engine condition and to refurbish/restore it to "as new" condition. The photos show new oil pump, pistons and liners. Some work to be done yet on cylinder head, injector pump and injectors. We are assured that the crank shaft is in good condition and new seals and bearings have been fitted. Colin has a high reputation locally for quality of his work and we are looking forward to hearing engine running. We will upload a video in due course.

1965 Massey Ferguson 135

The diff lock was seized solid. We had to remove the half shaft and housing then remove the mechanism, free it up and fit a new oil seal and bushes to the diff lock shaft. New gaskets were fitted to both housings. Before the half shafts are replaced new oil seals will be fitted at the wheel ends to prevent oil contamination of brakes.

1965 Massey Ferguson 135

One problem we were aware of when we got the tractor was the repaired crack in the hydraulic lid. This damage was apparently caused by a fork lift that was fitted to the tractor. Luckily we found a good second hand lid in a breakers yard and this is now ready for fitting after the innards have been transferred from the origonal. We are confident that the hydraulics generally are sound as we tested them before dismantling.

1965 Massey Ferguson 135

Here ia a picture of a 1965 model 135 which we have been asked to restore. The customer wants the tractor finished to a very high standard. The engine is in fair condition and would probably run for many years but the first priority is a complete engine overhaul. The cab will not be refitted and every effort will be made to maintain origonality. So here goes. Weekly updates to follow.