Advice on Abandoned 700 Diesel?

Does anyone have ideas on what kind of problems and related expenses I could run into trying to rehabilitate her? The engine could be seized, the injector pump shot - who knows? I did notice the radiator cap was gone - could water have run in and cracked the block or head?

Thanks for any advice or experience you can share. Not even sure it can be bought, but I plan to try.

Tim

Last year I rescued a Case 700B that had been sitting for 10-15 years (there is a picture of it in the Tractor Photos section). I got lucky with it because the engine was loose and the anti-freeze was still good, and I was able to troubleshoot and fix the fuel problem. After you get permission to tinker with the tractor, there is a compression release on the engine (a lever below and on the RH side of the instrument panel), and you should be able to get to the crankshaft pulley nut with a 1/2 or 3/4 drive socket + extension to turn the engine and see if it is loose. The engine has no glow plugs, so if it is stuck, you'll probably need to remove injectors to get your "loosening fluid" into the cylinders.
The former owner of my tractor had parked it because he could no longer get it started. I traced the fuel lines from the tank to the injector pump, and verified that I was getting fuel through the filters and to the pump. After learning how the throttle works (above the detent for cutoff; below the detent to run), I spun the engine with the starter and discovered that I wasn't getting any fuel to the injectors. A local diesel shop technician showed me how to loosen the speed control rack on the injector pump, and I soon had the motor purring. Another problem I had to contend with was the microbial sludge that built up in the fuel tank after sitting so long. My Dad finally steamed out the fuel tank and I treated the fuel, so I think the problem is under control.
Parts are getting scarce, since they only built the 700 series for a couple of years. I can still get fuel and oil filters at the CASE-IH dealer, and I've seen engine overhaul and gasket kits from aftermarket folks.
If you're interested, I will email you and forward some info that I received from a fellow who was restoring a Case 400 diesel.

Thank you for all the info. The specifics you mention brought back some old memories. Think I remember the comp release lever - only I didn't understand it as a kid. And the shut off on the throttle too.
Sounds like you were very fortunate not having to do major engine work. What transmission do you have? This tractor has (I think - is it possible?), 16 gears on one stick? Are not parts from the 730 series interchangeable? I thought one of my books said they were the same basic tractor.

Can you shoot me a quick e-mail with your address? I'll save it in the event I can buy this thing, then ask you to forward whatever info you have. I'm tlp7@cornell.edu.

Tried to find your 700's picture, but the server is really slow. Will give it a shot again when I have time.

Thanks again, Tim

Tim

Another was an IH 660 diesel that sat for 5 years outside with raincap on the muffler. Oil pan was full of water, pulled glow plugs and water came out of 3 cylinders.

Rain caps are NOT a solution to long term water prevention. After every rain I start our tractors and all of them with rain caps blow water out. I have changed to putting a pipe on the end with 90 degree bend and slash cut so only really high wind with rain will get water down the exhaust.

PS - this is in North Dakota where there really isn't all that much rain per year.