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8n Ford rebuild?

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8nTodd

01-03-2001 12:09:48




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Hello all. I've had an old worn out 8N now for a couple years. Runs OK but is in bad need of a complete rebuild. My question is; should I take this project on myself (adequate amount of tools and shade tree mechanic ability) or should I look for an expert to do the work? Saving money isn't the main issue. It's more about the amount of time it would take and making sure it's done right. Does anyone know of a place in southern Iowa that could do the work if I choose to have someone do the work. Thanks in advance for all your valuable opinions.
Todd

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NAA-HVC-IOWA

01-04-2001 08:23:56




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 Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to 8nTodd, 01-03-2001 12:09:48  
Hey 8nTodd,

I bought a '53 Jubilee from the New Holland dealer in Albia Iowa. He has been in the Ford/New Holland business for years and seems to know N's real well. I'm not sure about his mechanics but my Jubilee "purrs like a tiger" you might at least get an estimate from them. Harlan



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TimK

01-03-2001 13:48:16




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 Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to 8nTodd, 01-03-2001 12:09:48  
If it runs ok, why is it in a bad need of a rebuild ? At any rate, these engines are far from rocket science. Furthermore, as times have progressed, I have found a lot more mechanics who claim to know what they are doing, but are incompetent. And that incompetence will cost you about $75/hr. plus parts. Conclusion: I would get an FO-4 manual, read this very excellent Board including the archives, and do it myself. I believe how much of a rebuild to do will be your biggest decision / problem, not actually doing it. My $ .02

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JerryU

01-03-2001 13:10:27




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 Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to 8nTodd, 01-03-2001 12:09:48  
I went the shortblock route from CT several years ago and turned my tractor around in a week. I was very satisfied and don't think I really paid that much of a premium.

I did the same for a neighbor's IH Cub this last summer with a CT short block. The rebuild appears to be first class. Only thing you need is a gasket set and you are in business. You will need to clean your head up before reinstalling and you may want to rebuild your governor, but otherwise, if you don't want to do a rebuild yourself, it is a way to go (Providing you don't mind non matching serial numbers). My 9N now has an 8N block, but it is a working tractor and is very happy to be running.

BTW, I'm a native Iowan and graduated from ISU (many moons ago).

JU

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8nTodd

01-03-2001 13:26:38




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 Re: Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to JerryU, 01-03-2001 13:10:27  
Wow, thanks for the responses gentlemen. When I do the rebuild, I am also wanting to repaint and restore as well. The motor actually doesn't run to bad (a sticky valve or two is all), it's everything else. Steering box is shot, hydrolics stick, leaking everything, 6 volt system won't recharge battery (I always have to jump start), you name it. The short block thing isn't a bad idea though, could probably do everything myself if I choose to go this route. Thanks again.

BTW, For those who asked, I live in Lucas, Iowa which is between Chariton and Osceola on Hwy 34. I am also an ISU grad. (just got back for the bowl game in Phoenix):)

Todd

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Dave Todd

01-03-2001 12:57:07




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 Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to 8nTodd, 01-03-2001 12:09:48  
Todd, I am getting ready to tear into my 8N for a complete rebuild of the engine. I'm finding out quickly, that machine work adds up real fast. You might want to consider trading in your block for a rebuilt short block from CT in Des Moines. Then at least you have saved allot of time, and have a one year guarentee. I think you will find it only costs just a little more this way than doing it yourself. Plus, you are close enough to drive up to Des Moines and save on shipping. Just my opinion though. Think I'll do that next go around, if there is one. Good Luck!!
Dave

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Nogrimace

01-03-2001 12:47:51




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 Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to 8nTodd, 01-03-2001 12:09:48  
If you have the ability, it doesn't take that long to overhaul one. The most time is taking the block to the machine shop and having them work it over.(New sleeves, crank work, valves, and rebuild the oil pump bushings). The rest doesn't take long. I did mine in 1 week with a little after work each night and the weekend. It was fun. Of course, I've done several. I can't remember how long it took me to do the first one, but it's not that bad. Good luck in finding someone, my problem is I don't trust any shop. I've never taken a vehicle in for repairs other than warranty work. It is getting harder with all the electronics that come with cars. One always needs a very good repair manual and common sense.

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Larry 8N75381

01-03-2001 12:44:49




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 Re: 8n Ford rebuild? in reply to 8nTodd, 01-03-2001 12:09:48  
Lacking any other recomendations, I'd check out Ankeny Tractors. I stopped by there in '97 when I was out visiting my son at ISU. They are an old Ford dealer and have N's on their lot, so they have a lot of expearence with the N's. I was looking for front loader parts, which they had NEW in stock! They were VERY helpful.

You could do things like take the engine out yourself and take it to have the "internals" done. That is the part that I'd feel most inclined to have "PROs" fixing. The next in line might be the hydraulic pump. After that, most of the rest of the tractor is simple, no "rocket science" needed. Remember, the "owners" manual shows how to do most of the repairs so that the farmer/owner could do it himself, under the nearest shade tree. :-)

Where are you in southern Iowa? My Grandmother had a farm one mile SE of Numa, in Appanoose county (Centerville is county seat).

Regards,
Larry

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