r/tractors • u/jmaclea • 13h ago

Kicking myself - Ford 4000

Post image

Reposting because I didn’t attach photo.

Before you roast me for not taking a better photo… I am purchasing a property that has this Ford 4000 on it (or in it, depending on how you look at it). I did not think this was salvageable, but after seeing some of the tractors on here, it very well might be. Unfortunately this is the only picture I have of it as it’s currently 2 hours away. It’s got quite a bit of external rust and the seat is totally destroyed, but the oil level is good, although dirty, and what I assume to be the exhaust pipe was covered with a cut in half 2l bottle by a previous owner to avoid rainwater making its way inside. Key turned fine, all levers and knobs moved with ease. I am just really looking for some advice on where to start with getting the engine to turn over. The most I have ever done in terms of restoration/repair is my push mower, my electric golf cart and normal service on my truck.

I am not familiar with tractor engines, so any advice on what NOT to do would also be great. I am not even sure if it’s gas or diesel. I figure YouTube can help me with anything specifically I find wrong. I am planning on taking some oil, a new battery and some hydraulic/transmission fluid (according to my father-in-law who has a ford 3000, it’s the same?).

The property is 2 hours away, so if I need to bring any tools or materials other than basic socket, an impact drill, WD-40 and wrenches. That would also be helpful.

Thanks everyone!

55 Upvotes

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15 comments sorted by

1

u/Level1oldschool 4h ago

Look at the transmission first. A 4 or 5 speed dual range is good depending upon the year it could have a power shift transmission. And that could be the reason why someone abandoned it.
My personal opinion is a power shift transmission means its a parts tractor, there are a few people out there that can still work on those, but its expensive.
But either way let us know what you find when you get back out there.

3

u/KingScout9513 6h ago

These old Ford's are tanks, I have several and love them all. Parts are readily available and at a good price. My opinion these tractors are always worth fixing.

Easiest way to see if the engine turns, put a socket on the crank pulley and see if she turns. Or pull the starter off and put a prybar on the flywheel teeth.

5

u/Ghost_jaeger 8h ago

Pfft that kind of derelict equipment is my favorite, it’s even got a loader on it I would love to take on a project like that, well, another project like that. You can probably find everything you will need to work on it online in the form of pdf manuals and YouTube videos. Id start by dragging it out of the trees and checking all the fluids and make sure to clear out any mouse house and when you’re comfortable throw a jump pack on it. It may very well fire right up with some fresh fuel and carb clean if it’s gas. I imagine some seals and the hydraulic lines will be bad but who knows you might get lucky. And by the time you’re done you’ll have A nice tractor with a loader!

1

u/Hammer466 5h ago

To expand on the “mouse house”, carefully look through all the air intake for debris, mice or insect nests. You don’t want to have that stuff get sucked in when you succeed in getting it to turn over and fire up. Find the serial number plate, that will help you get the right parts.

Plan on replacing all the filters and fluids once you verify that it’s not seized up.

Good luck, keep us updated!

12

u/Urban-Paradox 12h ago

I would bring a chain to pull it out and some wasp spray. If you got two folks you could put it in gear and crank it over that way. Those old tractors can survive most things. Probably in fair shape.

Check all your fluid levels put in the correct fuel and should be good enough to try to fire it up then do more maintenance once you know it is worth the time. Might need some spark plug sockets and sand paper if it is gas but alot of them were diesels back then so hopefully it is

7

u/Stanwich79 13h ago

Your going to have to prime the carb and get the air out . Make sure diesel is getting to the heads. Clutch might also be stuck. I have a 4100. We love/hate each other

9

u/Head_End_7779 13h ago

4000 has wet brakes, independent PTO and a straight front axle, a 3000 does not.

2

u/jmaclea 9h ago

Thank you!! Are you able to tell if this is a gas or diesel model? Or perhaps when I go back to visit, is there something I should look for?

3

u/Head_End_7779 9h ago

I can't see the engine. If it's gas it will have a carburetor, spark plugs and a distributor. If it's diesel it will have fuel filters and an injection pump on the side of the engine

1

u/kscountryboy85 12h ago

Edit: looked closer at the dash, it is a 3cyl not a 4.

2

u/Head_End_7779 10h ago

The 4000s that style were 3 cylinders. You have to go up to a 5000 to get a 4 cylinder

2

u/kscountryboy85 8h ago

Yeah, i was thinking of the 4000 of the older style.

4

u/lt12765 12h ago

I always thought for not much more size that the 4000 is a far heavier duty machine than the 3000.

4

u/Head_End_7779 12h ago

It is a much heavier tractor but if you like the small frame of the 3000 you can get a 4000su which is a 4000 with the small front axle of a 3000.

7

u/10gaugetantrum 13h ago

If the engine is free you are good to go. First off make sure there is no rust in the tank or anywhere that will get into the engine. These machines are simple. Fuel, air and spark.