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The PDF manual covers
* BELT PULLEY
* BRAKES
* CONDENSED SERVICE DATA
* CONTINENTAL NON-DIESEL ENGINE & COMPONENTS
* COOLING SYSTEM
* DIESEL ENGINE & COMPONENTS
* DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM
* DIFFERENTIAL, BEVEL GEARS & FINAL DRIVE
* DUAL RANGE TRANSMISSION (WITHOUT MULTIPOWER)
* ENGINE CLUTCH
* FRONT SYSTEM
* PETROL FUEL SYSTEM
* HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
* IGNITION & ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
* INDEPENDENT POWER TAKE-OFF
* INDEX
* MULTIPOWER TRANSMISSION
* NON-DIESEL GOVERNOR
* PERKINS NON-DIESEL ENGINE & COMPONENTS
* POWER STEERING SYSTEM
* POWER TAKE-OFF (CONSTANT RUNNING & TRANSMISSION DRIVEN)
* STEERING GEAR
About the Massey Ferguson MF135
Massey Ferguson developed a wide range of agricultural vehicles and have a large share in the market across the world especially in Europe. The next big selling model was the MF135, widely popular because of its reliability and power compared with other tractors at the time. This was the first model in the MF 100 series. The Massey Ferguson 135 is a popular tractor. In fact it is one of the most popular tractors for vintage and classic enthusiasts.
Tools & consumables you’ll need
- Basic hand tools: metric socket set (8–19 mm), combination wrenches, long breaker bar, ratchet, extensions.
- Impact wrench (air or 12V electric) — speeds removal of corroded nuts.
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster, WD-40 Specialist, Liquid Wrench).
- Torque wrench (capable 10–150 Nm).
- Exhaust hanger pliers or large slip-joint pliers.
- Reciprocating saw with metal blade or angle grinder with cut-off disc (if converter is welded).
- Wire brush, hammer, cold chisel.
- Jack and axle stands or ramps (tractor must be securely supported).
- Heat shield/insulating mat or gloves — exhaust and turbo area may be hot.
- Safety gear: safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, respirator if cutting, fire extinguisher.
- New parts & consumables: replacement catalytic converter (correct unit for MF135/MF150/MF165 or correct aftermarket assembly), new exhaust gaskets, new flange nuts/studs/bolts or exhaust clamps, high-temp exhaust sealant, high-temp anti-seize compound.
- O2 sensor socket or 22 mm wrench (only if sensor present) and small dab of anti-seize for O2 threads.
- Replacement exhaust hangers/rubber mounts (recommended).
Safety precautions
- Work on a cold engine. Exhaust and turbo components stay hot long after shutdown.
- Park on level ground; chock wheels and engage parking brake.
- Support tractor securely with jack stands — never rely on jack. Use appropriate capacity stands for tractor weight.
- Disconnect battery negative to prevent accidental cranking and reduce spark risk.
- Use proper PPE when cutting/welding; ventilate area to avoid breathing fumes.
- If using torch to free nuts, avoid fuel lines, electrical wiring, rubber hoses and plastic components.
- Have a fire extinguisher ready while heating, cutting or welding.
Step‑by‑step replacement procedure
1) Prep and inspection
- Confirm correct replacement converter for your tractor model (location/length/inlet/outlet flange type). If unsure, match part numbers from parts manual.
- Visually locate converter: typically between exhaust manifold/turbo and muffler. Identify mounting flange(s), hangers and any sensor(s).
2) Cool, secure, and disconnect battery
- Ensure engine completely cool.
- Chock wheels, set parking brake, support tractor on stands, disconnect negative battery terminal.
3) Remove heat shields and nearby obstructions
- Remove any heat shields, belts or panels blocking access. Keep hardware labeled for reassembly.
4) Remove oxygen sensor(s) (if fitted)
- Spray O2 sensor thread with penetrating oil. Use O2 sensor socket/wrench to remove. Mark wiring to avoid damage. Apply a very small amount of anti-seize to new sensor threads (avoid contaminating sensor tip).
5) Free seized nuts/bolts
- Spray all flange bolts and hanger bolts with penetrating oil and let soak 10–20 minutes.
- Use breaker bar or impact wrench to break loose. If a nut is frozen, apply heat carefully with a torch, avoid nearby rubber/plastic/fuel lines. Use a hammer/cold chisel to help free a stud if snapped.
6) Support the exhaust assembly
- Use a second jack (or floor jack + wood block) to support the exhaust/muffler downstream of the converter so it does not drop when you remove bolts.
7) Unbolt/extract from flanges and hangers
- Unbolt the inlet and outlet flange(s) or loosen exhaust clamps. Remove hanger mounts from rubber hangers with hanger pliers.
- If flanges are corroded and bolts will not break free, cut the converter out with a reciprocating saw or grinder just aft of the inlet flange or ahead of the outlet flange. Make straight cuts to ease welding in new piece.
8) Remove old converter
- Lower the assembly carefully. If welded, you may need to cut, then unbolt remaining sections. Watch for heavy parts and sharp edges.
9) Clean mating surfaces
- Wire-brush flange faces, studs and pipe ends until clean metal. Remove old gasket material completely. Verify flanges are not warped — check with straightedge.
10) Fit and prep new converter
- Compare fitment and length with old converter. Replace any damaged studs/bolts with new grade hardware.
- Fit new gaskets to flanges. Apply a thin bead of high-temp exhaust sealant only if gasket manufacturer recommends.
- Lightly coat bolt threads with anti-seize (do not get on gasket sealing faces). Do not over-apply anti-seize to O2 sensor threads.
11) Reinstall and align
- Lift new converter into place using jack support. Align flanges and loosely install bolts/nuts so you can adjust for fit.
- Reconnect hangers. Tighten bolts progressively in an even pattern to seat gaskets, then torque to spec. If you don’t have exact spec, use these general torque guidelines: M8 ≈ 20–25 Nm (15–18 ft-lb), M10 ≈ 40–50 Nm (30–37 ft-lb), M12 ≈ 70–90 Nm (52–66 ft-lb). Consult factory manual for exact values.
12) Reinstall O2 sensor(s)
- Thread in O2 sensor by hand to avoid cross-threading; torque per sensor spec (typically 30–45 Nm for M18 O2 sensor threads), or snug then 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Wipe any anti-seize from sensor tip.
13) Final checks before lowering
- Inspect for contact with wiring, hoses or bodywork. Ensure hangers support weight and no tension on exhaust joints.
- Reinstall heat shields and covers.
14) Start engine and check for leaks
- Reconnect battery. Start engine and let idle. Listen for leaks at flanges and feel for escaping gases (careful — hot). If any leak, re-tighten bolts and inspect gasket seating. A short test drive under load to verify no rattles or movement.
15) Post-installation
- Re-torque bolts after a short heat cycle (engine warm then cooled) if manufacturer recommends.
- Properly dispose of old catalytic converter — they contain precious metals and must be handled by appropriate recycling or scrap facility.
How specific tools are used (quick notes)
- Penetrating oil: spray and allow soak; repeat for heavily rusted studs.
- Breaker bar/impact: breaker for controlled torque; impact is faster but can snap studs — use impact carefully.
- Reciprocating saw/angle grinder: use to cut welded sections; support and restrain parts to avoid sudden drop. Wear respirator and eye/ear protection.
- Exhaust hanger pliers: pinch and remove rubber hanger with less effort and to avoid stretching.
- Torque wrench: final tightening to avoid over-stressing flange bolts which can warp flanges or snap studs.
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Trying to remove hot components — wait for cool to avoid burns.
- Snapped studs/nuts: loosen with penetrating oil, heat, and breaker bar; replace any compromised studs rather than re-using.
- Cross-threading O2 sensor: always thread by hand first.
- Poor alignment: don’t fully tighten bolts until converter is fully supported and aligned; misalignment causes leaks and vibration.
- Using wrong replacement part: verify flange spacing, pipe diameter, and oxygen sensor boss location.
- Over-torquing or under-torquing bolts: follow torque spec or use the general ranges provided; re-torque after first heat cycle.
- Welding problems: if welding is needed, ensure clean fit-up and use proper exhaust-grade steel; poor welds cause leaks and premature failure. If you’re not confident at welding exhaust components, have a professional fabricate the joint.
- Forgetting to replace gaskets/hardware: always use new gaskets and proper stainless clamps/stud kits — reusing old hardware often leads to leaks.
Replacement parts summary
- Correct model catalytic converter (OEM or quality aftermarket with same flow and flange configuration).
- Exhaust gaskets (inlet and outlet).
- New bolts/studs/nuts or exhaust clamps.
- New rubber hangers if old ones are cracked.
- O2 sensor(s) if present and old/damaged.
- High-temp sealant and anti-seize compound.
Disposal and environmental note
- Catalytic converters contain precious metals; dispose of through authorized recycling/scrap facilities. Do not throw in regular waste.
Follow the above exactly, use the right replacement converter and hardware for your MF135/MF150/MF165, and take care with rusted fasteners and exhaust alignment. rteeqp73
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1) Purpose and choice of lift (theory first)
- What a “lift” actually changes: it raises the tractor’s chassis relative to the wheels/axles. That changes ground clearance, attachment clearance, and tire-to-body fitment by changing hub/axle, spindle or wheel position. Mechanically this alters lever arms, steering geometry, driveline (U‑joint) angles, brake linkage positions and 3‑point hitch geometry.
- Common approaches for MF135/150/165-era tractors:
- Wheel spacers (rear/front hub or wheel spacers): move wheel out/away from hub; small lift if combined with larger tires.
- Rear axle spacers/block or differential‑to‑axle spacers: raise rear center by adding a spacer between the axle tubes/final drive and wheel support or by using an axle “flip” to reposition housing.
- Front spindle extensions or axle lift brackets/flip kits: treat the solid front beam or spindles to raise the nose.
- How this “repairs” a fault: if the fault is insufficient ground/implement clearance, interference with tires, or worn geometry causing nose‑down attitude, raising chassis restores clearances and changes linkage angles back toward desired values. It does not “fix” worn bearings, steering components or weakened parts — it restores geometry but can increase loads on those parts.
2) Assessment and planning (order step 1)
- Measure current ride height, wheel offset, tyre size, clearance issues, and document tie‑rod lengths, top‑link position, and driveline angles.
- Theory: knowing pre‑lift geometry lets you predict how much lift will change caster/toe, tie‑rod tensions and PTO/driveshaft angles. This prevents surprises like oversteer or U‑joint failure.
- Decide lift amount and method that keeps steering/driveline angles within safe limits. If large lift >2–3", plan for additional modifications (longer tie rods, extended steering arms, longer PTO shafts, modified top link).
3) Acquire the correct kit and support parts (order step 2)
- Get a kit designed for your model or a kit whose instructions discuss beam‑axle tractors. Include replacement fasteners, extended brake lines or adjusted brake components, new wheel bearings if worn, and longer tie‑rod/draglink pieces if necessary.
- Theory: kits are engineered to control where the load moves. Using generic parts can misplace load paths and overstress kingpins, bearings and axle housings.
4) Safety and preparation (order step 3)
- Park on level ground, chock wheels, lower implement, disconnect battery, relieve hydraulic pressure.
- Theory: removing wheels/axle parts releases major loads. Secure support prevents collapse which would damage components and make the repair ineffective or dangerous.
5) Lifting procedure — conceptual ordered actions (order steps 4–10)
Note: do the corresponding front or rear procedure depending on the kit. I list the logical sequence common to both ends.
4a) Rear: support and remove wheel
- Jack, place axle‑rated stands under rear axle/differential housing; remove rear wheel.
- Theory: you must isolate wheel/hub to change clearance or install spacers while preventing torque on unsupported components.
4b) Rear: install spacer/block or flip kit
- Remove hub/brake drum (or hub nut assembly) as required; install spacer or relocation plate, or re‑position axle assembly per kit (flip if provided); reinstall hub and torque to spec.
- Theory: spacing between hub and axle plate increases vertical offset of wheel relative to axle, raising chassis. “Flip” kits reposition the axle centerline. Both change load vectors: wheel reaction moment increases at bearings and axle housing. Proper torque and seating are critical to restore preload and bearing alignment.
4c) Rear: brake and hub adjustments
- Adjust or re‑position brake backplates, lengthen brake linkages if required; check parking brake function; replace worn bearings and seals.
- Theory: moving the hub changes the brake carrier relative to brake shoes/drums. If not corrected, brakes drag or lose effectiveness, creating overheating and failure.
4d) Front: beam/spindle method
- Remove front wheel(s), support beam with stands under axle housing. Either install spindle extensions or bolt in lift brackets per kit; reassemble wheel and torque.
- Theory: raising the front changes kingpin centerline relative to beam and changes caster and toe. Spindle lifts alter scrub radius and can increase steering effort. Steering geometry must be recalibrated.
4e) Steering linkage and geometry
- Measure and adjust tie‑rod and draglink lengths to restore proper toe‑in and center position; if kit requires, install longer steering components or relocator brackets.
- Theory: changing wheel location without adjusting tie rods makes the wheels toe/tilt. Incorrect toe leads to tire wear and steering instability. Restoring geometry ensures predictable handling.
4f) Driveline and PTO checks
- Inspect PTO shaft and U‑joints; replace with longer PTO shaft if angle exceeds spec; check universal joint angles and CV limits.
- Theory: lifting changes driveline angles; excessive angles cause vibration, accelerated U‑joint failure and possible driveline separation. Keeping angles within manufacturer limits preserves life.
4g) 3‑point hitch and top‑link geometry
- Re‑measure hitch height and implement attitude; adjust lower link position or lengthen top link to restore implement pitch and lift range.
- Theory: implements depend on link geometry for stable operation and draft sensing. Lifting the chassis changes the lever arm; without adjustment the implement may sit incorrectly or overload the lift arms.
4h) Reinstall wheels and lower, torque checks
- Mount wheels, lower tractor to ground, torquing wheels to spec. Road‑test at low speed, re‑check all fasteners and torque after first hours of use.
- Theory: initial settling and bearing seating require a re‑torque; thermal expansion and mating surfaces can shift slightly under load.
6) Testing and verification (order step 11)
- Check steering free play, brake performance, PTO engagement, implement operation, and driveline vibration at various RPMs and speeds. Inspect for leaks and unusual noises.
- Theory: operational testing verifies that geometry and load paths are within safe limits and that the lift restored required clearances without creating new faults.
7) How the repair fixes the fault (direct)
- If fault = insufficient clearance or tire/implement interference: lifting physically increases vertical separation and changes attachment angles so tires/implement no longer contact frame or body parts.
- If fault = nose‑down or rear sag: raising rear/front rebalances rake and restores implement angles.
- If fault = poor steering or binding caused by tired geometry: correct lift with tie‑rod and draglink adjustments returns toe/caster toward spec, reducing binding. Note: if steering components are worn, lift alone will not “fix” play; worn parts must be replaced.
8) Consequences and limitations (theory you must accept)
- Increased center of gravity reduces roll stability — riskier on slopes.
- Greater bending moment on kingpins, axle housings and wheel bearings → potential for faster wear; check torque specs and inspect often.
- Brake and PTO effectiveness can change; adjust and upgrade components if required.
- Not a fix for worn components: worn kingpins, bearings, seals, bushings, or cracked axle housings must be repaired separately. Lifting without addressing wear transfers more stress to compromised parts.
9) Maintenance after lift (order step 12)
- Re‑inspect fasteners after 10–20 hours use; check bearings, seals and brake function weekly at first. Monitor tire wear and steering play. Replace components showing accelerated wear.
10) Final safety notes
- Use proper axle‑rated supports; don’t rely on hydraulic jacks alone. Follow torque specs. If any driveline, brake, steering or structural change goes beyond your confidence level, engage a professional familiar with older Massey Ferguson tractors.
- Kits may affect legal/roadworthiness — ensure compliance with local regulations.