Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Massey Ferguson MF255 MF265 MF270 MF275 MF290 tractor factory workshop and repair download manual

Below is a concise, ordered procedure for diagnosing, removing, repairing or replacing the radiator on a Massey‑Ferguson MF255/265/270/275/290, with the engineering/theory behind each step and an explanation of how the repair fixes the fault. Assumes a front‑mounted tractor radiator with conventional water pump, thermostat, belt‑driven fan and pressurised coolant system.

Safety first
- Let engine cool completely. Never open the radiator cap while hot — pressurised boiling coolant can scald.
- Wear gloves and eye protection. Catch used coolant; dispose of it legally. Work on level ground, handbrake on, batteries disconnected if you will use electrical tools.

1) Symptom check and initial diagnosis (what to look for)
- Symptoms: overheating, loss of coolant, visible drips, reduced heater output, steam, white residue/corrosion on radiator or hoses.
- Theory: these symptoms come from loss of coolant (leak), blocked flow (scale/debris), mechanical failure (fan/drive loss), or pressure loss (bad cap/air in system). Identify whether problem is a steady leak, intermittent, or purely heat transfer related.
- How this step fixes the fault: isolates likely failure modes so you choose the correct repair (seal a leak vs. flush a blockage vs. replace a failed component).

2) Pressure test (diagnose integrity)
- Cold engine, use a hand pump radiator pressure tester on the filler neck or cap adapter; pressurise to the cap rating (~12–16 psi typical—check spec). Observe pressure drop and locate leaks visually.
- Theory: pressurising simulates running pressure and forces coolant out of any leak paths that might only appear under pressure.
- How this fixes: confirms whether radiator/core is leaking vs. hoses/head gasket; locates leak areas so you can target repairs (solder, epoxy, replace, clamp).

3) Check coolant condition and flow (blockage vs. corrosion)
- Inspect coolant colour and debris. Remove lower hose to inspect flow with engine briefly run (if safe) or after pump run test. Check for sludge, rust, or scale in radiator and engine block.
- Theory: scale and sludge reduce coolant flow and thermal transfer surface area, causing overheating without a visible leak.
- How this fixes: determines need for flushing or chemical cleaning rather than patching.

4) Drain coolant
- With engine cold, open drain cock on radiator or remove lower hose to drain into a container. Open the coolant reservoir cap to let it drain faster.
- Theory: you must remove coolant to repair, to prevent spills and to allow component removal.
- How this fixes: prepares the system for safe disassembly and repair.

5) Remove fan(s) and shrouds (clear access)
- Loosen and remove the fan blade or fan hub nut/bolts and any shroud or protective panels. Support the fan when removing so it doesn’t fall.
- Theory: radiator removal requires clearance; fan must be out of the way to prevent damage and allow radiator removal.
- How this fixes: enables physical access to radiator for inspection/repair or replacement.

6) Disconnect hoses, transmission/oil cooler lines and sensors
- Label and disconnect upper and lower radiator hoses, overflow hose, and any oil or transmission cooler lines if fitted. Remove temperature sender if necessary.
- Theory: these are the fluid and sensor connections to the radiator; they must be disconnected before removal.
- How this fixes: allows removal without damaging hoses or lines and prevents mixing up connections on reassembly.

7) Remove mounting brackets/bolts and lift out radiator
- Remove the radiator mounting bolts, rubber mounts, and any crossbars. Lift the radiator straight out (get help — radiators can be heavy and awkward).
- Theory: physical removal needed for core repairs or replacement.
- How this fixes: exposes radiator core and tank for repair or replacement.

8) Inspect radiator core and tanks (decide repair vs replace)
- Look for pinholes in tubes/cores, cracked tanks (plastic tanks on modern radiators), clogged fins, electrochemical corrosion, or cracked seams.
- Theory: material and extent of damage determine feasible repairs. Copper/brass tanks and cores are often repairable by soldering/brazing. Aluminum cores and plastic tanks are often better replaced.
- How this fixes: choosing the correct repair method avoids wasted time on unsuitable fixes.

9A) Repair small pinhole leaks (copper/brass cores)
- Clean area thoroughly to bare metal. Flux and solder (or braze) the hole from both sides as necessary. Pressure‑test after repair.
- Theory: solder/braze fills the hole with a metal seal that restores pressure integrity and mechanical strength.
- How this fixes the fault: stops coolant leakage and restores ability to hold system pressure; restoring pressure prevents boiling and maintains flow.

9B) Repair seam/tank leaks (brass tanks)
- Remove tanks if crimped, or reflow/brasure seams. If tanks are crimped and damaged, replacement of tanks or full radiator re-core may be required.
- Theory: seams fail due to corrosion or mechanical stress; brazing restores the mechanical joint and seal.
- How this fixes: re-establishes sealed coolant containment and pressure capability.

9C) Repair plastic tanks (if applicable) — limited options
- Plastic tanks can sometimes be repaired with epoxy or plastic welding, but these are often temporary. Best practice: replace the radiator or the plastic tanks.
- Theory: plastic cannot be brazed; adhesive/joining restores a barrier but may fail under heat/pressure.
- How this fixes: temporary stopgap or permanent if performed with correct replacement parts.

9D) Clean/flush clogged cores
- Use an appropriate radiator flush solution and a garden hose or pressure flush tool to remove scale and deposits. For heavy scale, chemical soak or professional hot‑tank service may be required.
- Theory: scale reduces coolant flow and thermal conductivity between coolant and metal, severely reducing heat rejection.
- How this fixes: restores flow and heat transfer area so radiator can cool coolant effectively; reduces engine overheating.

9E) Replace radiator when repair not practical
- Fit new or professionally re‑cored radiator that matches original spec. Ensure core size, inlet/outlet positions and mounting points match.
- Theory: a new core restores full heat transfer area, structural integrity, and reliable sealing under pressure.
- How this fixes: permanently eliminates leaks, corrosion problems or severely reduced cooling capacity.

10) Replace hoses, clamps, thermostat, radiator cap if suspect
- Replace old, soft or cracked hoses and spring clamps. Fit a new correct‑rating radiator cap. Replace thermostat if core or overheating issues were present.
- Theory: hoses degrade and leak, clamps lose tension, caps lose sealing/pressure ability, thermostats can stick and impair flow control.
- How this fixes: prevents re‑occurrence of leaks and restores correct system pressure and thermostat‑controlled flow.

11) Refit radiator, connect hoses, refill coolant
- Reinstall radiator, fan and shroud, reconnect lines and sensors. Refill with correct coolant/water mix (antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors).
- Theory: correct reassembly ensures mechanical alignment and proper airflow; coolant mix protects against freezing and corrosion and improves boiling point.
- How this fixes: returns the system to service with correct fluid properties and airflow.

12) Bleed air and pressure‑test system
- Bleed trapped air (open bleed screws, run engine at idle with heater on, squeeze hoses). Re‑check for leaks and re‑test with pressure tester to operating cap rating.
- Theory: air pockets block flow and cause localized overheating. System pressure raises coolant boiling point and ensures consistent flow through radiator.
- How this fixes: eliminates airlocks and verifies the repair holds pressure under load.

13) Road/run test and final checks
- Run engine to normal temperature, ensure thermostat opens, watch temperature gauge, check for leaks, and re‑check coolant level after cool down.
- Theory: operating conditions reveal issues not present with static testing (vibration, thermal expansion).
- How this fixes: confirms the repair restored cooling capacity and no new leaks form.

Common failure modes and how each repair addresses them (summary)
- Pinholes/corrosion in core: brazing/soldering or full core replacement restores pressure seal and coolant containment.
- Cracked tanks (plastic): replacement of tank or radiator resolves structural failure and prevents recurrent leaks.
- Blocked passages/scale: flushing or hot‑tank cleaning restores flow and thermal transfer.
- Lost system pressure (bad cap): cap replacement restores designed boiling point and prevents cavitation/overheating.
- Air locks: bleeding restores continuous coolant flow and effective heat transfer.
- Fan/belt failure: repairing or replacing restores forced airflow and removes excess engine heat.

Materials and tools typically required
- Pressure tester, socket set and wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, drain pan, hose clamps, replacement hoses/cap/thermostat, solder/brazing kit or epoxy for minor repairs, radiator flush fluid or professional cleaning, replacement radiator if needed, safety equipment.

Final notes
- Older MF tractors commonly have copper/brass radiators — these are often repairable by a competent welder/brazer. Aluminum cores or plastic tanks are less forgiving and often need replacement.
- Always verify parts’ fitment and cap pressure rating before refitting.
- After repair, monitor coolant level over several days — a small remaining leak or trapped air can show up after thermal cycles.

That’s the ordered process and the theory for each action — each diagnostic or repair step either restores pressure integrity, re‑establishes coolant flow, or restores heat transfer capacity, which are the three fundamentals of a working cooling system.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions