Why thumbs down. You did everything right. The customer is the one paying the bills and he's responsible for the care, upkeep and his reputation if he passes his problem on to someone else.
Asking you to fix this is out of order. After your inspection this is scrap. Your reputation follows this vehicle and the fact that you have " Told the truth" this on video is no bad thing. Over here in Scotland word of mouth is everything . Keep up the good work. I wont be hitting the down button because indeed i would shake your hand for your honesty.👍
I’m an Ag mechanic and it’s crazy how long these farmers just let the problems pile up until the machine is completely un-useable. Then they bring it in and want it fixed and you don’t know where to start or where to stop.
And they only want to spend $500 on the repair until they're up against wall and then they pull out the real piggy bank and blow the dust out and fork over the cash.
Everything is going to shit here in the US. Owner operators don't have money to fix their equipment anymore, subsidized farms don't get enough money to fix their equipment from the mega globo corps that own them. Even the penny pinching multi-billion dollar freight hauling companies don't want to stock parts or fix shit on their equipment anymore, and it's unsafe. It makes people like me question why I'm even doing this shit anymore after only 10 years being in the field.
I will never get that. Your tools need to be reliable or you are going to spend more time on your tools than on your work. Especially in agriculture where you have high seasons that you equipment has to make it through. What do you even do with a tractor that constantly overheats, constantly needs new coolant, and leaks hydraulic oil all over the place..
I used to drive a ‘63 Massey Ferguson 35 to rake hay in the late 80’s. It was worn out but had tighter steering than this shitbox. Some guys are just looking to get another couple of months out of used up equipment instead of paying for proper maintenance. Oh well, their decision. Thanks for another great video Wes. Love your channel.
You show me a mechanic without one wrench in his toolbox that hasn't arced, and you have shown me a mechanic that twiddles his thumbs and does no work...
No thumbs down from me. You did everything you could with what you were told. What was probably a cheap fix originally with neglect became an uneconomic repair. Always amazes me that guys who earn their living with machinery don't understand enough to look after it properly. Simple routine maintenance, replacing tin work etc will pay dividends in the long term. A couple of bucks spent wisely at the time the original problem occurred would have surely avoided that basket case. Good work Wes as always! Best regards from the UK 🇬🇧
Little did he know that the tractor spent the last 20 years in the field being overheated on the regular, I’ve learned the hard way that when anything has been overheated I ask how long and how many times just to prepare for the worst, it’s not your fault you fixed all the obvious things that you saw and tried to do right by your customer
I just can't get over how much this kid (yes, I'm old) knows about... Well, everything. I don't even change my own oil, I can't for the life of me understand why I'm addicted to watching this guy fix things... But I am. This is a great channel, with great content.
Wes, I think this (type of) video is precisely why you have the viewership that you have.... Lots of stuff was covered in it, and in short order, and as always your classroom type description of the various workings of this piece of equipment, are excellent...! Not sure I “thumbs down” any video that I watch on RUclips... Too bad this piece of equipment was ran to the point that it was, that is a testament to the folks at John Deere alone. No disappointment from me on the video, by any means... The owner would end up speeding thousands of dollars on the needed repairs, and still have a $2500-3500 valued tractor... I say a great video, and keep them coming... Thank you sir.
I guess you've never driven a 1963 Rambler "Classic", that would be great practice for driving that tractor. The technique also works for inboard boats, it's just a suggestion as to direction.
Richie brothers must have upped their standards for non-running equipment or the owner is trying to get that POS just running enough to get out of non-running category at next RB auction
When we used to go to farm auctions we would see equipment in this sort of shape. We called it running scrap - it runs but don’t pay more than scrap value for it since it’s basically mechanically totaled.
Not about to give a thumbs down because the owners ran the snot out of the tractor and don't want to do a proper repair. What you did was solid and you gave great explanations as to what was going on. Good stuff, Wes!
I’m sure every large family farm in your area has that section, next to the barn that has all the throttled out machinery that was classified as “TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX.” I suspect if Wes made the required repairs, the cost could easily be North of $5k, but upon completion have a tractor that wouldn’t be worth the su on liquidation. Wes, keep the content coming and like that you shared a little bit about Engineering Economics. Mrs. Wes was very professional and kind by not speaking negatively towards thy neighbor.
@@baileyhatfield4273 Yes, my tractor is a Ford 545 Diesel. Bought it in 2001 in Sunland, California for $8k, one of my better investments. Low hour OEM tractor w/ a gannon rear and a bucket front, included a York Rock Rake. Only negative, no PTO. You should get one!!
Papi, I think the crucial issue is NOT what it's worth after you spend money on repairs; rather it is WHAT ELSE that money could get you. ie you start out with a hammered tractor like this - worth nothing and essentially unusable. Wes has put $1000 (say) worth of effort and parts into getting it to where it is now. It's still worth nothing and only just usable. But could they have bought a better tractor for $1000? I doubt it. If Wes puts in another $2000 or $3000 of effort the it will be worth next to nothing, but it will be a lot better than it was. Crucially, it will be better than anything else you can buy for $3000 or $4000, because you will know exactly what is fixed and what is still deficient. It may be worth next to nothing on the market, but it will have value to you.
When it comes to air brake parts on a lot of the trucks/trailers I look at, most of the time, I end up parts cannoning the whole brake system, because it's never been replaced before. It's unsafe to just replace brake shoes and drums, when half your brake chambers are improperly installed, improper cut rod lengths, broken slack adjuster ratchet clutches, and S-cams and bushings that have a quarter inch of play up or down.
There are charging systems that end up with intermittent problems. A mechanic has to pick and choose their battles. If it's your property you can spend time fixing one thing, play with it, then fix something else until you get it perfect. The problem is that can take weeks. People want stuff done yesterday.
Glad to know that head gaskets fix cracked heads, thanks for the tip!! I'm in New Zealand, at a "rough guess" you would have easily done $3-4000 work on that old girl here. I suppose I can see the farmers point as a secondhand tractor would still be much more, may as well run that one till it drops. Such a shame so many people out there are so mechanically "ignorant" and don't spend a little money on proper maintenance. Great job Wes, great video!
You can't fault yourself for the clients failure to up keep their equipment. You can only fix that can be fixed nothing else. Good job Wes you did your best.
I appreciate your wifes candid response that she is supportive and understanding in your struggles. Also hope they dont try to sell that equipment as a lemon to someone.
In my book you get a huge thumbs up for properly diagnosing the problem and understanding that they have run it on just water forever. Once again GREAT JOB WES.
I cant thumbs down over you just doing what they told you to do. Youre an honest guy who says hey this is whats wrong and if I fix what you want this might happen or whatever so its their call. Unfortunate that old girl sounded really good. Just needs a whole lot of tlc.
In college I had a blown head gasket. Exhaust leaked into the coolant. Boiled over quickly. Leave radiator cap off and you could see occasional bubbles of exhaust coming out the radiator cap opening. But it would take quite a while for enough coolant to boil out compared to leaving the cap on. So I drove with several gallon milk jugs of water in the trunk and no radiator cap. It was fine for staying within a 5 mile radius of the college. I drove it like that for more than a year. Then someone stole it. My room mate was amused that my only reaction was that my favorite shirt was in the trunk. I really liked that shirt. Still miss it.
You will always get a "thumbs up" from me because of your wisdom, "Down homeness" and last but not least you honesty. I just wish you were closer to me, I have you take of my stuff. Hopefully that's the only "bummer" you have for a long time.
No, that is wrong, not" towards radiator " the thermostat 😉 I'm joking, just found it humorous that someone could install it wrong when the directions are clearly written on the part.. Love the Show, you are an excellent mechanic, wish there were more like you. .your dedication to finding the problem and a detailed diagnosis. I've been a mechanic for 30 yrs.and I worked with a lot of other techs, and you are definitely one of the Best.
Why, they most likely paid their repair bill and we don’t know their financial status. Better to button her up and pay the bill, then have the work done and not be able to put food on the table or not be able to pay Wes. From an engineering economics standpoint, tractor owner made a wise decision. I’m sure much more Good neighbors than Bad in that part of the country.
Who knows what condition this machine was in when the owner got it? Farmers buy stuff like this at auction all the time, it saves their equipment budget if they can use it for a while before it completely dies. They just use them for cleaning things up and moving stuff around and can also run a bush hog to keep the weeds down. So this machine is most likely not high on the owner's maintenance budget because the machines he uses to farm the fields with and make his living are more important to him in that respect.
Awesome Job Wes!!! I'm a refrigeration mechanic, run into the similar problems when system compressor goes down. I always let the customer know that after replacing the compressor . We often find what took out the compressor in the first place. You couldn't know those cracks where there till you got the engine running, hidden damage bites for everyone involved. You deserve and are owed for the work you did. Your due diligence for this job was right on. Good job!!
I would not mash the thumbs down button. You did your job and did it correctly. You can't help the abuse this unit has had for a very long time so you do not deserve thumbs down. You do great, honest work and always deserve thumbs up.
Curious, with price of hydraulic fluid, how anyone could afford to run that thing with those kind of leaks? Thanks for sharing that Wes, very interesting. 👍
Because oil is only $20/bucket at the farm and fleet store! Who cares it wipes out the clutches brakes and pumps it’s cheaper than that overpriced John Deere stuff!! At least 50%of people think this way.
@@bcbloc02 Being Jonh Deer or not, that's not what causes 8+ year old rubber to go to shit and leak everywhere. I think you're going about that at the wrong angle. People don't replace worn rubber parts when they are supposed to, that's why it leaks, and they never replace them when they start leaking. They just keep "topping it off", so it snowballs into everything leaking eventually.
@@lolatmyage That will actually be safer during harvest season. Just think of all that nice combustible oil it is pouring into the bales while it is stacking.
Well I guess thats what happens when you do not take care of your equipment. Hope the next buyer does not get stung. Thanks for the video and your honesty.
Hey Wes, It is important to learn quickly what sort of customer you are dealing with. The best ones just want you to do your magic for them and just pay the bill with gratitude. (Type one.) Next comes the ones that hum & hah and drag it out over deciding to just patch it or properly fix it and end up paying far more as a result. (Type two) Then comes the low budget basket case - try to turn my otherwise scrap into a type one result for $2.50. Learn to say NO after taking a good look and trust your instincts. But then again, RUclips likes this sort of content so what do I know? Keep up the great work and shout your brake pedal pumping expert a bunch of flowers every time she is employed to do so! Cheers, Ron
You have done your job the best way you can...at the current state the tractor either needs a new engine or heads straight toward junk yard...your brilliant customer is not doing either...the sad thing is if they pass it and sell it to someone else not knowing the serious problem thst this tractor had. Keep up the good work.
Wes, I WILL NOT hit the thumbs down button. You did a good job and if they don’t want to fix it properly, it’s their equipment. You can move on to someone else that needs your help!
Wes you get a thumbs up for being an honest person and mechanic. I know alot of mechanics that wouldn't even have touched that tractor. You did exactly what the customers wanted and it's on them when, not if that tractor's engine finally gives out.
Good JobWes! 1/4 inch of Calcium is the same as 4 inches of iron! Thats the source of the heating problems! That machine is the victim of POOR maintenance. Not your fault.
The question is if it is cleaned with acid (iron block, right? so no problem), will it be still overheating? my guess, it will not, we will never know :)
But if was boiling out of the radiator, then it wasn't just a heat transfer problem. Clearly the water wasn't getting cooled either. If it was just heat transfer the fluid would stay cool but the engine would overheat.
@@TheMetalButcher If the radiator is blocked with calcium too (good chance it is), then it couldn't radiate the heat. Hence the heat stayed in the coolant, and she boiled.
I gave u a thumbs up for your great finds on such a poor neglected John Deer tractor. It's ashame that the owner won't fix it. It's basically a accident waiting to happen, especially the steering. Your a great mechanic, if not the best I've seen in my 54 years. Keep up the good work Wes your awesome, professional,smart, and honest. Your the man and keep the videos coming
I saw that during the test drive, and kept wondering what I was missing. It didn't seem possible the test drive would go on when it couldn't be steered.
Hi Wes! I finally found your You Tube channel. Now I am binge watching all your videos. I turn my own wrenches and I am self taught. Had to learn diesel since I have a 2005 GMC duramax and a diesel utility tractor. I dont set limits on myself, but At least I now have Your tube to go to for help. Guess I do OK the 2005 Duramx has 650,000 miles and the Cub Cadet tractor is over 20 year old still going strong. I am also a fan of Eric O, SMA, he is one of my favs. But I have found You are really a joy to watch. Yeah My dad made me start working on my first car and I never stopped. cars, planes, boats. You keep on doing just what you do, its great. I am now 76 years old and it was not too long ago I built my first barn by myself. Oh I did get my wife to hand up the roof trusses. It was only 16 feet wide and 39 feet long. (no limits).
Hi Wes I am 100% with the folks that say you absolutely do not deserve a thumbs down here, in fact quite the opposite! You showed again that you are an honorable man working to do the right thing. Let's hope, probably forlorn based on the extreme negligence the tractor has suffered, that the owner does the right thing when dumping-I mean selling-the tractor. caveat emptor! regards vic
It wouldn't surprise me if some of the piston damage (and maybe the head damage, too?) was from the owner over-doing it on the ether. Tractor has clearly had a rough life.
We like you because you are honest, Wes..! Not covering up mistakes and mishaps.. Its a 👍 from me. Loved the Thomas-shorty! I hope your customer was happy!
Wes, first and foremost, you run a business. Second, you are an excellent mechanic. Third, you know the right thing to do and it frustrates you when your hands are tied. I get it, I'm in the same boat. Your videos are great, they make my week, every week. Keep 'em coming, the next overhaul will be more satisfying.
I can not give you a Thumbs Down Wes, the Client on the other hand, needs more than that. It seems that no matter the industry, you will come across Clients who will abuse and misuse their tools or equipment. Show them no attention or any sort or preventative maintenance, they will use it until they are well beyond repair.
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin here..I worked for John Deere and retired. Always interested in videos of J.D. equipment. I have photos testing for engineers vs competition. Still have my choice survivors in my garage- JDX8- 440 + the last Liquifire 440 + LX172 + Snowblower + chainsaws. Appreciate all your videos.
Up until a few years ago I just rebuilt my own, we had an alternator/starter repair shop where I could get all the US made parts to completely rebuild a GM internal regulator alternator for less than $25. The guy retired and closed the shop, so now all I can do is just buy a new one and change it.
Auto zone didn't wanna sell me a new alternator because mine tested fine - i know it tests fine but you aren't putting it under engine load at 2000+rpm to hear the bearing Going out on the pulley.
Long days in hot conditions wear you down. First time I shorted out a battery I was spring loaded to the passed -off position for three days. It was one of those life lessons you don't forget soon. The wrench, well I had it in my tool box for a long time as a reminder, then someone fell in love with it and I haven't seen it since.
I look at it as a owner, manufacturer failure not a mechanic one. Wes done what he was hired to do and stopped when he found out it was a waste of time and money to continue. Thumbs up.
Very well done Wes. Why do people do this to equipment.? Most of my local farmers (French Alps) drive older equipment than this, it still runs because they maintain it.
This has been one of the BEST videos of this type I have seen. Have seen many exploded engines etc...but not one that runs and works (bot not for long) with non-obvious issues.
Hi Wes, I just watched your video and I'm incredibly impressed by your knowledge, calm demeanor, honesty and humility for someone so young (yes - I'm old!). I'm in the trade and find that most of the technicians I've employed over the years have had only a fraction of the knowledge that you have but nevertheless had a vastly over rated view of their abilities. Just a thought re the testing for head gasket failure. This is not an original idea but one I now make my techs do before I accept their (generally hasty) head gasket failure diagnosis. Fit a pressure tester to the neck of the radiator when the engine is cold. Start the engine and watch the gauge, if the pressure only starts to increase from zero as the motor starts to warm up then there is probably no issue. However, if the gauge starts to rise immediately while the engine is still cold then the cooling system is being pressurized via a blown head gasket or a crack. Simple, effective and has saved several unnecessary teardowns. Sorry, but I just don't trust those chemical sniffing test kits. Keep up the great work, we all learn from your successes and the occasional mistake!
Yeah they cooked that thing multiple times. Thats what you get when you just keep pushing once you overheat. Owners will blow it up completely shortly . Thumbs up Wes
Thumbs up, Wes! Not your fault, that tractor has gone way too long with out proper maintenance! I noticed the steering when you were driving it, crazy!
Thumbs down the customer rather than Wes, 'cause they're the ones that ran their machine into the ground and then elected not to fix the problems they created. They're prolly just gonna keep pouring water and hydraulic oil down its throat until a rod comes out the side of the block.
Well bro just for your effort alone I had to give a thumbs up but can totally understand your frustration on not being able to send it home all fixed, sure makes a mockery of your ability. Safe travels
When I was a John Deere tech I just HATED working on neglected crap like this. If there was a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Tractors, I would have referred several 'customers' to them. Probably see this on Big Iron auction soon. Sadly, the Dubuque engine was probably the best part of that series of tractor. The transmissions were pretty problematic, followerd by the hydraulics. The plastic bleed line leaking on this beast is actually an overflow from the surge tank in front above the main hydraulic pump. Oil from the charge pump inside the transmission goes to the main pump via a big steel line in the inside of the left frame rail. Pressurized oil from the main hyd pump is in the steel line going down the inside of the right frame rail.
Had to give you a thumbs up for your expertise and integrity and what I perceive as your genuine dissatisfaction of not being able (scratch that) * allowed * to recover this machine. I have an old standby automobile that has an overheating issue that was supposed to have been fixed by a reputable garage, I'm gonna take a look at the radiator cap as, I knew it was important, but not as much as you taught me. Fingers crossed on that and thanks Wes!
You put it back on the road for now, and in two weeks we get a video from Mustie1 with the title "Free Tractor on the side of the Road-Can we fix it?" and the big green Monster in the thumpnail....
Overheating , I always like to drain the oil to check to see water come out the oil pan. Head gasket blown or worse . I realize that first you had to get to start an run. As usual not just one problem . Good video!
Wes, you must have the patience of a saint, when good old Joe Public asks you to turn their sow's ear into a slik purse ! No thumbs down, you did what you could.
It happens can't count how many times I have seen a customer say Put it back together. Then trying to collect what is owed about 20% don't want to pay because its not completely fixed. You did the best you could. good job.
This is a thing I learned. Subarus the ej25 eats head gaskets, but its a common problem on them when the gasket 'only slightly leaks' where the air bubbles build up on the spring and make the thermostat not open. Soo pop a few 1/8th inch holes in her and the coolant going thru dislodges the bubbles. Also removing tstat buys you a little bit extra time before it starts overheating
Even then it will usually cause overheating by virtue of not being there. Had that problem back in HS; friend bought a '67 Mustang that had been Billy Bob'd and one of the things they did was delete the stat. He blew so many rad hoses and pinned the 260 degree temp gauge all the time. He couldn't hardly drive the thing. He tried replacing the radiator...they had put a drag rad in which lacked a pressure cap...it helped a bit in that the pressure cap was preventing further hose blowouts but it still overheated easily. I told him to put a 160 degree stat and a charge of 50/50 green stuff in there and voila; no more overheating. How he didn't hurt that 351W I'll never know.
Thumbs up for that battery short with the wrench, lol. Has probably happened to more of us than would want to admit it. Thanks for not leaving that one on the editing room floor.
It was always my childhood wish to be a auto mechanic ................ and it's jobs like this make me realise that I wouldnt have made it. Well done you for not getting overheated too.
Okay, since you've already spent both time and money of replacements parts, what happens if the owner doesn't want to go any further and doesn't want to pay for any parts you've bought either? Just curious...
Dude, that's not a curve in the road. That's a roundabout 180. Really glad you posted this video. For some it is entertainment. For others it's entertainment AND training. This was great stuff. Too bad those folks didn't want to swap out another engine. And it's on them for not maintaining it properly in the first place. 👍 🚜
Good example of how tough diesel engines are. Didn't hear an hourmeter read. Over 10K? Or was that broken too? Different feel to this video, I could tell at the first part of the opening it was going to be a Wes is frustrated video. Some jobs are like that! Thanks!
At this point, I'm not even sure it would make reliable paperclips if melted down! I'd say it's time to find a good fence line to park it on, and abandon the old girl!
It's not that bad if you have a parts source like most areas of the Midwest farming country does and are willing to spend a little money. There are tractor wrecking yards all over that part of the country. Rebuild the engine, change the steering gear and radiator out with good used ones from the wrecking yard, or have a radiator shop re-core the radiator, repack the cylinders to stop the leaks and that thing would probably run another 25 years. The owner just didn't have or want to spend the money to fix it. He may already have another small tractor or two like this one that can replace this one, who really knows?
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Why thumbs down. You did everything right. The customer is the one paying the bills and he's responsible for the care, upkeep and his reputation if he passes his problem on to someone else.
Think the owner will just sell it at auction. Put it on to next owner
@@neilramseyer5348 That's what I'm thinking
@@neilramseyer5348 Judging by the cane on the right side this is probably owned by an elderly fellow who probably doesn't have the means to fix it.
@@neilramseyer5348 And hope the new owner isn't local and it doesn't end up back in Wes's shop! Thumbs up from me 👍
It'll probably go through the auction house or straight to the tractor wrecking yard as a parts machine.
Asking you to fix this is out of order. After your inspection this is scrap. Your reputation follows this vehicle and the fact that you have " Told the truth" this on video is no bad thing. Over here in Scotland word of mouth is everything . Keep up the good work. I wont be hitting the down button because indeed i would shake your hand for your honesty.👍
I’m an Ag mechanic and it’s crazy how long these farmers just let the problems pile up until the machine is completely un-useable. Then they bring it in and want it fixed and you don’t know where to start or where to stop.
And they only want to spend $500 on the repair until they're up against wall and then they pull out the real piggy bank and blow the dust out and fork over the cash.
Everything is going to shit here in the US. Owner operators don't have money to fix their equipment anymore, subsidized farms don't get enough money to fix their equipment from the mega globo corps that own them. Even the penny pinching multi-billion dollar freight hauling companies don't want to stock parts or fix shit on their equipment anymore, and it's unsafe. It makes people like me question why I'm even doing this shit anymore after only 10 years being in the field.
Same with construction equipment. Or they want to make it like new but don't spend a dime
I will never get that. Your tools need to be reliable or you are going to spend more time on your tools than on your work. Especially in agriculture where you have high seasons that you equipment has to make it through. What do you even do with a tractor that constantly overheats, constantly needs new coolant, and leaks hydraulic oil all over the place..
@@JosephArata Its the entire mindset of farming that is so hopeless. There is a new way ruclips.net/video/t_qx-JzcKWM/видео.html&t=
I used to drive a ‘63 Massey Ferguson 35 to rake hay in the late 80’s. It was worn out but had tighter steering than this shitbox. Some guys are just looking to get another couple of months out of used up equipment instead of paying for proper maintenance. Oh well, their decision. Thanks for another great video Wes. Love your channel.
Thumbs up for being willing to show that even a man of your experience can still make mistakes and weld your wrench to the battery. :-)
If I had a dime for every time I did that!
I got a chuckle seeing that, the old weld my wrench to the battery trick.
You show me a mechanic without one wrench in his toolbox that hasn't arced, and you have shown me a mechanic that twiddles his thumbs and does no work...
@@Starcrunch72 yup. it like I know its bad, and try to avoid it, but yeah, I have a wrench with welding scars on it. haha.
Lol
No thumbs down from me. You did everything you could with what you were told. What was probably a cheap fix originally with neglect became an uneconomic repair. Always amazes me that guys who earn their living with machinery don't understand enough to look after it properly. Simple routine maintenance, replacing tin work etc will pay dividends in the long term. A couple of bucks spent wisely at the time the original problem occurred would have surely avoided that basket case. Good work Wes as always! Best regards from the UK 🇬🇧
Terminal internal damage is difficult to diagnose as customers never want to realize worst case scenario upfront. Good job as always, keep on truck'n.
I think they were fully aware of how bad it was. Wes got the short stick.
i've said this on a tranny and xfer case. told the shop, don't bother with test drive, it's destroyed...
@@aserta possibly, Wes's a good guy, trying to give them some hope it was fixable, nothing wrong with that
Thumbs up! You're an excellent mechanic. These experiences will only help you, to screen out confabulations....I enjoy your videos.
Little did he know that the tractor spent the last 20 years in the field being overheated on the regular, I’ve learned the hard way that when anything has been overheated I ask how long and how many times just to prepare for the worst, it’s not your fault you fixed all the obvious things that you saw and tried to do right by your customer
I just can't get over how much this kid (yes, I'm old) knows about... Well, everything.
I don't even change my own oil, I can't for the life of me understand why I'm addicted to watching this guy fix things... But I am. This is a great channel, with great content.
Same here. What I know about car mechanics I can write on one side of a postage stamp! I. too am addicted to Wes's videos.
I am in that same boat. I think it is because he is a great teacher. I have learned a lot about many thing watching Wes.
Thanks for that Wes.
Wes,
I think this (type of) video is precisely why you have the viewership that you have....
Lots of stuff was covered in it, and in short order, and as always your classroom type description of the various workings of this piece of equipment, are excellent...!
Not sure I “thumbs down” any video that
I watch on RUclips...
Too bad this piece of equipment was ran to the point that it was,
that is a testament to the folks at John Deere alone.
No disappointment from me on the video, by any means...
The owner would end up speeding thousands of dollars on the needed repairs, and still have a $2500-3500 valued tractor...
I say a great video, and keep them coming...
Thank you sir.
Love the full rotation to engage the steering wheel! I've seen bad but that takes the cake.
I guess you've never driven a 1963 Rambler "Classic", that would be great practice for driving that tractor. The technique also works for inboard boats, it's just a suggestion as to direction.
How many teeth need to be bad for it to go that far? Like 3/4 of them!
I've ran a few old tracters and my dads old truck where the wheel turns like half way before it starts to grab and turn. The good old days
Thumbs up for your pups ears blowing in the wind, so majestic.
Wes, why did they even ask you to "fix" that thing? Shame on them for letting that tractor deteriorate so badly. Another great video, of course.
Richie brothers must have upped their standards for non-running equipment or the owner is trying to get that POS just running enough to get out of non-running category at next RB auction
When we used to go to farm auctions we would see equipment in this sort of shape. We called it running scrap - it runs but don’t pay more than scrap value for it since it’s basically mechanically totaled.
Not about to give a thumbs down because the owners ran the snot out of the tractor and don't want to do a proper repair. What you did was solid and you gave great explanations as to what was going on. Good stuff, Wes!
Good Morning Wes!
That was sad to see, but no thumbs down for you Wes!
I’m sure every large family farm in your area has that section, next to the barn that has all the throttled out machinery that was classified as “TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX.” I suspect if Wes made the required repairs, the cost could easily be North of $5k, but upon completion have a tractor that wouldn’t be worth the su on liquidation.
Wes, keep the content coming and like that you shared a little bit about Engineering Economics. Mrs. Wes was very professional and kind by not speaking negatively towards thy neighbor.
If you do the work yourself, even with parts ect, a used fixed up tractor can be far nicer than some cash in the bank. Imagine what you can do.
@@baileyhatfield4273 Yes, my tractor is a Ford 545 Diesel. Bought it in 2001 in Sunland, California for $8k, one of my better investments. Low hour OEM tractor w/ a gannon rear and a bucket front, included a York Rock Rake. Only negative, no PTO. You should get one!!
Papi, I think the crucial issue is NOT what it's worth after you spend money on repairs; rather it is WHAT ELSE that money could get you.
ie you start out with a hammered tractor like this - worth nothing and essentially unusable. Wes has put $1000 (say) worth of effort and parts into getting it to where it is now. It's still worth nothing and only just usable. But could they have bought a better tractor for $1000? I doubt it.
If Wes puts in another $2000 or $3000 of effort the it will be worth next to nothing, but it will be a lot better than it was. Crucially, it will be better than anything else you can buy for $3000 or $4000, because you will know exactly what is fixed and what is still deficient. It may be worth next to nothing on the market, but it will have value to you.
Yea, I hate the concept of “throwing parts at a problem charging system” but when EVERYTHING is tired/damaged/abused…the shotgun approach is quick!
This wasn't a shotgun-all the replaced parts were bad!
When it comes to air brake parts on a lot of the trucks/trailers I look at, most of the time, I end up parts cannoning the whole brake system, because it's never been replaced before. It's unsafe to just replace brake shoes and drums, when half your brake chambers are improperly installed, improper cut rod lengths, broken slack adjuster ratchet clutches, and S-cams and bushings that have a quarter inch of play up or down.
There are charging systems that end up with intermittent problems. A mechanic has to pick and choose their battles. If it's your property you can spend time fixing one thing, play with it, then fix something else until you get it perfect. The problem is that can take weeks. People want stuff done yesterday.
Glad to know that head gaskets fix cracked heads, thanks for the tip!! I'm in New Zealand, at a "rough guess" you would have easily done $3-4000 work on that old girl here. I suppose I can see the farmers point as a secondhand tractor would still be much more, may as well run that one till it drops. Such a shame so many people out there are so mechanically "ignorant" and don't spend a little money on proper maintenance. Great job Wes, great video!
You can't fault yourself for the clients failure to up keep their equipment. You can only fix that can be fixed nothing else. Good job Wes you did your best.
I appreciate your wifes candid response that she is supportive and understanding in your struggles. Also hope they dont try to sell that equipment as a lemon to someone.
And here is a great example of neglect. With the proper servicing and addressing problems when they arise, a lot of this could have been avoided
I learned how a radiator cap works and that issues with power equipment should be dealt with in a timely fashion. Thanks Wes!
I agree! I didn’t know how it worked until I watched this video.
Thumbs up here.
You did your best as always Wes.
It was the customers decision.
Sometimes you’re the dog and sometimes you’re the fire hydrant Wes. What a drag.
Wes,
Sad about the JD tractor. You can’t win them all! Especially enjoy your comments of machine design. Very informative good work.
In my book you get a huge thumbs up for properly diagnosing the problem and understanding that they have run it on just water forever. Once again GREAT JOB WES.
Another good video you just showed what happens when you don’t take care of your stuff 🤔 you did what you had to do👍🏻👍🏻Always great to see the family
I cant thumbs down over you just doing what they told you to do. Youre an honest guy who says hey this is whats wrong and if I fix what you want this might happen or whatever so its their call. Unfortunate that old girl sounded really good. Just needs a whole lot of tlc.
In college I had a blown head gasket. Exhaust leaked into the coolant. Boiled over quickly. Leave radiator cap off and you could see occasional bubbles of exhaust coming out the radiator cap opening. But it would take quite a while for enough coolant to boil out compared to leaving the cap on. So I drove with several gallon milk jugs of water in the trunk and no radiator cap. It was fine for staying within a 5 mile radius of the college. I drove it like that for more than a year. Then someone stole it. My room mate was amused that my only reaction was that my favorite shirt was in the trunk. I really liked that shirt. Still miss it.
"It tied the room together"
That was hilarious 😅.
You will always get a "thumbs up" from me because of your wisdom, "Down homeness" and last but not least you honesty. I just wish you were closer to me, I have you take of my stuff. Hopefully that's the only "bummer" you have for a long time.
Thumbs up for wrench welding!
That poor deere is just about ready to be a parts donor ... its really been neglected a long time.
Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
Not sure about that, are there really that many parts left that you'd happily put on your daily?
He was just checking the battery continuity!
No, that is wrong, not" towards radiator " the thermostat 😉
I'm joking, just found it humorous that someone could install it wrong when the directions are clearly written on the part..
Love the Show, you are an excellent mechanic, wish there were more like you. .your dedication to finding the problem and a detailed diagnosis. I've been a mechanic for 30 yrs.and I worked with a lot of other techs, and you are definitely one of the Best.
Another great video, Wes... never a thumbs down. We learn a lot with every video no matter what the outcome.
You did a 100% professional job on this tractor. It’s amazing how some folks will keep driving a vehicle no matter what as long as it moves.
Thumbs up for you ALWAYS Wes. This customer is one you should avoid. They clearly abuse their equipment and only maintain after failures.
How do we thumbs down the customer??
how much did you spend on batteries and starter ?
Most farmers. Lol
Why, they most likely paid their repair bill and we don’t know their financial status. Better to button her up and pay the bill, then have the work done and not be able to put food on the table or not be able to pay Wes. From an engineering economics standpoint, tractor owner made a wise decision.
I’m sure much more Good neighbors than Bad in that part of the country.
Who knows what condition this machine was in when the owner got it? Farmers buy stuff like this at auction all the time, it saves their equipment budget if they can use it for a while before it completely dies. They just use them for cleaning things up and moving stuff around and can also run a bush hog to keep the weeds down. So this machine is most likely not high on the owner's maintenance budget because the machines he uses to farm the fields with and make his living are more important to him in that respect.
Truly sorry that the owners basically beat that tractor to nearly death. Kudos to you for your honesty and willingness to do the right thing.
Awesome Job Wes!!! I'm a refrigeration mechanic, run into the similar problems when system compressor goes down. I always let the customer know that after replacing the compressor . We often find what took out the compressor in the first place. You couldn't know those cracks where there till you got the engine running, hidden damage bites for everyone involved. You deserve and are owed for the work you did. Your due diligence for this job was right on.
Good job!!
I would not mash the thumbs down button. You did your job and did it correctly. You can't help the abuse this unit has had for a very long time so you do not deserve thumbs down. You do great, honest work and always deserve thumbs up.
Curious, with price of hydraulic fluid, how anyone could afford to run that thing with those kind of leaks?
Thanks for sharing that Wes, very interesting. 👍
Because oil is only $20/bucket at the farm and fleet store! Who cares it wipes out the clutches brakes and pumps it’s cheaper than that overpriced John Deere stuff!! At least 50%of people think this way.
@@bcbloc02 Being Jonh Deer or not, that's not what causes 8+ year old rubber to go to shit and leak everywhere. I think you're going about that at the wrong angle. People don't replace worn rubber parts when they are supposed to, that's why it leaks, and they never replace them when they start leaking. They just keep "topping it off", so it snowballs into everything leaking eventually.
Wait until they learn that you can also pour water into the hydraulic tank...
They'll be filling it up with a garden hose in no time 😂
@@lolatmyage That will actually be safer during harvest season. Just think of all that nice combustible oil it is pouring into the bales while it is stacking.
Who says there is still hydraulic fluid in there. With this kind of care for a machine he probably throws regular motoroil in it.
Well I guess thats what happens when you do not take care of your equipment. Hope the next buyer does not get stung. Thanks for the video and your honesty.
Hey Wes, It is important to learn quickly what sort of customer you are dealing with. The best ones just want you to do your magic for them and just pay the bill with gratitude. (Type one.)
Next comes the ones that hum & hah and drag it out over deciding to just patch it or properly fix it and end up paying far more as a result. (Type two) Then comes the low budget basket case - try to turn my otherwise scrap into a type one result for $2.50.
Learn to say NO after taking a good look and trust your instincts. But then again, RUclips likes this sort of content so what do I know?
Keep up the great work and shout your brake pedal pumping expert a bunch of flowers every time she is employed to do so!
Cheers,
Ron
The Type 3 are the ones I see the most in my small engine repair business……
Around my area i rarely saw a mechanic honest and competent like you. BIG thumb up!
you still get a thumbs up from me. Another good one you actually interrupted me watching Mustie lol...Priorities!!
You have done your job the best way you can...at the current state the tractor either needs a new engine or heads straight toward junk yard...your brilliant customer is not doing either...the sad thing is if they pass it and sell it to someone else not knowing the serious problem thst this tractor had.
Keep up the good work.
No blame on you Wes, the joys of being self employed!
Wes, I WILL NOT hit the thumbs down button. You did a good job and if they don’t want to fix it properly, it’s their equipment. You can move on to someone else that needs your help!
The owner not wanting to fix it, tells you all you need to know about how the tractor got that beat to hell.
Wes you get a thumbs up for being an honest person and mechanic. I know alot of mechanics that wouldn't even have touched that tractor. You did exactly what the customers wanted and it's on them when, not if that tractor's engine finally gives out.
Good JobWes! 1/4 inch of Calcium is the same as 4 inches of iron! Thats the source of the heating problems! That machine is the victim of POOR maintenance. Not your fault.
The question is if it is cleaned with acid (iron block, right? so no problem), will it be still overheating? my guess, it will not, we will never know :)
But if was boiling out of the radiator, then it wasn't just a heat transfer problem. Clearly the water wasn't getting cooled either. If it was just heat transfer the fluid would stay cool but the engine would overheat.
@@TheMetalButcher If the radiator is blocked with calcium too (good chance it is), then it couldn't radiate the heat. Hence the heat stayed in the coolant, and she boiled.
@@dfross87 Good call. Cheers.
I gave u a thumbs up for your great finds on such a poor neglected John Deer tractor. It's ashame that the owner won't fix it. It's basically a accident waiting to happen, especially the steering. Your a great mechanic, if not the best I've seen in my 54 years. Keep up the good work Wes your awesome, professional,smart, and honest. Your the man and keep the videos coming
That steering wheel was about like the tiller on a boat. I was shocked you could hold it straight in the lane
I saw that during the test drive, and kept wondering what I was missing. It didn't seem possible the test drive would go on when it couldn't be steered.
Hi Wes! I finally found your You Tube channel. Now I am binge watching all your videos. I turn my own wrenches and I am self taught. Had to learn diesel since I have a 2005 GMC duramax and a diesel utility tractor. I dont set limits on myself, but At least I now have Your tube to go to for help. Guess I do OK the 2005 Duramx has 650,000 miles and the Cub Cadet tractor is over 20 year old still going strong. I am also a fan of Eric O, SMA, he is one of my favs. But I have found You are really a joy to watch. Yeah My dad made me start working on my first car and I never stopped. cars, planes, boats. You keep on doing just what you do, its great. I am now 76 years old and it was not too long ago I built my first barn by myself. Oh I did get my wife to hand up the roof trusses. It was only 16 feet wide and 39 feet long. (no limits).
Hey if they don't tell you the true history you could have done no more. No respect for your amazing skills, many thanks Mr Wes.
Hi Wes I am 100% with the folks that say you absolutely do not deserve a thumbs down here, in fact quite the opposite! You showed again that you are an honorable man working to do the right thing. Let's hope, probably forlorn based on the extreme negligence the tractor has suffered, that the owner does the right thing when dumping-I mean selling-the tractor. caveat emptor! regards vic
It wouldn't surprise me if some of the piston damage (and maybe the head damage, too?) was from the owner over-doing it on the ether. Tractor has clearly had a rough life.
ye ether doesn't do an engine any favors.
My thoughts exactly! What a sad wreck.
a farmer over-using ether?! never! lol
@@rustblade5021 lol the ol' Cosby Sauce. Bet someone's already blown the arse end out of a modern JD using that stuff while pre-heaters were active.
We like you because you are honest, Wes..! Not covering up mistakes and mishaps.. Its a 👍 from me. Loved the Thomas-shorty! I hope your customer was happy!
Wes, first and foremost, you run a business. Second, you are an excellent mechanic. Third, you know the right thing to do and it frustrates you when your hands are tied. I get it, I'm in the same boat. Your videos are great, they make my week, every week. Keep 'em coming, the next overhaul will be more satisfying.
Good work, you fixed the immediate problems. No more starting on ether. The customer decided to run it into the ground as is. Nice gasket job.
I can not give you a Thumbs Down Wes, the Client on the other hand, needs more than that.
It seems that no matter the industry, you will come across Clients who will abuse and misuse their tools or equipment. Show them no attention or any sort or preventative maintenance, they will use it until they are well beyond repair.
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin here..I worked for John Deere and retired. Always interested in videos of J.D. equipment. I have photos testing for engineers vs competition. Still have my choice survivors in my garage- JDX8- 440 + the last Liquifire 440 + LX172 + Snowblower + chainsaws. Appreciate all your videos.
Sad that someone treats equipment like that. Great job Wes!
I can't thumbs down honest people like Wes. Not happening! Thanks Wes
Yup, typical alternator "test." Funny how they always "test" good. Take 'em home and they still don't charge. Put in a rebuilt, and works just fine.
Sounds like engine is too far advanced on timing.
Up until a few years ago I just rebuilt my own, we had an alternator/starter repair shop where I could get all the US made parts to completely rebuild a GM internal regulator alternator for less than $25. The guy retired and closed the shop, so now all I can do is just buy a new one and change it.
Auto zone didn't wanna sell me a new alternator because mine tested fine - i know it tests fine but you aren't putting it under engine load at 2000+rpm to hear the bearing Going out on the pulley.
Long days in hot conditions wear you down. First time I shorted out a battery I was spring loaded to the passed -off position for three days. It was one of those life lessons you don't forget soon. The wrench, well I had it in my tool box for a long time as a reminder, then someone fell in love with it and I haven't seen it since.
That was really interesting and educational thanks, sometimes things just get beyond economic repair, always a difficult decision to make.
I look at it as a owner, manufacturer failure not a mechanic one. Wes done what he was hired to do and stopped when he found out it was a waste of time and money to continue. Thumbs up.
Very well done Wes. Why do people do this to equipment.? Most of my local farmers (French Alps) drive older equipment than this, it still runs because they maintain it.
Abundance of replacement tractors in the Midwest, throwaway culture. It's a shame really.
This has been one of the BEST videos of this type I have seen. Have seen many exploded engines etc...but not one that runs and works (bot not for long) with non-obvious issues.
I’m so used to seeing every component eaten up by rust on here that the tractor at first glance looked really good.
Hi Wes, I just watched your video and I'm incredibly impressed by your knowledge, calm demeanor, honesty and humility for someone so young (yes - I'm old!). I'm in the trade and find that most of the technicians I've employed over the years have had only a fraction of the knowledge that you have but nevertheless had a vastly over rated view of their abilities.
Just a thought re the testing for head gasket failure. This is not an original idea but one I now make my techs do before I accept their (generally hasty) head gasket failure diagnosis. Fit a pressure tester to the neck of the radiator when the engine is cold. Start the engine and watch the gauge, if the pressure only starts to increase from zero as the motor starts to warm up then there is probably no issue. However, if the gauge starts to rise immediately while the engine is still cold then the cooling system is being pressurized via a blown head gasket or a crack. Simple, effective and has saved several unnecessary teardowns. Sorry, but I just don't trust those chemical sniffing test kits.
Keep up the great work, we all learn from your successes and the occasional mistake!
Yeah they cooked that thing multiple times. Thats what you get when you just keep pushing once you overheat. Owners will blow it up completely shortly . Thumbs up Wes
Thumbs up, Wes! Not your fault, that tractor has gone way too long with out proper maintenance! I noticed the steering when you were driving it, crazy!
Thumbs down the customer rather than Wes, 'cause they're the ones that ran their machine into the ground and then elected not to fix the problems they created. They're prolly just gonna keep pouring water and hydraulic oil down its throat until a rod comes out the side of the block.
wasting all that money. sad day for the tractor....
You can't be responsible for customers choices. I subscribed to your channel for the honest, informative content. Thumbs up !!
To a 'no-fix' customer like that, I say "come and get it and good riddance". Interesting video, Wes.
Well bro just for your effort alone I had to give a thumbs up but can totally understand your frustration on not being able to send it home all fixed, sure makes a mockery of your ability. Safe travels
When I was a John Deere tech I just HATED working on neglected crap like this. If there was a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Tractors, I would have referred several 'customers' to them. Probably see this on Big Iron auction soon.
Sadly, the Dubuque engine was probably the best part of that series of tractor. The transmissions were pretty problematic, followerd by the hydraulics. The plastic bleed line leaking on this beast is actually an overflow from the surge tank in front above the main hydraulic pump. Oil from the charge pump inside the transmission goes to the main pump via a big steel line in the inside of the left frame rail. Pressurized oil from the main hyd pump is in the steel line going down the inside of the right frame rail.
Had to give you a thumbs up for your expertise and integrity and what I perceive as your genuine dissatisfaction of not being able (scratch that) * allowed * to recover this machine.
I have an old standby automobile that has an overheating issue that was supposed to have been fixed by a reputable garage, I'm gonna take a look at the radiator cap as, I knew it was important, but not as much as you taught me. Fingers crossed on that and thanks Wes!
Never test drive anything farther than you want to walk.
Chris here from UK. You are a master at your craft. All your videos are very informative and enjoyable to watch. Good luck!
You put it back on the road for now, and in two weeks we get a video from Mustie1 with the title "Free Tractor on the side of the Road-Can we fix it?" and the big green Monster in the thumpnail....
Overheating , I always like to drain the oil to check to see water come out the oil pan. Head gasket blown or worse . I realize that first you had to get to start an run. As usual not just one problem . Good video!
Wes, you must have the patience of a saint, when good old Joe Public asks you to turn their sow's ear into a slik purse ! No thumbs down, you did what you could.
It happens can't count how many times I have seen a customer say Put it back together. Then trying to collect what is owed about 20% don't want to pay because its not completely fixed. You did the best you could. good job.
Now the starter needs a new tractor.
I laughed out loud!
"A bad battery will kill a starter". I didn't know that, cheers for the tip
Yeah removing a thermostat will never help overheating unless the thermostat itself is the cause of the overheating.
This is a thing I learned. Subarus the ej25 eats head gaskets, but its a common problem on them when the gasket 'only slightly leaks' where the air bubbles build up on the spring and make the thermostat not open. Soo pop a few 1/8th inch holes in her and the coolant going thru dislodges the bubbles.
Also removing tstat buys you a little bit extra time before it starts overheating
Even then it will usually cause overheating by virtue of not being there. Had that problem back in HS; friend bought a '67 Mustang that had been Billy Bob'd and one of the things they did was delete the stat. He blew so many rad hoses and pinned the 260 degree temp gauge all the time. He couldn't hardly drive the thing. He tried replacing the radiator...they had put a drag rad in which lacked a pressure cap...it helped a bit in that the pressure cap was preventing further hose blowouts but it still overheated easily. I told him to put a 160 degree stat and a charge of 50/50 green stuff in there and voila; no more overheating.
How he didn't hurt that 351W I'll never know.
Side note: Nice to bump into another RCer in the doobly do!
@@TestECull Wednesday after lunch at the engine factory in Windsor.
Thumbs up for that battery short with the wrench, lol. Has probably happened to more of us than would want to admit it. Thanks for not leaving that one on the editing room floor.
You can only do what the customer is willing to pay for; remember it's a tractor, not a person
It was always my childhood wish to be a auto mechanic ................ and it's jobs like this make me realise that I wouldnt have made it. Well done you for not getting overheated too.
Okay, since you've already spent both time and money of replacements parts, what happens if the owner doesn't want to go any further and doesn't want to pay for any parts you've bought either? Just curious...
Mechanics lien.
Dude, that's not a curve in the road. That's a roundabout 180. Really glad you posted this video. For some it is entertainment. For others it's entertainment AND training. This was great stuff. Too bad those folks didn't want to swap out another engine. And it's on them for not maintaining it properly in the first place. 👍 🚜
Do u just get people off the high way pulling in and ask can ya fix my crap or is it a booking type deal?
Most mechanics operate both ways.
@@hithere7382 nice
If your shop was in Florida I would gladly drive 3-500 miles to have you work on my crap. You da man
Good example of how tough diesel engines are. Didn't hear an hourmeter read. Over 10K? Or was that broken too? Different feel to this video, I could tell at the first part of the opening it was going to be a Wes is frustrated video. Some jobs are like that! Thanks!
You're a real mechanic!! You need to have about half these youtube mechanics watching to learn!!
At this point, I'm not even sure it would make reliable paperclips if melted down! I'd say it's time to find a good fence line to park it on, and abandon the old girl!
It's not that bad if you have a parts source like most areas of the Midwest farming country does and are willing to spend a little money. There are tractor wrecking yards all over that part of the country. Rebuild the engine, change the steering gear and radiator out with good used ones from the wrecking yard, or have a radiator shop re-core the radiator, repack the cylinders to stop the leaks and that thing would probably run another 25 years.
The owner just didn't have or want to spend the money to fix it. He may already have another small tractor or two like this one that can replace this one, who really knows?
🤣
Mrs Wes
Yeah, I know, but some of us like a project!😱😱
Thumbs up just for having the balls to post this - not your fault that the customer can't/won't pay for proper repairs!