Looking for a Dexta F3.144 Block

pbufton · Post by **pbufton** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 5:02 am

I figured the dexta forum was a good a place as any to post for my search for one of these!

Looking for a good standard dexta engine block, f3.144 - if anyone in the UK has one they would like to sell to me.

As like so many others, my block has a massive crack in it and a repair was futile. Going to be carrying out a rebuild over winter this is the first job.

Located in Mid Wales, thanks

Mjg1705 · Post by **Mjg1705** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 10:57 am

Hi- have you not tried any of the uk breakers and parts people ?! That be the first step I'd take - most likely they would have one - I only know of cracked blocks around here so can't help more than maybe give you contacts if needed -

pbufton · Post by **pbufton** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 3:46 pm

Could you message me with contacts?

Would be very much apreciated as i literally have none

only place ive seen blocks is ebay, havent seen one in quite a while now

Thanks!

Mjg1705 · Post by **Mjg1705** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 5:01 pm

Il place them here for everyone --

Ron greet breakers - 01803 212269
Malcolm hipperson - 01366 324394
Patrick Edwards machinery- 01367 810259
Gk argent spares - 01787 372885
Vintage & classic tractor breakers (Jason ) 07855 399487
Railswood spares - 01922 691563

That's what I have at the moment - I'm sure atleast one will have something or know ! Hope you find something !

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 6:06 pm

I thought you welded your block?

Was it not a success?

pbufton · Post by **pbufton** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 4:19 am

Bensdexta wrote:I thought you welded your block?

Was it not a success?

Welded it, then coated the whole area with jb water weld.

Was fine for a few weeks then the water started to seep through under the jb weld. Repair = Fail.

Toyed with the idea of a brand new block from agriline, but they only seem to have the f3.152 blocks and plus it wouldn't have the 'historic' engine codes to date it back to the correct era. And I don't want a bitsa to be honest...

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 11:10 am

pbufton wrote:
Bensdexta wrote:I thought you welded your block?

Was it not a success?
Welded it, then coated the whole area with jb water weld.

Was fine for a few weeks then the water started to seep through under the jb weld. Repair = Fail.

Toyed with the idea of a brand new block from agriline, but they only seem to have the f3.152 blocks and plus it wouldn't have the 'historic' engine codes to date it back to the correct era. And I don't want a bitsa to be honest...

Unless you can find a replacement block within a month or two of your original, you'll have a bitsa.
You may have seen links below which discuss a few options.
http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... hp?p=22200
http://www.redpowermagazine.com/forums/ ... opic=54185
http://www.fordandfordson.co.uk/documen ... dexta.html
http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... f=3&t=2990

Tubal Cain · Post by **Tubal Cain** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 12:12 pm

In view of the number of Dexta blocks which have cracks in the same location between the core plugs I am pretty certain that it is a design fault. The core holes in the block will prevent the crack from propagating. The early Dextas were designed for a non pressurised cooling system so why don't you try one of the modern Hi tech sealants such as "K Seal" or "Seal Up" to see if they will stop the leak. Before you commit yourself to obtaining a replacement block.

Gerald

pbufton · Post by **pbufton** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 8:19 pm

Yeah tried a couple of those small tubs of k-seal stop leak, still seeps out.

Im wondering now whether i would have been better off just filling the crack with tigerseal or similar instead of the palaver i carried out.

My plan was to licence the tractor with the original engine still in it so it still has the age related plate?

I guess i could grind the jb weld off back to where the crack is and try somethig else..the head gasket has blown so will require a rebuild whatever the weather

Jerry Coles · Post by **Jerry Coles** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 1:51 pm

I would register the tractor with it's original engine # and then at a later date notify DVLA of the engine # change.
I know it sounds daft but if frost pushed out the casting then have you tried something like Araldite in the crack and then whack it back into place?
Did that on an Automatic Mini gearbox and it held for years!
Cheers
Jerry

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:08 pm

Suggest you contact dexta09b who tells me he's happy with his stitch repair. Cost is prob not hugely different from a 2nd hand block + you keep your original block!

See viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2990

russelm · Post by **russelm** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 8:31 am

My JB weld repair has held well, but I did groove out the crack, degrease, drill small holes either end and then fill and finish.

As for design fault, owner fault would be a better description as its frost damage.....if antifreeze was used or the block drained then it would not happen. When water freezes something gives on any engine.....in this case its this bit of casting.

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:17 am

russelm wrote:My JB weld repair has held well, but I did groove out the crack, degrease, drill small holes either end and then fill and finish.

Is she running yet?
Do you think it's better to fit an unpressurised rad cap, rather than a 4psi one, if concerned about the crack leaking again?

russelm · Post by **russelm** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:42 pm

4psi is very low pressure and not nearly as big a challenge as the expansion/contraction stresses so cant see a change in cap making a big difference.

I have had her running Ben but I am currently stripping the tin work off to complete the work (i put it back together to run it for a season cutting grass at the heritage railway where I store my [scrap] hobby items!)

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 6:28 pm

russelm wrote:4psi is very low pressure and not nearly as big a challenge as the expansion/contraction stresses so cant see a change in cap making a big difference.
I have had her running Ben but I am currently stripping the tin work off to complete the work (i put it back together to run it for a season cutting grass at the heritage railway where I store my [scrap] hobby items!)

I hope she's more than a hobby item, and doesn't end up in the wrong pile!

Thanks for the advice - makes sense. And delighted she's been at work.

What mower/topper have you got?

russelm · Post by **russelm** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 4:08 pm

Hi Ben.

The Dexta is very safe, no worries there, its my 1959 Diesel Multiple Unit that is more 'scrap' looking at the moment!

The Topper belongs to the railway and is an old Hayter unit, not very big but works pretty well

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 5:38 pm

russelm wrote:The Dexta is very safe, no worries there, its my 1959 Diesel Multiple Unit that is more 'scrap' looking at the moment!
The Topper belongs to the railway and is an old Hayter unit, not very big but works pretty well

Any pics of your blue baby!!?

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