Tractor Repair: massey 165, oil bath air, torque amplifier

Question
QUESTION: i have a 4cyl diesel 165 massey with  multi power,worse luck it seems.going down hills is not fun if you have it in low because it does not engine brake.is it supposed to and is it adjustable.also i was looking to fit a 6ft slasher will the engine handle it and will the hyd lift it.it is the power steer model low clearance,regards rod

ANSWER: Hello,

  Because of the way a multi-power is built, there is nothing to provide engine braking when in low, so this is normal.  When it is in high, it is direct drive.  In low, it runs off of an over-running one way clutch similar to a ratchet so when going down hill, the clutch over-runs and does not provide engine braking the way a torque amplifier in an IH tractor does.  If you were pulling a plow or other tillage implement, obviously it would not be a problem because it would still have to pull even going down hill.  It is best to use a lower gear and keep the multi-power in high when using it in an application where it can coast.  I see no reason why it would not be able to handle what you intend to use it for.

         Good luck,

         Arnie

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QUESTION: what possible trouble areas should i keep an eye on with this tractor,if any.would you convert the oil bath air cleaner set up to a normal element type donaldson,regards rod

Answer
Hello,

  I am not a Massey expert as stated in my profile, so I don't know of any problem areas with this machine.  I think they were a pretty good tractor.  An oil bath air cleaner is the best system there is  and I would not mess with it.  They clean the air very well and you don't have to replace expensive paper elements.  Just clean out the oil cup occasionally and put new oil in it and your're good to go.  A friend of mine had to pay $95 last week for an air filter for his tractor.  He wishes it had an oil bath system.