Super M Vibration

gatorhide

Member
Hello All, My super M has vibration throughout entire tractor. No noise, just the vibration. Not enough to not use it though, just something that I notice. It runs fine, looks fine, but am wondering if it is a bearing somewhere in the drive train gears ?? If so, not sure how I would determine where the problem is. The engine pulls good, so am thinking gears. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, gatorhide
 
The vibration needs to be localized such that we can give accurate suggestions. A vibration in the engine can be assessed by putting it in gear, and holding the clutch down so the entire drive train is stationary. Running the engine through its RPM range (clutch down)will cause the vibration at some point (or all through the range). If it is not the source of the vibration, the drive train can be assessed next. Put it in neutral, set the brakes or block wheels. Let out the clutch. If it vibrates then it is probably either the drive coupling at the rear of the clutch shaft, or the driven disk. If it does not vibrate then it may be farther back in the finals or other options. Give us more info from these tests. Jim
 
Thank you for this information. I will give this a try as per your instructions, and report back with my discoveries. It might be tomorrow though, but I will report my findings to you. Thank You Sir, gatorhide
 
Well Jim since them old four bangers were so well balanced from the factory with some it is a wonder that some of them have not vibrated the filling out of peoples TEETH . My own S/MTA has one just a bit off idle that will darn near shake the lights off the light bar. , been that way since June 27 1990 and i am sure that it was that way in March of 1954 when the old man bought it new .
 
over the years I had two h that started strange vibration.both times it was clutch.when it first starts makes you think its in transmission.
 
When you push the clutch in does that stop the vibration. Just what gear would spin fast enough to cause a vibration they are not large enough to cause a vibration. Your problem is in front starting at the flywheel.
 
You haven't really DESCRIBED the vibration.

4-cylinder engines have an inherent imbalance. Modern cars get around it by running balance shafts, but an M engine has no such thing. There will always be some level of vibration.
 
Mine does too, also the two Ms I ran when I was a kid on the farm. If you weren't hooked to something the draw bar pins would dance.
 
Hello janicholson, Followed your instructions today. With clutch pedal depressed, and in gear, I started the tractor and it has vibration throughout the R.P.M. range. With increased throttle, the vibration increased as well. Looks like it is the engine itself ??

I was thinking it was a bearing going out before today. I'd never heard about an inherited vibration problem with an M's engine before and other farmalls ?? Now, I guess there's nothing really wrong ?? Am planning on going to a tractor pull in Temple, and didn't want this tractor to be on the verge of broken.
Thanks for your help !
David...
 
The only balance attempted on these is the use of same weight pistons in all holes. Two up and two down as it rotates. No attempt to dampen any rotational forces, nor are there any motor mounts. Every operator ends the day tingling in most body parts. Make sure the fan has all its blades, and is not loose. Jim
 
(quoted from post at 21:52:03 09/18/17) The only balance attempted on these is the use of same weight pistons in all holes. Two up and two down as it rotates. No attempt to dampen any rotational forces, nor are there any motor mounts. Every operator ends the day tingling in most body parts. Make sure the fan has all its blades, and is not loose. Jim

Hello Jim,
Fan has all blades and is not loose.
It would seem that this vibration is somewhat normal or common then.
The engine has good power and does not smoke and seems fine otherwise, I just overlooked the vibration before. Never thought about there being no motor mounts....
No wonder it vibrates huh !!?? Thanks again to all who commented with possible remedies. David
 
I noticed a significant reduction in engine vibration by changing spark plugs. I think it had old champions in it and I went with autolite 3116(I believe). When I did that I was amazed at how much more smoothly it ran. And I thought it ran great before.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top