MF35 (4 Cylinder, Diesel, 23C) Engine Rebuild Video

Full strip down, assessment and rebuild of this engine. 2 hours 3 minutes of video tuition.

These video tutorials are for the 4 cylinder Standard Motor Company diesel engine (23C). The information in the videos is relevant to FE35, MF35, TO35 and MF835 tractors.

We also have a different tutorial available for the 3 cylinder Perkins engine.


Bring Your Engine Back To Life

  • Want to rebuild your engine and know the job's been done right?
  • Want to stop it breathing?
  • Want to stop it using oil?
  • Want full rated power?
  • Want easy starting?
  • Want it running smooth as silk?
  • Want to save some money on hiring a mechanic?

This tutorial shows you how to completely strip down this engine, assess all the components for wear and serviceablity and then shows you how to put it all back together again


Stream and view online. Also includes the option to download the videos to keep on your own device.


Dismantling and rebuilding an engine can be a daunting task for most people. With this video course anyone can undertake the engine rebuild with the confidence of achieving a high quality result.

Ian Ridsdale tales us through the full strip down, component assessment and then rebuild of a 1959 Massey Ferguson 35 with the Standard 4 cylinder (23C) diesel engine. The video begins with a rusty old tractor with a smoking and clattering old engine. We see a quality restoration before the finished tractor is put to work in the field - a nostalgic moment for anyone who has worked with one of these tractors.

Close-up camera shots show the full process in step-by-step detail. You can freeze frame, rewind and watch all the procedures over and over again. It's like having the mechanic in the workshop with you!

Any questions? Just ask us, and we'll help if we can.


The videos include...

  • The unrestored tractor
  • Splitting engine and transmission
  • Safe clutch removal
  • Safe cylinder head removal
  • Removing pistons
  • Removing liners
  • Assessing pistons and liners
  • Assessing crankshaft, camshaft and bearings
  • Timing - sprocket alignment and chain tensioner
  • Setting valve gap clearances
  • Injection pump timing and backlash
  • Oil pump assessment and refurbishment
  • Replacing cylinder head, including tighteneing the set screws
  • Clutch set-up and adjustment
  • Bleeding off and starting
  • The restored tractor back in the field



Comments from our customers..

I’d just like to thank you for the MF35 rebuild I purchased from you recently, it has allowed me to transform my non-starting rebuilt 23c engine to a happily starting one, with only a day of stripping and readjusting – best money I’ve spent in a long time! I’d recommend the video to anyone. Cheers Alex. Alex T , Cornwall

Thanks to you and Ian for your help, it is running like a top now and blowing no smoke. If I speak to others rebuilding these tractors, I will tell them the first thing to get is your video. M T , Victoria, Australia

Very impressed, well done. If you can send me an e-mail when your next video is complete I will place an immediate order. J O, Scotland Thanks a lot.

I have already had great use for the video. Great quality and very instructive. M W , Sweden

A freind has your video, I think it’s awesome. If you made one rebuilding a 4cyl diesel nuffield, I’d be one of your first customers. A J

Hi Vintage Tractor Engineer, Thanks so much for the great video showing the 23c rebuild process. It’s so well made and will enable even an amateur like myself to attempt the engine and clutch rebuild. Even if our 1959 FE-35 23c MF (#SDM161488) is not urgently in need of a rebuild, we’ve learned so much about the intricacies of the engine that the enjoyment of owning the tractor is greatly increased. I’m very much looking forward to your video about the hydraulic system. Thanks again, P R BC Canada

Hi I bought the MF35 Engine Rebuild Video and found it invaluable, many thanks. I now have recently bought a Ferguson TEF 20 and was wondering if you have an Engine Rebuild Video for that model? Best wishes. Brian.

Hi Steve. I have just watched your video. The complete idiots guide to rebuilding the little Fergy. Fabulous, thoughly enjoyed every minute. Many thanks for 2 hours of information and complete enjoyment. Jeff Thomas. Newport, Gwent.


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Your Instructor


Ian Ridsdale
Ian Ridsdale

With over 30 years experience repairing tractors, Ian is the head mechanic at Vintage Tractor Engineer.

Thousands of people have watched Ian's tractor maintenance videos. He's now one of the most well known tractor mechanics across the world.

Usually found in the workshop rebuilding engines, refurbishing hydraulic systems, finding electrical faults, doing brakes, clutches, wheel bearings, axles, differentials, gearboxes, fuel injection pumps, diagnosing problems.

Ian's top tip!...

"Don't rush, take your time and THINK ABOUT IT. If you understand how a mechanical system works then you can usually diagnose the fault."


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The Standard diesel engine was notoriously difficult to start and any engine wear and resultant loss of compression will compound this problem. This often necessitates an engine rebuild for the FE 35, TO 35 or MF 35 tractors, and completing this task can transform a good restoration into a superb one. Due to the age of these tractors and the amount of work they have done it may not be the first time the engine has been rebuilt (the film shows what to look for when measuring the crankshaft and how to understand the marked numbers on the bearings), but what ever the circumstances we wish you well with you tractor restoration project.


Vintage Tractor Engineer just has one more thing to add…

Q. Is this Video a Hollywood blockbuster with specail effects, highly paid film stars and a multi-million dollar budget?

A. No it isn’t

Q. Does this DVD show you how to undertake the repair in step-by-step detail?

A. Yes, in detail that a complete beginner can follow!!!


Further Information To Accompany This Video Course

MF35 (23C) torque settings to accompany this video.

Fitting Injection Pump Timing Gear.

Timing camshaft using protractor method.

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start?
You have access to the video course immediately after enrolling!
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, this course is available across any and all of your devices. You get 6 months of streaming access and a download option so you can have the tutorials on your device for ever.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase in any way, contact us within 30 days of purchase and we will give you a full refund. No questions asked! Vintage Tractor Engineer gives a Money Back Guarantee on all our courses., so you can buy with confidence!
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How do I download the course content?
Choose a lesson (for example, 'Video 1'). Underneath the video is the Download button in red writing. Click this to download to your computer/device.

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