Ford 4000 service schedule

Ford 1000 series (pre-Force) · 1965–1975

Every maker's service job for the Ford 4000, counted in hours, with the oils, filters and parts each one needs. Add your tractor to Farmyard Workshop and it works out what's due from your hours and dates, and keeps the service history.

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Versions: Transmission PTO; Independent PTO

Service intervals

Job	When
Drain water from fuel filters	every 50 hours
Oil-bath air cleaner: clean cups	every 50 hours
Clutch pedal free travel check	every 50 hours
Grease points (50-hour list)	every 50 hours
Engine oil and filter change	every 300 hours
Fan belt condition and tension	every 300 hours
Fuel filter element(s) change	every 600 hours
Oil-bath air cleaner: full strip and wash	every 600 hours
Front wheel bearings: clean and repack	every 600 hours
Valve tappet clearances	every 600 hours
Gearbox oil change	every 1,200 hours or every year
Rear axle and hydraulic oil change (with hydraulic filters)	every 1,200 hours or every year
Power steering pump filter element	every 1,200 hours or every year
Coolant drain and refill	every 2 years

Service jobs and parts

Drain water from fuel filters

Fuel · every 50 hours

Water in diesel rusts the injection pump and injectors. The handbook says drain the rear filter (where fitted) and then the front filter every 50 hours, more often where there is a lot of condensation.

Step-by-step

Stop the engine and take the key out. Keep naked flames away.
Open the drain plug on the rear filter (where fitted) and let any water run out until clean fuel shows. Close it.
Repeat on the front filter.
If a lot of fuel came out, bleed the system as in the fuel filter task.

Tools: Small container, Rags

Oil-bath air cleaner: clean cups

Engine · every 50 hours

The handbook says check the oil and dirt level daily (clean it if more than 6 mm of dirt has settled) and drain and clean both cups every 50 hours. In heavy dust or chaff, service both bowls twice a day.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Engine oil for the cups	1	SAE 10W or 20W and others (see the handbook chart). Same grade as the engine, to the level mark. Aztec Oils match: EMPROTEC SDX 10W	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Stop the engine and take the key out.
Remove the cups, tip out the old oil and dirt, and clean both cups.
Clean the dirt off the mesh screen in the base of the air cleaner body.
Refill both cups to the level mark with engine oil. Do not overfill; too much oil can be drawn into the engine.
Refit the cups securely.

Tools: Drain tray, Paraffin or parts cleaner, Rags

Clutch pedal free travel check

Clutch · every 50 hours

The handbook says check clutch pedal free travel at the 50-hour service. Too little free travel makes the clutch slip and wear.

Step-by-step

Stop the engine, take the key out, lower implements and chock the wheels.
Measure how far the pedal moves before you feel the clutch start to work.
Compare with the figure in your handbook (Section G); check your handbook, as the 4000 figure was not readable in the source.
Adjust at the clutch rod or adjusting screw as the handbook shows, and lock the nut.

Tools: Spanners, Rule

Grease points (50-hour list)

Chassis · every 50 hours

The handbook gives a model-specific list of grease points every 50 hours. Pump until the old grease is pushed out.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Grease	1	Good-quality grease; high-temperature lithium grease for the clutch release bearing greaser	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Lower implements, stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels.
Wipe each nipple clean, grease until old grease is pushed out, and wipe off the surplus.
Ford 4000 points: front wheel spindles; brake pedal pivots; clutch pedal pivots; lift linkage rods and levelling box; power steering cylinder supports; diff lock pedal support; automatic pick-up hitch locking latch.
Clutch release bearing greaser (where fitted): turn the cap down half a turn every 50 hours, or a full turn on continuous loader work.

Tools: High-pressure grease gun, Rags

Engine oil and filter change

Engine · every 300 hours

The handbook gives 300 hours for the oil and the filter with low-sulphur fuel (under 1%), and 150 hours below -12 °C or with high-sulphur fuel. Modern road and red diesel is low-sulphur.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Engine oil	1	SAE 10W or 20W and others (see the handbook chart). M2C87-A, SAE grade for the season, ≈7.6 L with filter. Aztec Oils match: EMPROTEC SDX 10W	check your handbook
Oil filter (spin-on)	1	Agriline 7082; crosses to 86546614, E8NN6714BA. Older tractors may still have the original canister element: check your handbook	86546614

Step-by-step

Run the engine up to working temperature, then park on level ground, lower implements, stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels.
Remove the sump drain plug and let the hot oil drain fully. Wear gloves; hot oil burns. Refit the plug.
Clean around the filter so dirt cannot fall in, then remove the old filter (or canister element) and its sealing ring.
Smear clean oil on the new filter's seal and fit it hand-tight (or fit the new element with a new sealing ring).
Refill to the upper mark on the dipstick.
Start the engine and check for leaks, stop it, wait 15 minutes and recheck the dipstick.

Tools: Drain tray (10 L), Spanner for sump plug, Filter wrench, Funnel, Rags, Gloves

Fan belt condition and tension

Engine · every 300 hours

The handbook says check the fan belt every 300 hours. A slack belt slips, causing overheating and a flat battery.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Fan belt	1	Cogged AVX13 x 1400 belt (also 81827336, C5NN10C318B)	81805736

Step-by-step

Stop the engine and take the key out.
Check the belt for cracks and fraying.
Press the belt midway on its longest run and check the deflection against your handbook.
To adjust, slacken the generator mounting bolts, move the generator, and retighten.

Tools: Spanners, Rule

Fuel filter element(s) change

Fuel · every 600 hours

The handbook says change a single filter element every 600 hours. Tractors with double filters change both elements every 1,200 hours or once a year, whichever comes first.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Fuel filter element	1	CAV 296-type element (also 84535312, D0NN9N074B). One per filter bowl	83937061
Sealing rings	1	New set with each element	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels. Keep naked flames away.
Turn off the fuel at the tank.
Remove the filter bowl, and throw away the element and sealing rings.
Wash the bowl and filter body in clean fuel. Keep everything clean.
Fit a new element and new sealing rings, and refit the bowl.
Turn the fuel on and bleed: slacken the bleed screws on the filter and work the lift pump until fuel comes out with no air, then tighten.
Bleed the injection pump the same way, then slacken the injector pipe nuts and crank the engine until bubble-free fuel flows from each. Tighten them.

Tools: Spanners, Clean brush, Clean fuel for washing, Container, Rags

Oil-bath air cleaner: full strip and wash

Engine · every 600 hours

The handbook lists the oil-bath air cleaner as a 600-hour job, so the inner mesh is washed as well as the cups.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Engine oil for the cups	1	SAE 10W or 20W and others (see the handbook chart). To the level mark. Aztec Oils match: EMPROTEC SDX 10W	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Stop the engine and take the key out.
Remove the complete air cleaner from the tractor.
Tip out the oil, then wash the cups and the mesh in solvent and let them dry fully.
Refill the cups to the level mark, refit, and make sure every hose clip is tight so no unfiltered air gets in.

Tools: Spanners, Parts-washing tray and solvent, Rags

Front wheel bearings: clean and repack

Front axle · every 600 hours

The handbook says clean, check and repack the front wheel bearings every 600 hours.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Lithium grease	1		check your handbook
Hub grease seal	2	New one each side; check your handbook	check your handbook
Split pins	2		check your handbook

Step-by-step

On level ground, apply the handbrake, chock the rear wheels, jack up one front wheel and put an axle stand under the axle.
Remove the hub cap, split pin, nut, washer and outer bearing, then the wheel and hub, the seal and the inner bearing.
Clean everything in solvent and let it dry. Do not spin bearings with compressed air.
Replace any bearing with pitted or discoloured rollers or cups.
Pack the bearings with clean grease and reassemble with a new seal.
Tighten the nut while turning the wheel until there is slight drag, back it off to the nearest slot and fit a new split pin. Repeat on the other side.

Tools: Jack and axle stand, Wheel chocks, Socket set, Pliers, Solvent and tray

Valve tappet clearances

Engine · every 600 hours

The handbook lists the tappets at 600 hours. Wrong clearances cost power and can burn valves.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Rocker cover gasket	1	3-cylinder engine (also C7NN6584B)	81817048

Step-by-step

Stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels. Check with the engine cold.
Remove the rocker cover.
Turn the engine until No. 1 piston is at top dead centre on its firing stroke (both No. 1 valves closed).
Check the valves your handbook lists for this position: inlet 0.36–0.41 mm, exhaust 0.43–0.48 mm.
Turn the engine one full turn and check the rest.
To adjust, slacken the locknut, turn the screw until the feeler is a light drag, and lock it. Refit the cover with a new gasket if needed.

Tools: Feeler gauges, Ring spanner and screwdriver, Bar to turn the engine

Gearbox oil change

Transmission · every 1,200 hours or every year

The gearbox has its own oil, separate from the rear axle. The handbook says drain it hot and refill every 1,200 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. The handbook gives no gearbox filter for manual gearboxes.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Gearbox oil	1	SAE 20W or 80. Grade as the handbook says (see fluids); ≈12.5 L dual range, ≈16.0 L with independent PTO, ≈11.6 L Select-O-Speed	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Work the tractor first so the oil is warm, then park level, lower implements, stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels.
Let the oil cool until it is warm rather than hot before you open the plugs. Wear gloves.
Remove the drain plug and let all the oil drain out. Refit the plug.
Fill with the specified oil to the level plug hole, then refit the level and filler plugs.

Tools: Drain tray (20 L), Spanners, Funnel or pump

Rear axle and hydraulic oil change (with hydraulic filters)

Hydraulics · every 1,200 hours or every year

The rear axle oil also feeds the hydraulic lift. The handbook says change it every 1,200 hours or once a year. It says a Ford dealer should inspect both the inlet and exhaust hydraulic filters every 2,400 hours (every other oil change) and replace them if needed; Steve's rule is to deal with them at every change.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Rear axle/hydraulic oil	1	SAE 20W or 80. ESN-M2C53-A or ESEN-M2C86-A per the handbook; ≈31.8 L (transmission PTO) or ≈30.7 L (independent PTO); check your handbook	check your handbook
Hydraulic inlet filter	1	Agriline lists 81802002 (C5NNN832B) as the hydraulic oil filter for the 4000 but does not say inlet or exhaust; match your old one	81802002
Hydraulic exhaust filter	1	Check your handbook	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Park level, lower the lift arms fully and retract any external rams, stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels.
With the engine off, move the lift and spool levers back and forth to relieve trapped hydraulic pressure before undoing any plug.
Let hot oil cool to warm. Remove the drain plug and let the oil drain, then refit it.
If you are changing the hydraulic filters, follow your handbook or have a dealer do it; this is listed as a dealer job.
Fill with new oil to the level plug hole.
Start the engine, raise the lift arms fully and extend any external rams, then top up to the level plug hole again.
Lower the arms before leaving the tractor.

Tools: Large drain tray (40 L), Spanners, Funnel or pump

Power steering pump filter element

Steering · every 1,200 hours or every year

Where power steering is fitted, the handbook says change the pump filter element every 1,200 hours or once a year, by taking the pump assembly off the tractor.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Power steering filter element	1	Check your handbook	check your handbook
Power steering oil	1	M2C-92-A or SAE 10W; check your handbook for the quantity	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Stop the engine, take the key out and chock the wheels.
Clean the outside of the pump first; keep everything very clean.
Detach the pump assembly, drain the reservoir and remove the old element.
Fit the new element and refit the pump.
Fill with fresh oil, start the engine and turn the steering lock to lock to drive out air.
Top up to the bottom of the filler neck with the engine stopped and the wheels straight.

Tools: Spanners, Drain tray, Lint-free rags

Coolant drain and refill

Cooling · every 2 years

The handbook says drain and flush the radiator every 24 months where 50% permanent antifreeze is used.

Part	Qty	Notes	Part number
Antifreeze	1	Ford ESEM97B-18C or equivalent; 50% mix, ≈13.2 L system	check your handbook

Step-by-step

Only work on a cold engine. If it is warm, wait for it to cool, then take the radiator cap off slowly to let pressure out.
Drain the radiator and block into a tray, and dispose of old coolant properly.
Flush through with clean water.
Refill with 50% antifreeze and 50% water.
Run the engine to warm up, let it cool fully and top up.

Tools: Drain tray, Hose, Antifreeze tester

Oils, fluids and capacities

System	Oil or spec	Capacity
Engine	Ford 3.3 L (201 cu in) 3-cylinder diesel, CAV distributor-type injection pump
Engine oil	Ford M2C87-A, Series 3: SAE 10W in cold weather, SAE 20W in mild weather, SAE 30W when consistently hot. SAE 5W or 5W/20 in very cold weather. The same oil goes in the oil-bath air cleaner.	≈7.6 L (8 US qt) with filter
Coolant	≈13.2 L. 50% 'permanent' antifreeze (Ford ESEM97B-18C) and 50% water. Pressure cap 7 psi.
Valve clearances	Cold: inlet 0.014–0.016 in (0.36–0.41 mm), exhaust 0.017–0.019 in (0.43–0.48 mm)
Transmission (gearbox, separate from rear axle)	Check your handbook: the handbook lists Ford M2C-85-A / SAE 20W/30 / SAE 80 EP and ESN-M2C53-A / ESEN-M2C86-A for the 4000, but the scan does not show which goes where	≈12.5 L (dual range), ≈16.0 L (with independent PTO), ≈11.6 L (Select-O-Speed)
Rear axle and hydraulic system (shared)	Ford ESN-M2C53-A or ESEN-M2C86-A (handbook, given for the 4000 in its cold-weather note); check your handbook	≈31.8 L (transmission PTO), ≈30.7 L (independent PTO)
Steering box (manual)	Ford M2C-94-A or SAE 90 EP; check your handbook	Check your handbook
Power steering (where fitted)	Ford M2C-92-A or SAE 10W; check your handbook	Check your handbook
Brakes	Disc type, mechanical, no fluid	—
Fuel tank	Diesel	≈60.6 L (16 US gal)

Specifications


PTO power (claimed / tested)	45 hp (33.6 kW) / 46.7 hp (34.8 kW)
Rated engine speed	2,200 rpm
Idle / maximum no-load speed	700 rpm / 2,425–2,475 rpm
Weight with fuel, oil and water	1,986 kg (4,375 lb)
Tyres (common)	Front 6.00-16, rear 12.4-38
Tyre pressures	Check your handbook
Linkage	Category I/II
Hydraulic system pressure	2,500 psi (172 bar)
PTO	540 rpm at 1,800 engine rpm; 1,000 rpm at 1,950 engine rpm (where fitted)
Rear lift capacity	1,451 kg (3,200 lb)

Known problems

Separate gearbox and rear axle oils

The handbook has separate fill, level and change steps for the gearbox and the rear axle. Check and top up both, not just one.

Select-O-Speed gearbox

Some 4000s have the 10-speed Select-O-Speed powershift. Owners report total loss of drive and costly repairs; test every gear under load before buying.

Wrong rear axle oil in cold weather

The handbook warns that tractors with the engine-mounted piston pump (4000 with transmission PTO) need the right oil or blending fluid for good hydraulics in the cold. If blending fluid is used, change the oil every year.

Lift weak under load

A lift that raises light loads but stalls under a heavy implement usually means pressure is being lost through worn pump or ram seals, or blocked hydraulic filters.

Repair guides

Gearbox and rear axle oil: separate levels, leaks and the right fluid (Easy, 30–60 minutes): Whining or grinding gears, a lift or independent PTO that is slow or weak when cold, wet brakes that chatter or squeal (4000, 5000, 6610), oil weeping from the brake cross-shaft or axle housings.
Hydraulic lift weak, slow or won't hold (3000 and 4000) (Hard, 2–8 hours): Lift raises light kit but stalls or drops with a heavy implement, won't lift at all, bobs up and down in transport (hiccups), or lifts only now and then.
Clutch pedal free travel: grinding gears, clutch drag or slip (Easy, 30 minutes): Gears grind with the pedal fully down, the tractor creeps in gear, the clutch slips or smells, or the pedal has no free play.
Select-O-Speed: loss of drive, slipping or wrong gears (Specialist, 2–4 hours for checks; overhaul is a specialist job): No drive in some or all positions, drive in a different speed from the one selected, the tractor locks up and stalls the engine, or it slips in the high ratios under load.
Independent PTO slipping, not engaging or not stopping (Hard, 2–4 hours to test; a split is needed to overhaul the clutch): PTO slips under load, will not engage, will not disengage, or keeps turning after it is switched off.
Clutch replacement: splitting the tractor (3000 and 4000) (Hard, 2 days): Clutch slips after free travel is set correctly, judders, will not free, or the release bearing squeals; live PTO will not stop on two-stage clutches.
Wet disc brakes: adjustment and overhaul (4000, 5000, 6610) (Hard, 1 hour to adjust; 1–2 days to overhaul both sides): Pedals go too far, uneven braking or pulling to one side, brakes that fade, grab or chatter, oil leaking at a brake rod seal.
Water pump and thermostat replacement (Moderate, 3–5 hours (the radiator comes out for the pump)): Coolant dripping from the pump weep hole, a growling or wobbly fan pulley, overheating, or an engine that never warms up.
Head gasket replacement (3000 and 4000, 3-cylinder) (Hard, 6–8 hours): Coolant loss with no outside leak, bubbles in the radiator, white exhaust smoke, oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil, low compression on one cylinder.
Injector removal, testing and setting (3000 and 4000) (Moderate, 2–3 hours (testing needs a nozzle tester)): Misfire or knock on one cylinder, black smoke, hard starting, loss of power, fuel in the oil.
Bleeding the diesel fuel system (Easy, 20–40 minutes): Engine will not start or dies after a filter change, running out of fuel, or work on the pump or pipes; engine starts then stops; misfire after a fuel leak.
Injection pump: timing check, removal and refitting (Specialist, 2–4 hours): Hard starting, knocking, heavy smoke or lack of power after other faults are ruled out, or the pump must come off for repair.
Power steering heavy, jerky or noisy: fluid, bleeding and pressure check (Moderate, 1–3 hours): Steering heavy one or both ways, jerky or noisy pump, foaming fluid, assist that comes and goes.
Starter motor: slow cranking, clicking or not engaging (Moderate, 1–3 hours): Engine cranks slowly, the starter clicks but does not turn, the pinion spins without engaging, or it grinds on the ring gear.
Battery not charging: generator, alternator and regulator checks (Moderate, 1–3 hours): Charge warning light stays on, battery goes flat, ammeter shows discharge, lights dim with the engine running, or the battery boils (overcharging).
Front axle: spindle bushings, pivot pin and toe-in (2WD) (Moderate, 3–6 hours): Front wheels wobble or shimmy, uneven front tyre wear, knocking over bumps, steering wanders, play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.

The full step-by-step guides are in Farmyard Workshop once you add your tractor.

Parts list with genuine part numbers

Ford 4000 - maker filter/service sheets and parts lists already cited on the site entry; serial splits are in the row notes

Engine service

Part	Part number	Qty	Notes
Oil filter (spin-on)	86546614	1	Agriline 7082; crosses to 86546614, E8NN6714BA. Older tractors may still have the original canister element: check your handbook
Rocker cover gasket	81817048	1	3-cylinder engine (also C7NN6584B)
Fan belt	81805736	1	Cogged AVX13 x 1400 belt (also 81827336, C5NN10C318B)

Fuel

Part	Part number	Qty	Notes
Fuel filter element	83937061	1	CAV 296-type element (also 84535312, D0NN9N074B). One per filter bowl

Transmission and hydraulics

Part	Part number	Qty	Notes
Hydraulic inlet filter	81802002	1	Agriline lists 81802002 (C5NNN832B) as the hydraulic oil filter for the 4000 but does not say inlet or exhaust; match your old one

Sources

Open Farmyard Workshop