I’m an Ag mechanic and it’s crazy how long these farmers just let the problems pile up until the machine is completely un-useable. Then they bring it in and want it fixed and you don’t know where to start or where to stop.

Why thumbs down. You did everything right. The customer is the one paying the bills and he's responsible for the care, upkeep and his reputation if he passes his problem on to someone else.

Love the full rotation to engage the steering wheel! I've seen bad but that takes the cake.

Wes, why did they even ask you to "fix" that thing? Shame on them for letting that tractor deteriorate so badly. Another great video, of course.

Little did he know that the tractor spent the last 20 years in the field being overheated on the regular, I’ve learned the hard way that when anything has been overheated I ask how long and how many times just to prepare for the worst, it’s not your fault you fixed all the obvious things that you saw and tried to do right by your customer

Thumbs up for being willing to show that even a man of your experience can still make mistakes and weld your wrench to the battery. :-)

Thumbs up! You're an excellent mechanic. These experiences will only help you, to screen out confabulations....I enjoy your videos.

I just can't get over how much this kid (yes, I'm old) knows about... Well, everything. I don't even change my own oil, I can't for the life of me understand why I'm addicted to watching this guy fix things... But I am. This is a great channel, with great content.

Terminal internal damage is difficult to diagnose as customers never want to realize worst case scenario upfront. Good job as always, keep on truck'n.

When we used to go to farm auctions we would see equipment in this sort of shape. We called it running scrap - it runs but don’t pay more than scrap value for it since it’s basically mechanically totaled.

I’m sure every large family farm in your area has that section, next to the barn that has all the throttled out machinery that was classified as “TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX.” I suspect if Wes made the required repairs, the cost could easily be North of $5k, but upon completion have a tractor that wouldn’t be worth the su on liquidation. Wes, keep the content coming and like that you shared a little bit about Engineering Economics. Mrs. Wes was very professional and kind by not speaking negatively towards thy neighbor.

Glad to know that head gaskets fix cracked heads, thanks for the tip!! I'm in New Zealand, at a "rough guess" you would have easily done $3-4000 work on that old girl here. I suppose I can see the farmers point as a secondhand tractor would still be much more, may as well run that one till it drops. Such a shame so many people out there are so mechanically "ignorant" and don't spend a little money on proper maintenance. Great job Wes, great video!

Yea, I hate the concept of “throwing parts at a problem charging system” but when EVERYTHING is tired/damaged/abused…the shotgun approach is quick!

Thumbs up for your pups ears blowing in the wind, so majestic.

I appreciate your wifes candid response that she is supportive and understanding in your struggles. Also hope they dont try to sell that equipment as a lemon to someone.

Asking you to fix this is out of order. After your inspection this is scrap. Your reputation follows this vehicle and the fact that you have " Told the truth" this on video is no bad thing. Over here in Scotland word of mouth is everything . Keep up the good work. I wont be hitting the down button because indeed i would shake your hand for your honesty.👍

And here is a great example of neglect. With the proper servicing and addressing problems when they arise, a lot of this could have been avoided

Wes, I think this (type of) video is precisely why you have the viewership that you have.... Lots of stuff was covered in it, and in short order, and as always your classroom type description of the various workings of this piece of equipment, are excellent...! Not sure I “thumbs down” any video that I watch on KZfaq... Too bad this piece of equipment was ran to the point that it was, that is a testament to the folks at John Deere alone. No disappointment from me on the video, by any means... The owner would end up speeding thousands of dollars on the needed repairs, and still have a $2500-3500 valued tractor... I say a great video, and keep them coming... Thank you sir.

Not about to give a thumbs down because the owners ran the snot out of the tractor and don't want to do a proper repair. What you did was solid and you gave great explanations as to what was going on. Good stuff, Wes!

I’m so used to seeing every component eaten up by rust on here that the tractor at first glance looked really good.

Good Morning Wes! That was sad to see, but no thumbs down for you Wes!

In college I had a blown head gasket. Exhaust leaked into the coolant. Boiled over quickly. Leave radiator cap off and you could see occasional bubbles of exhaust coming out the radiator cap opening. But it would take quite a while for enough coolant to boil out compared to leaving the cap on. So I drove with several gallon milk jugs of water in the trunk and no radiator cap. It was fine for staying within a 5 mile radius of the college. I drove it like that for more than a year. Then someone stole it. My room mate was amused that my only reaction was that my favorite shirt was in the trunk. I really liked that shirt. Still miss it.

I learned how a radiator cap works and that issues with power equipment should be dealt with in a timely fashion. Thanks Wes!

I have really enjoyed your last 2 videos. Real world videos, sometimes things don't go according to plan and sometimes customers just don't want stuff fixed. Thanks Wes

Curious, with price of hydraulic fluid, how anyone could afford to run that thing with those kind of leaks? Thanks for sharing that Wes, very interesting. 👍

You can't fault yourself for the clients failure to up keep their equipment. You can only fix that can be fixed nothing else. Good job Wes you did your best.

I used to drive a ‘63 Massey Ferguson 35 to rake hay in the late 80’s. It was worn out but had tighter steering than this shitbox. Some guys are just looking to get another couple of months out of used up equipment instead of paying for proper maintenance. Oh well, their decision. Thanks for another great video Wes. Love your channel.

No thumbs down from me. You did everything you could with what you were told. What was probably a cheap fix originally with neglect became an uneconomic repair. Always amazes me that guys who earn their living with machinery don't understand enough to look after it properly. Simple routine maintenance, replacing tin work etc will pay dividends in the long term. A couple of bucks spent wisely at the time the original problem occurred would have surely avoided that basket case. Good work Wes as always! Best regards from the UK 🇬🇧

The owner not wanting to fix it, tells you all you need to know about how the tractor got that beat to hell.

Wes, Sad about the JD tractor. You can’t win them all! Especially enjoy your comments of machine design. Very informative good work.

Around my area i rarely saw a mechanic honest and competent like you. BIG thumb up!

Really enjoy your work Wes, your knowledge of a huge cross section of machinery and vehicles is amazing, love it!

Hey Wes, It is important to learn quickly what sort of customer you are dealing with. The best ones just want you to do your magic for them and just pay the bill with gratitude. (Type one.) Next comes the ones that hum & hah and drag it out over deciding to just patch it or properly fix it and end up paying far more as a result. (Type two) Then comes the low budget basket case - try to turn my otherwise scrap into a type one result for $2.50. Learn to say NO after taking a good look and trust your instincts. But then again, KZfaq likes this sort of content so what do I know? Keep up the great work and shout your brake pedal pumping expert a bunch of flowers every time she is employed to do so! Cheers, Ron

Thumbs up for wrench welding! That poor deere is just about ready to be a parts donor ... its really been neglected a long time. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

Sometimes you’re the dog and sometimes you’re the fire hydrant Wes. What a drag.

Wes you get a thumbs up for being an honest person and mechanic. I know alot of mechanics that wouldn't even have touched that tractor. You did exactly what the customers wanted and it's on them when, not if that tractor's engine finally gives out.

It wouldn't surprise me if some of the piston damage (and maybe the head damage, too?) was from the owner over-doing it on the ether. Tractor has clearly had a rough life.

Thumbs up for you ALWAYS Wes. This customer is one you should avoid. They clearly abuse their equipment and only maintain after failures.

This has been one of the BEST videos of this type I have seen. Have seen many exploded engines etc...but not one that runs and works (bot not for long) with non-obvious issues.

No, that is wrong, not" towards radiator " the thermostat 😉 I'm joking, just found it humorous that someone could install it wrong when the directions are clearly written on the part.. Love the Show, you are an excellent mechanic, wish there were more like you. .your dedication to finding the problem and a detailed diagnosis. I've been a mechanic for 30 yrs.and I worked with a lot of other techs, and you are definitely one of the Best.

Another good video you just showed what happens when you don’t take care of your stuff 🤔 you did what you had to do👍🏻👍🏻Always great to see the family

That steering wheel was about like the tiller on a boat. I was shocked you could hold it straight in the lane

Wes you are the best, and NOT responsible for others foolish abuse of the equipment they wish to have fixed on the cheap

I gave u a thumbs up for your great finds on such a poor neglected John Deer tractor. It's ashame that the owner won't fix it. It's basically a accident waiting to happen, especially the steering. Your a great mechanic, if not the best I've seen in my 54 years. Keep up the good work Wes your awesome, professional,smart, and honest. Your the man and keep the videos coming

Thumbs up here. You did your best as always Wes. It was the customers decision.

you still get a thumbs up from me. Another good one you actually interrupted me watching Mustie lol...Priorities!!

In my book you get a huge thumbs up for properly diagnosing the problem and understanding that they have run it on just water forever. Once again GREAT JOB WES.

Had to give you a thumbs up for your expertise and integrity and what I perceive as your genuine dissatisfaction of not being able (scratch that) * allowed * to recover this machine. I have an old standby automobile that has an overheating issue that was supposed to have been fixed by a reputable garage, I'm gonna take a look at the radiator cap as, I knew it was important, but not as much as you taught me. Fingers crossed on that and thanks Wes!

Good JobWes! 1/4 inch of Calcium is the same as 4 inches of iron! Thats the source of the heating problems! That machine is the victim of POOR maintenance. Not your fault.

No blame on you Wes, the joys of being self employed!

I cant thumbs down over you just doing what they told you to do. Youre an honest guy who says hey this is whats wrong and if I fix what you want this might happen or whatever so its their call. Unfortunate that old girl sounded really good. Just needs a whole lot of tlc.

Chris here from UK. You are a master at your craft. All your videos are very informative and enjoyable to watch. Good luck!

Another great video, Wes... never a thumbs down. We learn a lot with every video no matter what the outcome.

Hey if they don't tell you the true history you could have done no more. No respect for your amazing skills, many thanks Mr Wes.

Thumbs up for that battery short with the wrench, lol. Has probably happened to more of us than would want to admit it. Thanks for not leaving that one on the editing room floor.

We like you because you are honest, Wes..! Not covering up mistakes and mishaps.. Its a 👍 from me. Loved the Thomas-shorty! I hope your customer was happy!

Yup, typical alternator "test." Funny how they always "test" good. Take 'em home and they still don't charge. Put in a rebuilt, and works just fine.

Thumbs down the customer rather than Wes, 'cause they're the ones that ran their machine into the ground and then elected not to fix the problems they created. They're prolly just gonna keep pouring water and hydraulic oil down its throat until a rod comes out the side of the block.

"A bad battery will kill a starter". I didn't know that, cheers for the tip

Hi Wes, I just watched your video and I'm incredibly impressed by your knowledge, calm demeanor, honesty and humility for someone so young (yes - I'm old!). I'm in the trade and find that most of the technicians I've employed over the years have had only a fraction of the knowledge that you have but nevertheless had a vastly over rated view of their abilities. Just a thought re the testing for head gasket failure. This is not an original idea but one I now make my techs do before I accept their (generally hasty) head gasket failure diagnosis. Fit a pressure tester to the neck of the radiator when the engine is cold. Start the engine and watch the gauge, if the pressure only starts to increase from zero as the motor starts to warm up then there is probably no issue. However, if the gauge starts to rise immediately while the engine is still cold then the cooling system is being pressurized via a blown head gasket or a crack. Simple, effective and has saved several unnecessary teardowns. Sorry, but I just don't trust those chemical sniffing test kits. Keep up the great work, we all learn from your successes and the occasional mistake!

Awesome Job Wes!!! I'm a refrigeration mechanic, run into the similar problems when system compressor goes down. I always let the customer know that after replacing the compressor . We often find what took out the compressor in the first place. You couldn't know those cracks where there till you got the engine running, hidden damage bites for everyone involved. You deserve and are owed for the work you did. Your due diligence for this job was right on. Good job!!

Very well done Wes. Why do people do this to equipment.? Most of my local farmers (French Alps) drive older equipment than this, it still runs because they maintain it.

your videos are awesome Wes. you explain things well and im learning a little bit about diesels now!

Well I guess thats what happens when you do not take care of your equipment. Hope the next buyer does not get stung. Thanks for the video and your honesty.

I can not give you a Thumbs Down Wes, the Client on the other hand, needs more than that. It seems that no matter the industry, you will come across Clients who will abuse and misuse their tools or equipment. Show them no attention or any sort or preventative maintenance, they will use it until they are well beyond repair.

That was really interesting and educational thanks, sometimes things just get beyond economic repair, always a difficult decision to make.

Well bro just for your effort alone I had to give a thumbs up but can totally understand your frustration on not being able to send it home all fixed, sure makes a mockery of your ability. Safe travels

Truly sorry that the owners basically beat that tractor to nearly death. Kudos to you for your honesty and willingness to do the right thing.

Sad that someone treats equipment like that. Great job Wes!

Wes, you must have the patience of a saint, when good old Joe Public asks you to turn their sow's ear into a slik purse ! No thumbs down, you did what you could.

Dang Wes! Thanks for the info on the radiator cap! I know it sounds stupid but I never knew the full functions of a radiator cap and wow are they awesome! Thanks again!

I really enjoy your videos! Just started watching. You know your stuff, have a great family, and are good at what you do. In short, you care.

Yeah they cooked that thing multiple times. Thats what you get when you just keep pushing once you overheat. Owners will blow it up completely shortly . Thumbs up Wes

You put it back on the road for now, and in two weeks we get a video from Mustie1 with the title "Free Tractor on the side of the Road-Can we fix it?" and the big green Monster in the thumpnail....

You did a 100% professional job on this tractor. It’s amazing how some folks will keep driving a vehicle no matter what as long as it moves.

Wes, the steering on the tractor reminds of the pickup I learned to drive on 😂😂

Wes, first and foremost, you run a business. Second, you are an excellent mechanic. Third, you know the right thing to do and it frustrates you when your hands are tied. I get it, I'm in the same boat. Your videos are great, they make my week, every week. Keep 'em coming, the next overhaul will be more satisfying.

Take of the equipment and it will take care of you. Frustrating for you I am sure. Thanks!

I was still glued to the screen as usual Wes! Cheers

Thanks for posting. Thumbs up for all the info you put out there. Sometimethe customer doesn't have the money to fix it properly.

You know what really pisses me off about this, is that these are the first people to say "yeah John Deere is a piece of shit!" When in fact it's the owners who are half-assing the repairs that are causing these failures. I know money is tight for a lot of people, me included but, you can't just half-ass any repair and call it a day and expect the vehicle to last forever even a tractor. I would somehow do all I could to buy a new (used) head. The fact this thing is even running is unbelievable in its own right. Good job Wes you've done all you can.

Do u just get people off the high way pulling in and ask can ya fix my crap or is it a booking type deal?

Found you today - really fascinated by your troubleshooting skills. Thanks for sharing (I'm from the UK)

Hi Wes! I finally found your You Tube channel. Now I am binge watching all your videos. I turn my own wrenches and I am self taught. Had to learn diesel since I have a 2005 GMC duramax and a diesel utility tractor. I dont set limits on myself, but At least I now have Your tube to go to for help. Guess I do OK the 2005 Duramx has 650,000 miles and the Cub Cadet tractor is over 20 year old still going strong. I am also a fan of Eric O, SMA, he is one of my favs. But I have found You are really a joy to watch. Yeah My dad made me start working on my first car and I never stopped. cars, planes, boats. You keep on doing just what you do, its great. I am now 76 years old and it was not too long ago I built my first barn by myself. Oh I did get my wife to hand up the roof trusses. It was only 16 feet wide and 39 feet long. (no limits).

You can only do what the customer is willing to pay for; remember it's a tractor, not a person

Okay, since you've already spent both time and money of replacements parts, what happens if the owner doesn't want to go any further and doesn't want to pay for any parts you've bought either? Just curious...

You're an honest mechanic, hats off to ya. I look at the simple things first, rule of thumb.

Your video is still awesome. Thanks again for sharing.

Never test drive anything farther than you want to walk.

When I was a John Deere tech I just HATED working on neglected crap like this. If there was a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Tractors, I would have referred several 'customers' to them. Probably see this on Big Iron auction soon. Sadly, the Dubuque engine was probably the best part of that series of tractor. The transmissions were pretty problematic, followerd by the hydraulics. The plastic bleed line leaking on this beast is actually an overflow from the surge tank in front above the main hydraulic pump. Oil from the charge pump inside the transmission goes to the main pump via a big steel line in the inside of the left frame rail. Pressurized oil from the main hyd pump is in the steel line going down the inside of the right frame rail.

I look at it as a owner, manufacturer failure not a mechanic one. Wes done what he was hired to do and stopped when he found out it was a waste of time and money to continue. Thumbs up.

If your shop was in Florida I would gladly drive 3-500 miles to have you work on my crap. You da man

Yeah removing a thermostat will never help overheating unless the thermostat itself is the cause of the overheating.

To a 'no-fix' customer like that, I say "come and get it and good riddance". Interesting video, Wes.

I would not mash the thumbs down button. You did your job and did it correctly. You can't help the abuse this unit has had for a very long time so you do not deserve thumbs down. You do great, honest work and always deserve thumbs up.

At this point, I'm not even sure it would make reliable paperclips if melted down! I'd say it's time to find a good fence line to park it on, and abandon the old girl!

Ehhhh its a mechanical piece, prone to mechanical issues. None of which are your fault. Thumbs up in my book Mr.Wes

Hi Wes I am 100% with the folks that say you absolutely do not deserve a thumbs down here, in fact quite the opposite! You showed again that you are an honorable man working to do the right thing. Let's hope, probably forlorn based on the extreme negligence the tractor has suffered, that the owner does the right thing when dumping-I mean selling-the tractor. caveat emptor! regards vic

Wes, I WILL NOT hit the thumbs down button. You did a good job and if they don’t want to fix it properly, it’s their equipment. You can move on to someone else that needs your help!

Now the starter needs a new tractor.