Test drive

So, we managed to get some of the key 'driving' functionality' fixed today. With a view to test drive the tractor and confirm all the mechanicals are working.

Firstly, we filled the gearbox and rear section of the tractor up with oil, it took a good 12 litres I reckon, and seems to slowly fill the rear section. Once filled, we started the tractor and tested the rear hydraulics - they work sweetly.. The rear arms rise and fall as required.

Once complete - a number of jobs needed doing:

-- Track rod connection and front wheel alignment. We got these screwed back so the wheels aligned - there is a broken thread on the left track rod end, so I need to order a replacement to actually get the locking nut on there.

-- Exhaust stack. This is an easy push on, and a metal bracket to hold it tight. 5 mins to get on, and really makes the tractor quieter!

-- Wheels. Using the trolley jack, I managed to get the front and rear wheels on to the tractor. All the nuts are tightened and the wheels are lined up nicely. The wheels are sound, but need stripping and finishing before re painting. This is a job for autumn! My plan was to send these away and get the shot-blasted, but it will be just too expensive- so planning to do it myself.

We spent more time with the loom, but its proving complicated! We have worked out the entire thing- other than the solenoid. we can't work out how to close the solenoid circuit by pushing the gear lever forward... Dan is taking it to the Agricultural Engineers for some advice!

Well, I got the beast started and went for a little drive!

First thoughts, the clutch is great- second thought, sh1t! the brakes don't work... So need to adjust them!

Either way, I tested all gears, including reverse- then decided to go for a little drive round the front field... It started off great, as I was driving down the side of the field, with the sun on my back, I had a moment of elation! I decided to turn and drive back up the field, and DISASTER!!!! The tractor seemed to start running out of power, I put full throttle on- but even then it felt weak.. until eventually it came to a halt.

I would start up great, but as soon as I put it into gear, and started to release the clutch it just didn't have the power to move...

Dan came over, and we got it started, put it on full throttle, it coughed and bogged then it almost popped and revved right up into life. I jumped on and drove it straight back up to the log shed- with no problems.

On closer inspection, it looks like the old/new fuel filter that I am temporarily using is not sealing and air is getting through and maybe even dirt etc isn't getting filtered. Basically the engine was fuel starved... The plan is to get one of the original fuel filter housings on, but we need to get a proper seal in the top, and also get some fabric washers to seal the line.

Things to sort:

-- Radiator alignment.. The radiator just isnt right, It needs to move down and bolt directly onto the metal base- I need to sort out the kink in the top pipe.

-- Fuel filters.. As discussed, the cause of all the problems! I need to get the filter housing on correctly.

-- Wheel restoration. the wheels are a mess, and need paint stripping, grinding up and then priming. I also need new tyres put on the back as the current ones are showing through to the inner tube.

-- Brake tightening. The brakes need sorting so they have some bite!

Either way, the first drive has been fairly successful and very enjoyable! with only a minor panic!

Easy starting

Now it has fired once, it seems to be starting quite easily. I'm so happy that it is now running after the rebuild! It has really spurred me on to get it back together!

I now need to get the loom properly connected so the dynamo is changing the battery! On the weekend, I am going to have a good look at the rear wheel.

I also need to get a new throttle linkage as the existing one is badly rusted and can tend to fall off the new throttle lever ball connection.

...a tractor starting!

Just a little bit happy!

...a tractor nearly starting

...a tractor not starting!

STARTED!!!!

After 5 mins of sorting little things out, the tractor is running!!!

After last time, I have had the battery on trickle charge for a good few days. So today it had good charge.

I also checked the manual and noticed that the diesle pump needs to be topped up with engine oil. I bought a little oil can from the 'antique' shop in Henley. I loaded it up with my motorbike oil! Opening the cover on the fuel pump, I topped up the oil. This filled up and started running out of the tap at the bottom. I screwed the tap out and ensured that the springs were oiled and the base had a small pool of oil in it.

I have also noticed that the fuel filter is leaking, I will fix this when I put the original filters back on with the fabric washers. I think copper washers don't fully seal around the fuel banjo's.

I turned the fuel on, and disconnected the pre-air filter. To do the initial warm, I used a blow torch on the intake manifold. After about 30 seconds of the engine turning over- it started catching and kicking!

LOTS of smoke!

Then I disconnected the starter motor and the engine was running sweetly, I worked the throttle and it responds nicely.

I also check the clutch, gears and PTO- which are all working great! FANTASTIC!

One major issue, is that the rear right hand wheel isn't turning- i'm thinking maybe the foot brake is jammed on- but not sure, I need to check what is going on! Either way, the fact that it is running is great news and progress...


Even better news, is that Kasha has videoed the whole thing! I will post once I have worked out you tube etc!!

Now for a glass of wine, to celebrate!

smokin'

Today we have got the tractor turning over!

We filled the radiator, and fixed the various leaks on the hoses and gaskets. Still a minor leak from where the thermostat is, but should get this fixed easily. It is all holding water now.. which is great.

We filled the engine oil, with standard tractor oil- I forgot to re-oil the fuel pump, and need to sort this tomorrow.

The electrics now mean that I can start the starter motor manually- need to order a new solenoid as the old one isn't working correctly...

The fuel system was a nightmare - neither of the filter housings are sealing the fuel in, and leaking. I need to get new seals somehow... I have put the old/new filter in place, and that is even leaking from the banjo!

We eventually got the fuel system reasonably sealed, and tested turning over the engine. It does turn and smoke, but won't catch...  The next things to look at are the timing and oil the pump..

Good news is that the clutch, flywheel and starter are all great!

slow progress

Its slow progress at the moment.

We are going through the finer points of installing the loom.

Spade v screw terminals, control boxes, solenoids and cabling. It's coming together, but it is very stop and start. The air, cooling and fuel systems are connected- it's purely the electrics now that is causing difficulty.

The clutch pedal is sorted, and it is giving good feedback. Once the loom is in, it will be oil and fuel and ready for the start!