Its spring and I have moved the tractor to my new working location - photographs to follow!
Work is beginning again, initially with an assessment of any winter damage...
Monday, 19 March 2012
Saturday, 20 August 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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.
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.
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!
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!
Saturday, 13 August 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, 7 August 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, 24 July 2011
progress with new parts
So, after getting the plough together and a breakfast cup of tea, Dan turned up and we turned our attention to seeing if we could build some of the new parts on to the tractor.
Below is a picture of the new plough, which is now a graden feature- which soon will be a functional device on the tractor!
The first job was to rebuild the dash area. I had managed to get a new dash connection bar from Mark- I grinded this back and then disconnected the steering column area. The base dash area with the bonnet catches now is fully operational! The catches work perfectly- I cleaned this up and connected it with new bolts.
I also connected the auxiliary fuel tank bracket- i have to say that it is starting to be a very tight fit between the fuel tank and the dash area! I also grinded and cleaned up the second fuel filter housing, this can be seen below....
You can see below the dash area is looking a lot cleaner and tidier- the new throttle connection looks great. I have noticed that the dash only has two holes for meters, and I am wondering what the original TEF20 tractor actually had?
- Ammeter
- Oil pressure/temperature
- Water temperature
I have also tested the positioning for the ki-gass tank, and you can also see the ki-gass pump with the new part that i got from Mark. This is a twist/ratchet switch that is connected to the out section on the ki-gass pipe. When I was at Mark's we discovered that this is actually the ki-gass fuel filter!
This is now connected and I am looking at sourcing pipes, for the ki-gass system.
We started looking at the wiring loom, but eventually gave up- I can't find a decent/clear diagram and the agriline loom is useless. There is no diagram and loads of extra cables. I emailed agriline and they didn't have any instructions- very disappointing. Dan has took the new and old loom to the agricultural engineers to see if they can bring any sense to it!
In the below photo, you can also see the aux fuel tank- which goes in, but is a very tight fit and has loads of holes and connections which I have no idea where they connect to...
The new dash area requires priming, which I will get done on the next session- I just wanted to make sure it was all together as required, before putting any paint on. I have realised that the throttle linkage is quite rusted- I may look for a new one on ebay, as it keeps popping out when we put the full throttle position on. The new catches are great,my old dash had these completely rotten and jammed, however the working catches are great- and tested! Then pull on to a tubular area on the bonnet and hold the tractor together, which I assume is great for safety.
The final part is the connection of the fuel filters- again Mark came to the rescue with a second fuel filter housing. I need to work out the way it all connects together and may need some extra double hole bolts to connect into the new filter housing- but at least the filters are now in place.
On connecting the oil pressure meter, I have also realised that I need a hollow bolt for that also!
So, good progress- but nervous about the electrical situation at the moment as we don't have a clear solution. I am hoping Dan can speak to the guys who know this week and we look at getting it put together by the end of the week.
I can then look at getting the tractor started.
I have also took out the sump filter and sunk it in a diesel bath, to clean it up. The sump has also been cleaned of all the gunge and dirt in it. We are looking at getting the new tractor oil this week to fill the engine. Once the filter is cleaned up, it can go back together with a new gasket.
I need the following:
-- A clear understanding of the electrics
-- New battery cables
-- Fuel filter connection bolts/parts
-- Aux fuel tank connection parts
-- Ki-gass pipes
-- Electric loom connection
The parts have really helped, and I have made good progress- planning to get it all primed this week, and the electrical loom put on to the tractor. That will be a great position- then it is oil, water and fuel and press the go button!
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