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We’ve had a busy week here at VTE…
Release of the Perkins 3 cylinder DVD, sending copies out to customers and receiving lots of comments, questions and photos of your tractors.
One thing that a few people have been asking is what do we intend to look at in the future?
What We Have Been Thinking
We do have a TEF20 in the shed with a seized engine. The intention is to do an engine rebuild on that tractor, although we don’t know exactly what we are going to find. It looks like someone has been inside the engine recently so we don’t even know if all the components will be in there! We’ve had that tractor for over 2 years now, but then the customer came along with the 3 cylinder ’35 which we decided to film first.
We also get asked quite a lot about wiring and vehicle electrics. So, we have been thinking about firstly looking at how to fit a wiring harness for some of the more common tractors – MF35 (link to MF35 wiring diagram), TE20, TEA distributor and carburetor, Dexta and Major.
But we also think it would be good to go right back to basics with electrics. Starting from all the theory and how electrical circuits work. If people were to get an understanding of that, then they should be able to work out for themselves how to build systems from scratch and how to troubleshoot and repair any problems.
Yes we would look at the wiring harnesses that connect components such as ignition switch, regulator box, starter motor, heater plugs, alternator/dynamo – as that is a common problem. Many of the harnesses produced by non-genuine parts manufacturers don’t have the same colour coding of the wires as the original harness, which obviously causes confusion (why they haven’t produced the harness in the same colours as the original, VTE cannot understand!). But we can also look at lights, indicators etc. and how to build (or repair) a working system.
There is a lot of interest in Dexta, Major, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 fords, 100 series Masseys and also 500 series Masseys.
The subject (tractor mechanical problems) is almost endless so there’s no doubt more to do than we ever will get done, but we enjoy doing it and enjoy hearing (and learning) from people about their tractors, problems and solutions.
What Do You Want?
Those are some of our ideas, but what do you want?
We’re always interested in your ideas and problems. If we find that lots of you have a completely different problem/need than we have talked about here then let us know. That’s the beauty of working through a website – that we can hear all your comments and questions and then produce what you want (rather than producing something and hoping that it’s what you want).
Just leave a comment below with your suggestions (you will need to go to the website to do this if you have received this article via email).
Steve and Ian (busy little Vintage Tractor Engineers)
please,,,,,TEF rebuild.its the one we are all waiting for
Well done to vintage tractor engineer for another fantastic and easy to follow dvd. As current dvds are a bit fergie heavy I would love to see a ford 000’s dvd appear, either engine rebuild or hydraulics (or both), on either the 3 or 4 thousand. Looks like you’ve got your work cut out!! Fantastic job on the 3a.152.
Tom
hi thanks for your hard work i find that the poor old dextas get sidelined in favour of the good old grey fergie of which ive now aquired one and love it dearly but theres not a lot of stuff bin done on the dextas i feel i keep meaning to drop tractor and machinery a line about it ,it feels like theres some discrimination going on ,i have two one runnin and one bin done up anyway thats how i feel wot do others feel, tony.
Well thanks everyone for all your suggestions.
Looks like we might be busy!!!
Wiring and electrics do seem to be of interest to people and the TEF Engine has got a few votes. Richard’s suggestion of a Dexta fuel injection pump and timing is a good idea as it would mean that a dexta owner could use this along with the 3A.152 DVD for their engine – so a small amount of filming to cater for all the Dexta owners.
Over the years we’ve had a number of people who don’t understand how to properly use the position/draft hydraulic system on their tractor. So what seems obvious to someone who has been brought up with these tractos is possibly not so easy to understand for others who have only recently worked with tractors.
Steve.
We’ve also had some people email in with their suggestions. Here is what they have had to say…
As the owner of a TE20 Continental version with a few electrical ‘issues’, the suggestion of some guidance on electrics, particularly on a petrol engined machine that relies on them more than a diesel, would be extremely helpful. Chris
Hi
1000 series ford
electical work
are of interest to us
regards
Calvyn and Merv
I realise you have plenty of work on your hands with MF and Fordson projects, but have you considered the other classic British tractors of the 1950s & ’60s: the Nuffield? (In fact, given it’s ownership, it could be argued that Nuffield was ‘more British’ than the other two brands? Ian.
How about this: Develop a wiring diagram for those of us who have MF 135’s and have upgraded to a one wire alternator?
Thanks, Jerry
Hi There, I would be interested in instruction on hydraulic system and maintenance of same. Regards, Danny.
I would like to see a DVD on rebuild of Continental Z 134 4 Cyl. sngine or a DVD with drive train problem repairs such as removal/rebuilding/replacing a TO-35 2 stage clutch. I have your MF-35 Hydraulics DVD – it has been helpful over the years. Philip.
VTE
Hi there,
Thanks for opportunity to make suggestion.
My vote: Comprehensive step by step rebuild, including pump, of 135 hydraulic system.
Thanks for very good engine rebuild DVD.
Regards
Col
Just thinking if you did a film of dexta / Super Dexta fuel injection pump and timing etc. You could maybe add it to the 35 Dvd and have a solution for both engines . Tractor wiring would be a great subject for a DVD.
Just one lone voice in the wilderness – I would love you to make a similar dvd for the Ford 4000, should enough people want it
AT
I’ve been waiting two years to see what’s happening with the TEF 😉
I’d love to see it rebuilt, and running again.
The TEF is a bit more involved than the 35’s
Crack on with the TEF I say…
How about an MF35 king pin overhaul?
I enjoy receiving your e-mail updates, keep up the good work.
Wiring would be helpfull, as would more complex things like mf35 steering box
The TEF20 as per my email (No need to respond now thanks) would as stated above be fantastic as it’s one that needs to be done right with potential improvements that has been eluded to by some on forum sites. However as near to original would be best in my opinion. The wiring system on that would be of much interest also. Thanks for the opportunity to air my opinion.
The TEF would be of great interest, as would the wiring. Thanks for the great resource!