TEA 20 What To Look For?

I am going to look at a TEA 20 on Monday afternoon. I grew up riding a 35 Special and have driven a 2085 a couple of times. The tractor appears to be a 48 by the serial number. Is there anything specific I should be checking for?Thanks,Rob
 
Well, without seeing it, hard to say... Just my assumption that you are looking for something restorable. Being 68 years old, odds are it won't be something you can bring home and put to work!

The usual things to look for are damaged or repaired castings, like freeze cracked engine block, transmission case, and differential case. Any damage there would be a deal killer or reduce to scrap price value. Also look for modified parts, missing parts, rusted parts. Once you see it, make a list of what you see will immediately need to be replaced. Then do a search, see what's out there, what it will cost. Be aware anything bought new will be aftermarket, some with very questionable quality and fitment.

If the outward appearance is good, be aware it could have been restored with a spray can! Looks can often be only skin deep, you could be buying a real patch job.

If it will run, try driving it in all gears, listen for unusual transmission noises, look for water in the transmission. Try the lift, it should move smoothly. Look for coolant in the engine oil, oil in the radiator, oil pressure idling at operating temperature. You really can't expect all these things to be right unless the seller is telling you it is work ready and is asking premium price.

If you feel uncomfortable making good observations, try to find someone with good tractor and mechanical experience to go with you.
 

A 1948 model will be a six volt . The starters on these cost the earth . Most tractors have been converted to 12 volts and have an alternator fitted instead of the six volt generator , probably due to the cost and short life of six volt batteries .
The starter though will still be six volt , it will work on twelve but be careful as it will overheat and burn out if used for more than a few seconds at a time . Don't think that you can substitute a 12 volt unit for it either , the transmission housing is different as are the mounting holes and ring gear.
Look at the thermostat housing , if it is alloy these corrode badly , if still the original cast iron one these are brittle and prone to leaking . Replacements are around $80 Aus .
 
If the Engine is a Standard (Vanguard) and the owner has no idea of the hours since timing chain, Crank sprocket, Cam Sprocket and Distributor was last serviced/replaced, be prepared to service these items.

Bob..
 
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If you are in Canada, I might say- the TEA20 is a 2085. No visible difference from the one you knew earlier. This early one would have a bit smaller bore?
Well, nice if it had 4 good tires, oil in the pan, etc etc. If it goes thru its paces- runs, rolls, lifts, then all you need is a couple manuals. And agree on a price eh? Good luck!
 
Went to see it.Mrs was in favour but I saw a couple of troubling things.First was a suspect rear tire then a bit of oil leakage from the pipe that connects the air cleaner to the crankcase. The engine doesn't seem to rev up all the way. I would really benefit from a remote hydraulic fitting and the port from the pump seems to be at an inconvenient spot and I suppose it won't be SAE thread.
 
The pipe 'should' be a plumbing pipe thread- the oil stain- I think you are looking at is a predacessor of a PVC valve of the 70's. It will do that over time... tires...well.... a scary one could last another 10 or 20 years, a good lookin one can rip open tomorrow. All kinda depends on the price eh? Everything 'is' fixable'.....
 
Congradulations! I always play my hunch, and if it is to go for it- I do.
You might need to post here a few more times for YT to trust you posting pictures, and click continue once more before hitting the submit button.
I'm sure it will treat you well for a long time to come...
 

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