TED and TEA 20's

Good day folks

Following on my queries re my TED 20, and the starting problems I had, herewith some feedback

I managed to get the thing going, after much frustration, and completed the mowing of my bottom field. I noticed the oil pressure dropping off as the engine started heating up (it reached 90 deg on the gauge, which gets its data from the top radiator tank). Oil press dropped off to about 20 - 25 pounds.

The next day I wanted to cut another smaller area of grass, but the tractor wouldn't run for more than about 30 seconds before cutting out. I had to crank it quite a bit on each occasion to get it going again. Between home renovations and work I haven't yet had the time to have a look at it again.

Yesterday I delivered a load of rubber belting to a customer, and saw a rather dilapidated old TE standing behind his shed doing nothing more than rusting away. Closer inspection showed it to be a TEA-20 (S/N 76718), manufactured in 1949. I chatted a bit with him about it, and he reckons that if I make him an offer that neither of us really understand, he'll be willing to let it go. There is a new(ish) alternator on it, and a starter with solenoid attached. Everything else appears to be original, with the exception of the steering wheel (not sure what it is, where it came from, or even if the wheel fits the shaft or was force-fitted), but I'm keen to get hold of this beastie as well.

The front tyres are almost new (at a cost of S A Rand 800-00 [roughly US$120-00] per tyre), and one rear is almost new, the other rather old and cracked, but with an equal amount of tread remaining. Exhaust is also in good condition (better than my TED). It makes sense to buy this tractor for as little as I can, and use both tractors then to get one running decently, while I slowly rebuild the other.

The owner did mention that it didn't have the power to plow anymore, but was still quite happy with a trailer or a mower behind it.

I guess what I'm really saying here is "Brace yourselves for a few more question and answer sessions".

Once the engine gets down to 5 PSI oil pressure on a warm engine it might be time for redoing the rod and main bearings at least.
If you want to push it, you could take it to about 3PSI and having to adjust the idle speed a bit to maintain oil pressure. Have done that with a few automotive engines along the way.

Excessive cranking might be the time to look at points, clean the plugs and check fuel filters.
You could offer your neighbor with the tractor field work if needed and some cash in exchange for the machine.

The oil pressure problem, if you cant hear any bearing noises from the Crankshaft then it is probably the oil pump that needs a new Rotor Pack, they last a long time and very few change them. Make sure that you have the correct grade of oil too SAE40. The engine having little power it will probably need a decoke and valve grind, these engine should be done regularly. Not a lot of cost involved. The TED not wanting to start, change the Condenser and make sure the points are set correctly .012" for 6v and .015" for 12v...John

hi Vaaljapie
76718 would be a 1948. I know because I have 76848. 1948 started with 77772.
Happy tractoring.

Klaus

Should be an 80 mm bore engine but if you need to overhaul you can upgrade to 85 mm bore (I don't think 80 mm sleeves and pistons are available). Also six volt electrics, although with an alternator it may be converted to twelve volts, possibly with six volt starter.

19 inch three rib front tyres and tubes are $85 in Australia. A new after market steering wheel is $45.

Don't know what Fergies are worth where you are, but provided it is running and mechanically good, it may be worth $1,200 to $1,500 in Australia, less in the USA. Start heavily discounting that estimated price if it has problems.

Sorry for the typing mistake. It should be: 1949 starts with 77772.
BTW you can still get 80mm sleeves etc. but they seem to cost more than 85mm stuff.

Klaus