New TEA20 Owner. Hasn't been started in 3 years!

Hi Everyone.

I am a proud new owner of a 1949 TEA20 & new member of this forum. I have wanted one of these since I was a child and finally took the plunge. Picked the tractor up for $900 (AUD). It's obviously in need of some serious TLC and was hoping you guys could clear up a couple of things for me.

The story I got from the owner was that it used to run fine & had mainly been used to run a slasher in it's most recent active life. A few years back he purchased a new tractor and basically left this poor old Fergie in a barn without ever starting it again. Apparently he did try just before he put it up for sale but couldn't get it to fire. Interestingly the fuel tank when i picked it up was bone dry so i'm not sure what happened to the fuel.

Before I try to start it myself I was wondering if there are some things I should know beforehand or anything in particular I should do first that I haven't listed below.

1. I am going to do an engine oil change (15w-40 is what I was thinking)
2. Will check plugs, terminals & clean/replace if neccesary
3. New fuel, clean lines & carby

I should note that it has been converted to 12V also. The transmission oil appears to be pretty clean from what I can tell but would like to know what is the best grade best to run with as I will be getting to that in the not to distant as well. I really hope I can get this running with just the basics but will soon find out I suppose. I'm a total beginner when it comes to tractors so please excuse any ignorance. I do have a bit of experience working on bikes/cars etc though and pick things up pretty well through trial and error.

I really appreciate any help & look forward to sharing my journey with you all in the future.

Cheers, Ferg




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Certainly looks the business Tassie , this site might interest you ;

https://www.greyfergieforum.com/ Lots of Aussies and Poms on this small and helpful site .

The oil you are intending to use should be fine unless the engine is really worn . Taking the plate off the side of the sump will let you clean the oil pick up screen and bottom of the sump by hand . A lot of gunk settles there and sometimes the screen gets clogged as well . transmission oil usually looks good if it has been sitting , oil floats on water , grit falls to the bottom . Once used and at temperature the oil will show its true colour , usually a shade of chocolate milkshake , same oil as the engine goes into the transmission and gearbox , which is all in one by the way .
Make sure to clean and adjust the points before trying to start it , and some oil down the plug holes and a hand crank to spread it around before replacing the plugs won't go astray either .
 
The above, and . . . .After you lube the cylinders, rotate it by hand, then leave the plugs out, crank it with rags over the holes and blow
out the oil. Reinstall the plugs and fire it up.
 
Thanks guys.

I have done as suggested. I have also flushed and refilled the radiator. Once up and running and if no leaks I will get some coolant for her. Is there a specific coolant that's normally used in these or will any do? I cleaned out the air filter bath (it was like mud). I saw somewhere that you fill to the indent in the bowl (roughly halfway up). Just want to make sure this is the case as when i took it off it was level with the very top of the rim and thus made a good mess!

Going to see if I can get it started tomorrow. Just have to reattach the fuel tank and put the battery in then finger crossed. Thanks again for your help. Will let you know how she goes. Cheers
 

Look carefully at the inside of the bowl , stamped there is a fill level line , the centre well also fills via small holes in the sides of this well . Engine oil is all it needs . Often the mesh in the filter is so bad that it must be removed to be cleaned properly . Plenty of photos on how to do this on the site I mentioned before .
 
Tried to start it today. Seems to be turning over O.K. but there is no fire. Fuel seems to be getting stuck in the carby and flowing back out through the air intake. Do you think the float may be stuck? Sounds like i'll have to take the carby apart and give it a proper look.
 
Whack the side of the float chamber with a piece of wood , hammer handle or screwdriver handle . Not too hard though !
generally this is enough to dislodge the float if it is stuck , happens a lot with old or dirty fuel .
 

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