TE20 revival

flatlndr · Nov 7, 2020

Hi all, My old '48 TE20 has been down for several years. 1st thing I want to accomplish is to get the old Lucas starter
turning over like it should. Tractor is still 6v but it will barely spin with 12v hooked up to it. I'm trying to figure out
where to get parts for a rebuild rather than blowing $300+on a new starter. Any suggestions on parts supplier or rebuilders.
Located in NE Ks.
Any ideas appreciated
Tom B

Steve@Advance · Nov 7, 2020

I would make some calls to the first closest starter/generator/alternator shop.

Explain what you have and what it is doing. See if they sound interested in repairing it.

Even if you have to ship it, still should be less than $300.

Charles in Aus. · Nov 7, 2020

A rebuild is a good idea as the six volt starter is becoming a rare beast and the twelve volt starter from later models won't fit .
If it is too far gone a new hybrid 6/12 volt solenoid controlled unit is available but they are expensive and ugly .
Most times it is the ground connection that is the problem . The earth strap behind the dash is a piece of cr@p , replace this with a nice fat piece of welding cable direct from battery ground to one of the mounting bolts of the starter. Make sure the other cable is up to standard as well , six volt starters draw a lot of amps .
Many times a clean with compressed air and a dressing of the commutator will be enough to perk it up as long as the brushes and bearings are still OK .

flatlndr · Nov 7, 2020

Thanks for the comments. I'm well of the grounding problems and have moved the
positive ground cable to one of the starter bolts. I've had it to couple rebuilders
with little success thus far.
Tom B

Charles in Aus. · Nov 7, 2020

From what I have read from owners of 6v tractors here in Australia it see.s the carbon brushes are just about impossible to get . New old stock might be available in the UK , you could try a free ad in the FOFH market place .
http://www.fofh.co.uk/market.htm

derwen1959 · Nov 8, 2020

Have you cleaned contacts on gear lever switch?

flatlndr · Nov 8, 2020

Yep, I've been going directly from battery to starter post.

Tom H. · Nov 9, 2020

Have a look at eBay.co.uk te20 starter. One of the seller’s may ship to U.S. link is to one of the starters listed
Untitled URL Link

Charles in Aus. · Nov 9, 2020

That is the much easier to find 12 volt model Tom h . The 6 is becoming a rare beast .

Tom H. · Nov 9, 2020

Sorry I forgot to look for the 6 volt!

derwen1959 · Nov 11, 2020

You say it's been standing for several years..,. Could there be problem with engine making it tight to turn over?

flatlndr · Nov 11, 2020

I don't think so. I've periodically turned it over and also attempted to get it going, so it hasn't sat, unmoving, for ten years. It will grunt and roll over very slowly with 12v hooked to starter post. I guess its going to come down to whether or not to spend the bucks or not, to keep a 70 year old machine running. Had a similar experience with u-joints on my 48 Chrysler. No longer available, ended up paying a lot of bucks for 2 NOS ones.
Thanks all for the suggestions thus far. If it wasn't in such good shape I'd part it. Still looks about the same only with a few bruises from normal use. She is my first Ferguson which is why I'm partial to her.

Duner Wi · Nov 11, 2020

Ebay has some old Lucas parts but you need to know the Lucas part numbers.
I have seen in my travels A Delco starter on the TE20 that had Lucas generator. I assume they changed Lucas starter to a Delco unit. If it was an easy swap I don't know. I see DB Electrical has a TO20 starter for about $100.00 delivered.

KF · Nov 11, 2020

I have a TE20 and if the shjfter start is being used it needs to be in good shape. I had to take mine off and work it over. The starter needs a good clean connection to the bellhousing. Mine is still the Lucas 6V starter.

flatlndr · Nov 12, 2020

Thanks.Yep, been there, done that.

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