1953 TEF20 starter and auxilary tank questiond

Two questions I would like some advise on please?

1) Irecently discovered that my rebuilt TEF20 has the fuel pipe from the main tank directly connected to the the two fuel filters missing out the auxilary tank. Never had any problems and its not to hard to reconnect, so if it aint broke why fix it. Do you think I am OK just to leave as is?

2) Some times when starting the TEF20 the starter moter does not turn not even a faint click. The battery is ok, and I have taken the starter off and checked the bushes, and cleaned all electrical connections. What other problem could result in the starter motor not operating on some occasions? When it does go it seems fine with plenty of power to start the engine. Do you think it may be the mechanical switch operated by the gear lever? Or what else could cause this occasional problem.

Being a TO 35 owner only and not familure with a TEF20 I offer no anwser to your fuel question. However for your starter clean all electrical connections pertianing to the starter. Give special attention the ground wiring.Also if your tractor gound is connected to the dash panel remove it clean it and ground it to a starter bolt.

When this happens you can try a continuity check on the starter terminals. There is not much to the starter linkage. It is basicly a copper plate that is pushed into the ends of the two terminals on the inside. These switches are very easy to replace and are readily available.

If your ground is still on the back of the dash, this is netouriously a bad place for it. I switched my ground to one of the starter bolts on my TE.

I did not know the TEF had a aux fuel tank... The only aux fuel tank model I know of is on the TED. The small back side fuel tank was for gasoline/petrol and the forward bigger tank was for TVO. Perhaps you have a replacement tank. In which case you should be fine.

I will add the caviot that we here in N. America do not see TEF's or TED hardly at all. Some of the Aussies or Brits will add or correct I am sure. If not you may also want to check with the Friends of Ferguson Heritage Club in the UK.

The picture is of the TED fuel tank. Is this what yours looks like?

Jeff

The auxiliary tank being missed out of the system will be ok as long as you don't work on any hillsides, if you do and the main tank is low on fuel it will cause air to be drawn into the system. This pilot switch needs to be pressed to switch the main solenoid on, which rotates the starter. You can try lengthening the rod from the gear lever one turn, if that doesn't cure it, email me and I will send you the Info on testing and setting the pilot switch, if you get it all wrong and continue to use it you may smash the "dog" on the Gear Lever starter mechanism...John
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Sorry there is something weird happening here today, it has missed out some of what I had to say about the starter problem.
It should have said that the fault you have will be caused by the pilot switch on top of the starter not being operated when you press the gear lever, it is pushing the starter into mesh but not turning the starter on to turn the engine over....now read on......John

Thanks John and the Guys from USA.

I have already replaced the starter switch you comment on, stripped and cleaned the starter and bushes, cleaned all wiring connections, and even drilled a small hole into the solenoid and sprayed WD40 into it. Tests I have done show the starter ( run power direct from the battery) is fine, so I am now of the opinion that I need to replace the solenoid.

Anyway it's always fun playing with "boys" toys.

I intend buying a new solenoid and if that fails....hmmm..... running out of ideas!

Regards guys

Jeff

Are you certain that the Gear Lever linkage is actually pressing on the Pilot switch, if it is just touching it then you would get the impression that it was the solenoid when it is incorrect setting of the pilot switch. The starter pinion has to engage with the Flywheel and then switch the Starter on in that order. To check correct operation and correct switching, remove starter and wire in a test lamp to the terminals on the Pilot switch. Actuate the lever that moves the pinion and at 5/8" movement EXACTLY the bulb should light, if this is incorrect, slacken off the four screws that hold the pilot switch mounting bracket to the starter and adjust it as necessary to give the correct setting. When you come to refit the operating rod, just take up the free motion on the starter operating linkage (push it towards the drivers seat) and adjust the end clevis so that you can insert the pin through the rod and the starter easily. If you need more info about this, email me. [email protected]
This USA Forum is not the best one for a TEF as they don't have any in the USA at all, you should try the one in the UK which is :- http://www.fofh.co.uk/market.htm
....John

Thank's John,

I can confirm that I have now tested the pilot switch and all wiring and finally eliminated everything other than the solenoid, so I drilled out the rivets to open up the solenoid and found a wire burnt through, so have ordered replacement. No doubt if and when the new one fitted, if I still have problems I'l be back for more help, regards

Jeff