Hi I need to tune up my 1987 Champ Telehandler Forklift

Hi I need to tune up my 1987 Champ Telehandler Forklift, I m not sure where to find the engine size. Runs, just needs a tuneup. Would I just take the Rotor cap off and ignition coil and take it to an auto parts store to see if the can match something up, or am I way off base. I ve never owned a piece of machinery like this before, but I know a little about auto mechanics. I have a 1970 Ford 250 still running good Used to be owned by one of the founders of NASCAR (Totally off subjectLol)

I would just take the points and plug number in with the distributor cap and have then match them up for you. Wires would not matter. They can be cut from a roll of copper wire or got as a box of premade ones just use the ones you need. IF missing then do a compression check and read your plugs for color and soot or not.

Welcome to the forums.

As Caterpillar guy posted you should be able take ignition components to a parts store and have them matched up.

Do you know the model of the forklift? They used a number of different engines over the years and sometimes they even get different engines transplanted into them when the engine fails. Some appear to have slant six engines.

You are going to want/need to know what engine you have in the end to maintain it. Look it over closely for tags riveted to it. Look for markings/logo on the rocker arm cover. Look for a number on the oil filter, that can be a clue. Take a few pictures of the engine and post them. Someone may be able to ID it for you.

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This post was edited by Jim.ME on 10/06/2023 at 04:36 am.

The first thing is to figure out who made the motor. I doubt the manufacturer of your lift built their own engines. Look for a nameplate or model number on the motor. If it's a V4 it's probably a Wisconsin.

Most autoparts stores these days aren't much help in matching up parts. You'll probably have better luck at an outdoor power equipment shop.

Hello 87 welcome to YT! Looks like a 60 model is
common. Watch a sales video of one and what I could
see of the motor which was not much looks like it
might be a 4 cylinder Ford.