The oil pump draws oil through a strainer screen in the sump and passes it through a full flow filter into the main oil gallery for distribution to the various parts of the engine. An external feed pipe is used to convey oil to the rocker shaft assembly. The cylinder bores are lubricated by oil thrown up by the movement of the crankshaft through the oil in the sump. The full flow filter has a renewable element which should be changed at the recommended intervals (see Lubrication Chart).
Back to top.

In both cases the gears run partly immersed in oil and the rotation of the gears and shafts ensures distribution of oil to all moving parts. The oil in the rear axle lubricates the final reduction gear and differential assembly and is also used for operating the hydraulic power lift. As the hydraulic lift pump and control valves are machined to very fine limits, cleanliness is essential when handling lubricants to prevent ingress of foreign matter. The oil is filtered at the pump inlet by a strainer gauze and also by a magnetic plug which will remove small metallic particles from circulation. Under certain conditions of operation a proportion of the oil is passed through a filter situated on the hydraulic lift oil return pipe which is capable of filtering very small particles. These filters will not require periodic attention providing the rear axle oil level is checked and the oil changed at the correct intervals.
Back to top.

Great care has been taken in designing the engine to provide adequate filtration for the oil and to ventilate the crankcase to avoid oil contamination. The same care is obviously required in storing and handling lubricants. Make sure that all containers used are clean and that the drums in which the oil is kept always have the bungs replaced to prevent dirt or water getting in.
Back to top.

Inside the cover of this book you will find a chart giving full details of the lubrication checks which have to be carried out at specified intervals. The information is presented in this form so that the chart can be permanently mounted on a board and kept for quick reference in the bam or shed where the tractor is normally serviced. The mechanical adjustments and the fuel system servicing are items which do not normally require attention at such frequent intervals as most of the lubrication items, and these are therefore only briefly summarised on the chart. For full information on these refer to the next chapter. In addition all the items requiring periodic attention are listed elsewhere.

Although the information contained in this book should enable the operator to carry out the routine services, it is advisable to have the tractor checked periodically by a trained mechanic who when carrying out the necessary lubrication and adjustments will be able to inspect the tractor thoroughly, detect any minor defects and rectify these before they become serious. Your Authorised Fordson Tractor Dealer will be pleased to discuss this question and give details of a suitable maintenance scheme.
Back to top.

The process of running in the tractor has been discussed at length elsewhere and it will be evident from these remarks that during the first 50 working hours correct lubrication is especially important. A constant check should be kept on all oil levels, particularly the engine oil, and when necessary these should be topped up with an approved oil. The correct grades to use are listed in the Specification.

After the first day's work open the two drain taps on the radiator and cylinder block, allow the engine to cool down and flush the system through thoroughly.

The first main service should be carried out at 25 working hours. At this stage the engine oil should be drained when hot and the sump refilled with fresh oil of the correct grade. In addition all the items listed below should receive attention.
Back to top.

At this stage the tractor should be checked over thoroughly for tightness of all external bolts and the items detailed below serviced. Your Authorised Dealer will be pleased to carry out this work for you.

1. Drain the engine oil, remove and clean the sump strainer, clean filter body and refill the sump to the full mark on the dipstick with fresh oil.
2. Clean fuel filter, check and tighten all fuel feed pipe unions, and bleed fuel system.
3. Check and adjust tappet clearances.
4. Clean and refill air cleaner.
5. Check fan belt tension and adjust if necessary.
6. Check gear box, rear axle and steering box oil levels, and top up if necessary.
7. Check the front wheel bearings for free play, adjust if necessary and repack the hub cap with grease.
8. Lubricate all grease points.
9. Check tyre pressures.
10. Check wheel nuts and all steering connections.
11. After the belt pulley has been used check the pulley nut for tightness.

Watch your Proofmeter reading and service your tractor at the correct periods according to the lubrication chart.

The Lubrication Chart (click to see enlargement)

Back to top.

This section describes the mechanical adjustments which are required from time to time and which can be incorporated in the lubrication services. Maintaining the correct adjustment of controls and moving parts is important, as in addition to providing safe and efficient operation, wear on the parts will be reduced to a minimum.

Fig. 11 - The Engine (click to see enlargement)

Fig. 19 - The Gearbox (click to see enlargement)

In addition to routine checks and adjustments this section also gives full information on adjustments that may have to be carried out to suit the tractor for any particular operating conditions, such as altering front and rear track widths and adding liquid ballast.
Back to top.

Tappet clearance is an important factor in the efficient operation of the engine and a check at regular intervals of not more than 600 working hours will indicate when adjustment is necessary to ensure that engine performance is kept up to standard. The clearance is the same on all valves and should be 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) when the engine is at its normal operating temperature.

To set the tappet clearance the following procedure should be adopted:

1. Run the engine until its normal operating temperature is reached.
2. Stop the engine and make sure that the stop control is held in the "out" position to ensure that the engine does not start when it is being "turned over" during adjustment.
3. Remove the primary air cleaner from the body of the main air cleaner and the vertical exhaust silencer (when fitted) from the exhaust manifold. Remove the bonnet (four screws, spring washers and nuts), followed by the valve rocker cover (two self-locking nuts, flat washers and spring washers).
4. Move the small flywheel inspection cover on the left hand side of the clutch housing to one side and rotate the engine until the line marked "TDC" on the flywheel is in line with the "V" notch in the clutch housing. Check that No. 1 piston is at top dead centre on its compression stroke, i.e. valves numbers 1 and 2 are closed (valves numbered from front to rear of the engine).
5. Check the clearances on valves number 1, 2, 3 and 5 by inserting a 0.010 in. feeler blade between the end of the tappet adjusting screw and the adjacent pad on the rocker (see Fig. 12). If the clearance is incorrect, loosen the locknut of the tappet adjusting screw and turn the screw in or out as necessary until the correct clearance is obtained. Hold the screw and tighten the locknut, then re-check the clearance.

Fig. 12 - Valve Tappet Adjustment