1957 fordson major

This forum is for the Fordson New Major, including the Super Major and the Power Major.
markr1001
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1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

well i just got my new to me fordson major home. the numbers on the block and the plate on the battery tray say its D28A and 1429721. well its getting water in the oil, so im going to assume it needs sleeves and maybe a bit of help around the o-ring grooves as i read they are quite common on this motor. well i started with taking the head off as it was loose from the previous owner haveing it diagnosed about 7 years ago, and i started to pull the oil sump. well it appears as though the bolt of pin that connects the A shaped peice that goes from the front axle to the sump is missing. it lookes like a pin should go through and then a bolt to retain it? does any one know a part number or even what it is called? and maybe a picture or 2 of how it should look? i have access to a full machine shop at work so i would make the part if possible but if not i will buy. but as i live in ontario canada shipping on parts from england get pricey quick.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1o_0UO ... kOHNjEdGZe

not sure if the pic will work, but this is where she sat for 7 years. its now in my garage at home! i forgot to get updated pics

henk
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by henk »

Welcome Mark,

You have a May 1957 New Major with the Mark II engine. Well equipt with the loader. Do you have the bucket also?

This is what should go into the A piece: https://histoparts.com/nl/webshop/trekk ... major.html
Kind regards, Henk

Fordson New Major February 1957 Mark I

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

ya i got the bucket aswell! i will try and get some more pictures this weekend! im hoping to get the oil sump off tomorrow and get a better idea what im dealing with

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

well i pulled the oil sump this morning, and couldnt see much of anything. so i decided to pour water into the block with the head removed, and as expected i get lots of water dripping out from around the sleeves. now i guess i may be confused but i amagined i would be able to see the bad spots if the oring grooves were rotted away. however i cant. so now i assume that they deteriate from the inside of the water jacket to the o ring grove. would that be correct.

so i guess now i need to actually remove the liners to know how bad it is.

well a picture is worth a thousand words so this is what i am dealing with. when i first got the head off i put tranny fluid in the cylinders and then took most of it our and put a bit of diesel in before i turned it over by hand as it had been sitting for around 7 years
there is all the pics and some info i have on the tractor.



https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

henk
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by henk »

Great pictures Mark,

Can't help you with an answer on that. But I'm sure others readers will.

Is your tractor upside down or the wheatsheafbadge? :lol:
Kind regards, Henk

Fordson New Major February 1957 Mark I

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

Ya your right the decal is upside down.... least of my worries. I noticed that one day when i was looking at pictures before i brought it home

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

ok well i did a bunch of work this weekend. so i have a bunch of questions.
is the fuel bowl the right way up? my buddy says he thinks its upside down
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dXn2C ... wsr_34IBKo_

next is these are the o ring groves, i think they look to be in very good shape. i need to do a good cleaning on everything
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tfck4 ... iwthhbmpzG
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_R_5S ... u5_WE2YaMx

here is a pic of the orings, which when i poured water in the motor it was pouring out around the sleeves and i think this is why\
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hESvj ... rSF0I0KicF

here is a pic of the crank which is in fantastic shape, i need to mic the crank to make sure it has not been ground
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CPvfP ... pJy4lfLfFe

so me and the father in law were trying to figure out how to shift from low to high. also i noticed a lever i am not sure on what it is for.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=14IqQh ... D3Ylyw2w56

im hoping to get to clean the block as it has had a stop leak product in it... and start prepping for new parts.i am going to go with a full rebuild. any thoughs on the ebay kits? and how is the best way to break the motor in? i dont actually own a farm and want it more for the joy of it and for moving stuff around so i have no way of actually working the motor. i have heard of driving it up to a tree and having it against it to work it. any other thoughts? driving on the road? loader work?

Matt85
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by Matt85 »

Markr1001, hat lever is to enable the pto. And if you want to shift from high to low that lever is right under the throttle lever.

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

Matt85 wrote:Markr1001, hat lever is to enable the pto. And if you want to shift from high to low that lever is right under the throttle lever.

weird it doesnt change anything with pto when its in either position? how does it work?
and i dont have a lever under my throttle?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lFWEg ... 5W85ijSsdU

does any one know where i can get the linkage to connect the next 2 pictures and what does it do?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZNR18 ... tflcNZQrNg
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_5jzb ... SMCYuJbOot

also what is this? it came in a box i got with the tractor.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1b8qya ... yfw37-xa71

i hope im not asking to many questions. im pretty eager to get the old girl running.

Matt85
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by Matt85 »

Markr1001, You have to pull it towards you to engage the pto. Nothing will happen if the tractor isn't running. Btw if you have a non live major the pto will only spin when the clutch is in.

The lever right next to the igintion switch is the high-low shifter. Non-live ptos like mine low is up and high is down. And with live pto it's reversed.

That linkage controls the throttle valve in the intake manifold. It's part of the fuel injection system.

Hopefully everything I said is right. Anybody reading this feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

henk
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by henk »

Youre right Mark.

Can't seem to place this part on a major!!!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1b8qya ... yfw37-xa71
Kind regards, Henk

Fordson New Major February 1957 Mark I

blackbob
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by blackbob »

weird it doesnt change anything with pto when its in either position? how does it work?


i hope im not asking to many questions. im pretty eager to get the old girl running.
Don't worry about the questions - we love em :D And we're eager to see her running too..

I suspect that when you're pulling the lever, the splines inside the pto drive aren't engaging - try turning the pto stub a little, by hand, and see if the lever can be moved further back?
The arms on the back of the tractor are lifted by a hydraulic pump which is driven by the pto, inside the back-end. So if you disengage the pto, you also disengage the lift. If I remember right you have a separate pump on the front of the engine for your loader, completely independent of the transmission.
1440276 - 1957 - working
1335674 - err - one day..
Claeys combine M103 - 1963 703129 - working
Ford 7710 2wd, 1983 - working

The Fordson Tractor Pages. Built to be relied on.

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

Well i was cleaning up the motor last night and found this.... a crack between 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 ... had a welder buddy stop buy he said weld or braze it up and it will be fine... what are your thoughts? I found a block but they want 600 bucks.... and im already doing a full rebuild which is about 500 bucks.... ugh

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cFoisu ... p=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ldvXPl ... p=drivesdk

blackbob
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by blackbob »

Just to revise my post from this morning.. I've been having another look through the file of photos you posted, and I see that you have a 'raised pto'. This was an optional extra and is now much sought-after, https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORDSON-MAJO ... SwtGlZM9F5 it is a reduction gearbox on the end of the normal pto shaft, with a selector lever so that the pto output can be disengaged. So, on a standard tractor, the pto and hydraulic pump are engaged'disengaged simultaneously, using the vertical lever by your left ankle. And, for example, you can't attach a mower to your tractor, including its drive shaft. and lift it up off the ground without the mower blades spinning. But with a raised pto fitted, you can leave the front lever engaged, and hence the hydraulic pump running constantly, and use the lever at the back to turn the pto on and off; so it is more like a 'modern' tractor 8)

The cracks.. The Major lying in my shed has cracks exactly like yours; 'someone' (I can't remember who it was) told me that it would be ok like that, and not to worry about them. But I hope someone else gives you a more definitive answer :)
1440276 - 1957 - working
1335674 - err - one day..
Claeys combine M103 - 1963 703129 - working
Ford 7710 2wd, 1983 - working

The Fordson Tractor Pages. Built to be relied on.

AdrianNPMajor
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by AdrianNPMajor »

As Bob says, the cracks between the cylinders are not an issue. The structural integrity of the block is not compromised - the head when bolted down holds everything together. Neither is coolant leakage an issue - the head gasket seals the cracks.
I discovered the same thing on my 1954 Diesel Major (see photo). After a rebuild the engine ran beautifully, and I worked it hard, as you should.
The only serious problem to encounter is corrosion-erosion/cavitation-erosion to the base of the cylinder apertures where the liner seals fit. You have posted images of the areas, but I couldn't see clearly how they look. I assume you have checked and they are fine. [I have only read about this problem with Major blocks. I haven't encountered it myself.]
Glad you're rebuilding the engine. It was the only option. The tractor will be a real asset when you've completed the job.
Good luck.
Best, Adrian.

Image

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

So yoyr saaying dont even weld it just leave it as it is and put new liners in and run with it?

AdrianNPMajor
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by AdrianNPMajor »

I have described what I did, and I have described the end result.
It's your tractor. You decide!
Best, Adrian.

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

And after a closer look at your pic yours was all 3.... ive emailed a company that sells agriline to see about shipping. I did some more cleaning today and all the oring groves look great!

Any ideas on where to purchase new sleeve shims? 3 out of the 4 had shims

I found the hi/low lever today

Now i just need to find the length and where to purchase a throttle rod

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

ok so im starting to compile a list of both parts i need to get as well as things i need to do. i will post both lists up later in the weekend once i am sure i have everything i can think of. has anyone ever ordered stuff from http://www.acornservicestractorparts.co ... jor-1.html ? they seem to have a pretty complete engine kit for not a bad price.

also does anyone have a part number for a thermostat that i might be able to purchase locally? i found what i beleive to be part numbers for fuel and oil filters that cross over to wix numbers on a napa usa site. im trying to find as much as i can local to save on both shipping and import fees.

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

well i got out the the garage for a short time after work and then again when i woke up. i have a few more questions id love some answers to.

so i found this wiring diagram
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pCrak ... Gxbc4nL8kv
then i was looking at my dash and i am missing the indicator light, so i was wondering if anyone can explain how to wire that in as its not in the diagram, as well as i have a toggle switch beside it and it isn't on the wiring diagram either and mine just goes to wires that have no connections, but i do plan on rewiring this once i get it running and i am likely going to order a new key/light switch when i order my rebuild kit.

next i cleaned the lift pump bowl ( ashes and water) and it came out quite clean, i am going to pull the tank and rinse it hopefully this week and then see if the lift pump works, if it doesn't i will order a rebuild kit for it as well.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bRy0A ... iQmkxLtcHs

then i heard about injector pumps sticking so i opened mine up and it was in fact seized up but i got it freed up and the excess fuel button moving. there was a bunch up mud in my pump but i'm hoping to rinse it out. is there a drain plug? also where do you fill oil to? i've been searching and cant find this info.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Yam4Q ... KJ21IhizrA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XU5Jq ... BGzCtN3N5G
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r4YiM ... uit8IhHej6
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q8AzV ... FrWXVXMWPq
also im not sure if you can see but the brass bushing on the left side is missing and causing a bit of play in the shaft. is this hard to replace?

sorry if i seem like i am jumping around a lot. i'm pretty excited about this project and sometimes only have a little time each day to work on it.

here is a list i made of what i plan to do before starting her up as well as parts i need to get, any suggestions on things that need to be added to either list?

Fordson to do list
- Clean motor for rebuild
- Split tractor and Change rear main seal/ front crank seal then put back together
- Rebuild motor
- Clean rad/ flush rad
- Clean/ flush fuel tank
- Check/ clean lift pump
- Change fuel filter
- Change oil filter
- Check injector pump/ change oil make sure excess fuel button works
- Oil change on engine
- Fill with coolant
- Check tranny fluid level
- Check rear end fluid level
- Clean air filter and change oil
- Bleed fuel system
- Field the generator for negative ground
- Check wiring
Check key switch
- Fire up
-

Parts needed
- Rebuild kit
- Coolant hoses?
- Lift pump kit?
- Key/ key switch
- Governor diaphragm?
- Fuel filter
- Oil filter
- Thermostat
- Throttle rod
- Valve cover bolt
- Intake/ exhaust bolts
- Coolant
- Oil

henk
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by henk »

Mark,

A long list. Take your time for it.

Check you fuel tank on leakage under the soldered caps on te inside where the mounting nuts are. These are soft soldered and when it leaks deu to vibrations and heat, water underneet the diesel will go in it and when it's freezing they crack and you end up with a leaking fuel tank.
I have cleaned mine and sealed it with tank cure. http://www.tankcure.nl/importer.html

About the fuelpump. Two warnings. I you don't have knowless about it leave it to a specialist. I costs a lot but then it will be allricht. If you work on it yourself theres no garanties it will work propperly. Be very carefull with diesel under pressure. It can kill you.

If you work on it like you are now, be sure to work in a clean enviorment. The rack seems to move nice and free. If the problem only is the left bush, remove the cold start unit on the left side. I think you can remove the bush out that way. Think you have to machine a new bush yourself. What ever you do don't change the holders on the rack. This will set your pump out of system.
Maybe cleaning with carburator cleaner is an option.

The pump is lubricated by leaking diesel. Don't put oil in it but fill the bottom part up with clean diesel. The pigtail tube is for exces lubrication fuel.

You could check my site and under repairs you find some info. https://people.zeelandnet.nl/hmdetroije/
Kind regards, Henk

Fordson New Major February 1957 Mark I

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

henk wrote:Mark,

A long list. Take your time for it.
Ya very long list. Hopi g it will run within 2 months


Check you fuel tank on leakage under the soldered caps on te inside where the mounting nuts are. These are soft soldered and when it leaks deu to vibrations and heat, water underneet the diesel will go in it and when it's freezing they crack and you end up with a leaking fuel tank.
I have cleaned mine and sealed it with tank cure. http://www.tankcure.nl/importer.html
My tank has had a couple repairs and looks fairly clean. I pulled it this morning fairly easily ... mine has bolts sticking down and they used a carage bolt so no real way to hold it but they came out fairly flawlessly

About the fuelpump. Two warnings. I you don't have knowless about it leave it to a specialist. I costs a lot but then it will be allricht. If you work on it yourself theres no garanties it will work propperly. Be very carefull with diesel under pressure. It can kill you.
Ya i plan to stay away from injectors and read alot of warnings so far.. i want to learn and not die so i am beig very cautious. Just wanna make sure everything is working well. And it ran well when parked

If you work on it like you are now, be sure to work in a clean enviorment. The rack seems to move nice and free. If the problem only is the left bush, remove the cold start unit on the left side. I think you can remove the bush out that way. Think you have to machine a new bush yourself. What ever you do don't change the holders on the rack. This will set your pump out of system.
Maybe cleaning with carburator cleaner is an option
I dont want to adjust anything just basically i had heard alot about things getting ceized so i thought i should take a look. Im glad i did. I will remove the cold start and measure and make up a new bushing at work.my garage is actually fairly clean with nothing happening in there right now do to the tractor. I will flush all the crap in the bottom and pour fresh diesel in it and call it good....

The pump is lubricated by leaking diesel. Don't put oil in it but fill the bottom part up with clean diesel. The pigtail tube is for exces lubrication fuel.

You could check my site and under repairs you find some info. https://people.zeelandnet.nl/hmdetroije/
I will definatly check out your site for info. Definatly looking to learn as much as i can

AdrianNPMajor
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by AdrianNPMajor »

Mark, you haven't mentioned the oil pump.
Personally, I would fit a new one. You have to assume that the original has been pumping a fair amount of dirty oil over the last sixty years.
Best, Adrian.

markr1001
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by markr1001 »

AdrianNPMajor wrote:Mark, you haven't mentioned the oil pump.
Personally, I would fit a new one. You have to assume that the original has been pumping a fair amount of dirty oil over the last sixty years.
Best, Adrian.
I willvadd it to the list... do they offer a rebuild kit?

AdrianNPMajor
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Re: 1957 fordson major

Post by AdrianNPMajor »

Not possible to rebuild. You'll have to buy a new one.
Best, Adrian.

http://www.silverfoxtractorspares.com/f ... 2970-p.asp

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