The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Are those dabs of paint the only timing marks? I would have expected existing punch marks, or similar.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I think the valves are the least of your problems. The lift rams don’t work directly on the boom, but effectively ‘pull’ the boom up via those flat bars with the three spare holes. If you attempted to push down, with the new rams, all that would happen would be the bars ...

The colour of the antifreeze in the photo suggests it’s OAT, modern stuff. I don’t think it’s the best for old engines. Better off with ordinary Ethyl Glycol.

I’m puzzled as to why you would want to swap. Most owners of elderly vehicles consider it desirable to keep their kit to ‘original’ specification, often searching for the correct parts to replace wrong ‘uns. I understand that different injection pumps require their own specific timings, which furthe...

Seized plungers in the pump? I remember that on a BMC 6 that had been standing a while.

Cable turns at half engine revs. There’s usually ‘2:1’ on the clock face.

If the pressure remained the same after fitting a different pump, then the problem must lie elsewhere.
Can you fit a pressure gauge into the linkage lift tapping? If that showed better pressure, it should narrow your search.

I’ve vague memories of using splinters of wood to pack between the driving square/socket. Worked for years.

Amongst the Public Information Films on youtube is one titled 'Stupid Farmworkers'. The last clip features a spotless Power Major (possibly brand new).
A quick search on the DVLA site shows that TJB 769 is still taxed for the road. I wonder if the current owner knows of his tractor's early fame.