I have an old Major Diesel Tractor that has been in my family for over 30 years.
I'm trying to restore it, it ran until the starter went bad.
I sent it to a rebuild place and they say they had to order parts.
I hope I get it back soon. The starter is a Lucas.
I was thinking about putting an alternator on this tractor so it would keep the battery charged better. Anyone done this?
I am so glad I found this website, there is so much valuable info on this site. Hope I can join the group of proud Fordson owners!!
I will post a few photos here of my tractor. http://www.pbase.com/wrightsphoto/fordson&page=all
Thanks,
Larry
Last edited by lwright on Mon Dec 15, 2008 5:30 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Larry
First things first, Welcome to the board. You are dead right about there being a wealth of information avaliable on this site.
Nice looking tractor, especially with those rear wheel weights on.
I have converted my 57 Major to alternator, and she now runs sweet. Nothing worse than a generator that won't charge enough or at all, to keep the battery topped up.
I would have to look up my wiring diagram to see how I rewired her, but I'm sure someone on the board will be able rattle it off the top of their head. If not I will post on the board or email to you.
All the best with your girl
Kiwi Kev
"Classic Contracting"
66 Ford 5000 6X (semi retirement)
International 784 4WD
& looking at another tractor!
The old generator wiring is best to disconnect from generator and relay and remove or isolate to prevent shortcircuits. Check the polarity of the new alternator and if it is - ground like they normally are then you have to change the polarity of the battery cables. If it has an amp meter then it´s connecting wires is to be changed to. You can use the old charge pilot lamp if you connect it directly to the lampconnector on the alternator and the other wire to ign switch.
I'm sorry Kev, but you have upset me now! Putting an alternator on a tractor that should have a generator is like putting alloy wheels on your tractor. It just look horrible. It looks so out of place.
I know a lot of blokes with little grey tractors use alternators, I just thought Fordson owners were above such desecration.
It's OK, I'll feel better in the morning!
It depends on why you have a tracktor. If you restore a tractor to it´s original shape, then an alternator is out of question, but if you have it for some own use in your garden or for light farmwork then it´s ok. Mine is not original in any way but i like the look of it even thou i have an alternator.
Grani
I also like 6 cylinder E1A's (if they are done properly) although i don't have one.
I'd better not tell you about my 4WD conversion to my Major then
It all comes down to what you want your tractor for.
Mine is a working tractor, therefore needs to be practical and reliable.
Kiwi Kev
"Classic Contracting"
66 Ford 5000 6X (semi retirement)
International 784 4WD
& looking at another tractor!
Thanks for all the replies...
Yea I am planning to keep using my tractor so that's why I was thinking about the alternater conversion.... Still not sure if I will do it though.
I find it a little harder to get parts for these in the US than in the UK. I'd like to order a new front crowl but I bet the shipping from the UK would be very expensive.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I fired "Ol Blue" up the other day for the first time in over 5 years!!
With the starter in the shop I had to pull it off with my Ford 340.
After pulling it around a little bit and getting the new diesel fuel pumped through the new fuel pump and filters it fired up!!
I let it run awhile and it was clearing up.
The AC fuel filter was leaking a little so I got to reseat the filter and see if I can get that fixed.
Hopefully I'll have a new starter by next week.
I'll keep ya updated on my progress of "Ol Blue"
She sure runs better with an oil change and all those new parts!!
I also have a "family" Power Major that I have been driving for over 40 years and others I have collected as well. I am nearby in Spartanburg SC, so phone anytime to discuss! You will be surprised about what parts are available and also the parts that are not available here in the US. The most important thing is do not risk damaging the engine block! A good block is almost impossible to find and most other parts are available.
I have bought a couple items from them, very fast shipping and reasonable pricing on most items. Plus there are close, probably a little closer to you than me.
Got my new starter put on this morning.
I hope to get it wired up by tomorrow.
Also
I finally found some serial numbers stamped in the block
They read 1426564
These numbers are stamped above where the fuel injector pump is located on the right hand side.
)