The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hi,
I am new to the group, hello everyone. My wife recently surprised me for my birthday with a 1954 Fordson New Major. It runs very well, starts first crank every time and everything seems to be working fine except for the power lift. The power lift goes up and down fine, isn't slow and is smooth. But under load it doesn't hold position and will fall from top to bottom in about 20-30 seconds.

After searching this group, the first thing I pulled was the unload valve. This has some damage as shown in the attached photo. I think this could be responsible or partly responsible but am not sure if this level of damage alone could account for the quick rate of fall. I would appreciate thoughts from the group on this.

If this is the issue, does anyone have any guidance on how this may be repaired? A search of the web did not find any available replacement parts, unless anyone has any suggestions?

Thanks
Tony

Hello Tony,
Spot on. Theres the problem. You could try to find a used one. I have never seen them as a spare part.
a second option could be to hard solder the hole and than grind is on a machine, but than you would have to know a person or shop to help you.

Just an update on this. Replaced the unloading valve, problem was slightly better but still exists.

So decided to pull the piston, really easy to do on the New Major. Found the piston seal had holes in it, also that it had been secured to the piston using an old jam jar lid rather than the proper cover. Fortunately I had picked up a spare power lift unit from a Fordson that had been in a bush fire, so while the seals were all cooked the piston steel parts were ok. The seal itself was available on ebay, once that turned up secured the new seal with the donor piston seal cover onto the original piston, refitted and all is now good with the power lift. Tested lifting a 300kg round bale and it held position perfectly.

So all has been now good with the New Major except found the radiator has a leak and the rev counter broken connection started to leak oil which I posted about today! Then the only issue I have left is one side brakes aren't working, something I am slightly worried about as I can't see spare parts on ebay - but I haven't had a look yet and the cause of the problem.