The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hello All
I have recently been asked to renovate a fordson tractor by my mother in law. Whilst not a mechanic i am handy enough and with a bit of a steer from friends and plenty of time im confident ill get some noise out of her again (the tractor not the mother in law). Can any one here give me a steer on how to identify the major, i.e. what model / year. Heres a few pics (hopefully they will up load ok )

If I'm correct the serial number is 1369585 which makes your tractor a december 1955 major!

Give it a good clean with a power washer before you get your spanners on it.

Hello Dinny,

See you made it here whit a number of pictures.

It,s an early machine as Mathias say. The diesel pump has the four boulted cover plate instead of the later eight bolt cover.
Best to check if the engine has the same number as on the plate. It's found on the diesel pump side at the front cilinder just below the head. Theres a flat peace on the engine and it should have a number.

While you at there lower the lever on the front of the cover. It will never start in the up position but can damage the valves. It's a valve lifter.

From here, it looks in pretty good condition, and mostly complete - although it is missing the hose between the air filter and manifold, so put that on your shopping list, although the engine will start up without it.

Is there oil and water in it? Have you tried on a battery, does it turn over?
A car battery (one from, say, a 2-litre diesel car) should be big enough to start it in summer, although it would be better with a 643 or 644 size https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... y&_sacat=0

We already discussed in other threads, how to start a Major - push in the excess-fuel button on the pump, turn the key, then push down the horizontal lever on your left.

And if it won't fire, you could try this stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1YndLmbXQ

Wynns Wins!

Thanks for the info Gents,
First order of business is s good power wash. Then ive a few hoses to replace prior yo trying to start, also the wiring loom is in bits so ill be sourcing a new one.
Once again thanks for the inital steer
Regards Dinny