The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

I’ve had a generator for some time. It was a standby unit on a local dairy farm for many years, little used since they were connected to a major supply line which rarely failed. As the farm’s power use increased, the 10Kva unit was soon outclassed and it stood idle.
Eventually it was moved out, and I acquired it in a swap. It’s a substantial bit of kit, heavy steel framework supporting a Fordson Major engine, linked by a propshaft to the electrical bits. After some tidying it ran well and even lit a bank of lightbulbs. As often happens, if something isn’t needed regularly, it gets neglected, but I’ve finally got round to giving it some attention. After all, if the power went off for a couple of days, a standby would be more use than a stood-down.
I’ve often wondered what age it is. The pre-engaged starter is marked 61, the dynamo 57. FoMoCo cast into the block suggests later. I’ve now discovered a date, low on the block between starter and dipstick: 23 3 67. Pneumatic governor, FL head.
This suggests that a late engine was dressed with whatever parts were available.
New water pump now fitted, I’ll give her a go soon.

Sounds like a good find. You'll need to look at other casting codes as well as the serial number. A fair mix of dates, but not conclusive without more details. What sump and mounting plate does it have? I suspect it could be a built up engine but more details will clear this up. By the time the block was cast the 6 cylinder engine was almost gone, the last K series lorries came out in July, the petrol models still used the Major but all diesel K series used 2700E engines. That is the main difference between the K series and NC Thames Trader. A spare generator is great to have, if you had to use it for any time you'd be changing the oil around once a week (actually slightly more).
Sandy