Bens Dexta - 2

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:00 pm

Following on from my previous "Ben's Dexta - 1" thread, we've removed the front axle.
We tried to turn the engine with a 3/4" drive+bar on the pulley nut. The nut turned but the crankshaft didn't, so conclude the engine is well seized.

We drained over a gallon of water + some oil from the sump. Removed the injectors and poured in patent cocktail - ATF, diesel and Coca Cola.

It appears that an engine rebuild is called for. I have had a favourable report from a friend who's rebuilt several dextas of Areon Engines Services, Felinfach, Lampeter, Dyfed. Can anyone second this, or suggest another good value place for either a block rebuild or a full engine rebuild, preferably in the midlands/Wales area?

Any advice appreciated, thanks,
Ben

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:35 pm

My engine is seized and a rebuild is in the offing.

One engine shop who rebuilds Dexta engines said their usual practice is to fit new but oversize liners, then re-bore to match the new pistons and rings. I'm just wondering why they would do this? Is it not possible to get matching liners and pistons? Perhaps I should ask them!

All the best,
Ben

Mike Kuscher · Post by **Mike Kuscher** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:54 pm

Ben,

For the Major, new liners are to finished size, so just 'fit in' along with the new pistons and rings.

The Dexta is different !
The liners are unfinished. They must be fitted into the block first, then finish bored to size, otherwise you will wreck all your hard work.

Mike

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:53 pm

Mike Kuscher wrote:The Dexta is different !
The liners are unfinished. They must be fitted into the block first, then finish bored to size, otherwise you will wreck all your hard work.
Mike

Mike,
Many thanks for the explanation. So for the Dexta finish boring after fitting is standard. Interesting that this is not the case for the Major liners.
All the best,
Ben

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 6:45 pm

Completed our first refurb today - the injectors. Before, none were working:

After servicing by Peter Strong, Grazeley Green, nr Reading who is highly recommended for fuel injection servicing.

.

Just need a serviceable engine to put them in now!
All the best,
Ben

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:50 pm

Hi,
I'm gathering info to register my Dexta, but am having difficulty interpreting the casting code on the right back axle. Below is a photo of the rear side of the right back axle:

Below is a close up of what I believe to be a casting code:

Can anyone help me decipher this casting code, as it appears to read 22 J 4, which I don't think makes any sense according to the info on the website?

The other casting codes which I have been able to decipher all end in the letter F, example below from the gearbox (L20F):

which I think agrees with the tractor serial no which starts 09A (Nov-Dec 61). The buff reg doc shows that the tractor was first registered in Jan 1962.

Any help appreciated!
Many thanks,
Ben

Post by **Brian** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:37 pm

The casting code is J4D so that gives July 4th 1960. The gearbox is September 20th 1961 so the axle castings had been hanging around for over a year which is possible. Or they could have been replaced though as they are both the same I would doubt it.

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:59 pm

Brian wrote:The casting code is J4D so that gives July 4th 1960. The gearbox is September 20th 1961 so the axle castings had been hanging around for over a year which is possible. Or they could have been replaced though as they are both the same I would doubt it.

Brian,
Thanks. But what is the '22' that appears to be at the start of the axle code?
Thanks again.
Ben

Lesfen · Post by **Lesfen** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 6:10 am

Ben,
That's a puzzler! (Is an ex Fordson employee somewhere giggling?)
What date does the left axle show?

Cheers,
Les

Mervyn Spencer · Post by **Mervyn Spencer** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:23 am

Hi Ben

To me that code reads L20F? Is it possible to scratch a bit more around that area?

Cheers
Mervyn

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:58 am

Mervyn Spencer wrote:To me that code reads L20F? Is it possible to scratch a bit more around that area?

Yes I'm happy that is what the gearbox code is (3rd image). Still puzzling over the axle code - I'll try to clean it up better and also try to read the left axle, but it is more corroded.
All the best,
Ben

Post by **Brian** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:03 am

L20F is the September code on the gear box.

The "22" is not part of the Ford coding system so can be ignored.

All the casting codes are given on the first page of this site in the information section.

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:08 pm

Brian wrote:The "22" is not part of the Ford coding system so can be ignored.

All the casting codes are given on the first page of this site in the information section.

Brian,
On re-reading the info on casting codes ^, I see it says that the rear axle casting code is located on the FRONT side of the axle. So please can you confirm that this code

is not relevant to dating the axle? Do I need to find another code on the front of the axle?
Many thanks for you help.
Ben

Post by **Brian** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 3:56 pm

Ben,

That is the casting code. There is no code on the front of the axle. The code is situated on the back and can be seen from the rear. Yours is just poorly formed or rusted off.

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 5:12 pm

Brian wrote:Ben,
That is the casting code. There is no code on the front of the axle. The code is situated on the back and can be seen from the rear. Yours is just poorly formed or rusted off.

Brian,
So you think my code is J 4 D and the '22' is irrelevant?

Sorry to labour this - it's all a bit puzzling! Hopefully the DVLA man won't cause probs if/when he wants to look at it. I would rather have my ducks in a row!

Thanks again,
Ben

Post by **Brian** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:10 am

He will not be concerned about axle codes, he is more interested in the serial number and whether it is a tractor or not.

You need to send pictures of the tractor and pictures of the serial number. They will prove your date. The axles are removable and could have been fitted at any time. But the serial number should be on record as that is the identity number and can date the tractor too.

BarryT · Post by **BarryT** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:40 pm

Hi Ben,

It depends on the person that deals with your request from the DVLA. When I registered my Dexta I sent up a complete set of photos showing all the casting codes and serilal number as proof of year but they still sent a chap on a 100+ mile journey to check them out, he was only with me for 10 minutes if that.

However they were very quick in dealing with my application I must give them that credit and Thomas Andrews was also excellent.

Regards,

Barry

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:37 pm

I've removed the rear wheels:

They've now been stripped down by our local agricultural engineer who says the centres are OK but the rims are too badly corroded and weak.

So it looks like we need new rims unless a pair of sound 2nd hand wheels come up.

Does anyone have advice on where best to get a pair of rims (the tyres are 12.4s)?
Thanks,
Ben

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 2:49 pm

Stripped the rear wheels:

Need to replace the rear rims.

Old 28" rims measure 9" internal bead width.

Advice appreciated on whether to get new 9", 10" or 11" internal width rims. Plan to keep the 12.4x28 tyres.

Your advice appreciated.
Thanks
Ben

The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Bens Dexta - 2

Bens Dexta - 2

Engine rebuilding - WHY REBORE?

Unfinished liners

FIRST REFURB - INJECTORS

Casting Code

Axle casting code

Rear Axle Casting Code

Rims for Rear Wheels

Rims for Rear Wheels