Early major decompressor lever

[porteous]

I have a recently acquired 1953 New Major Diesel, in good condition. I noticed the decompressor lever (like a bit of bent wire on mine) was loose in the head. When tightened the control is pretty much solid and I am worried about having it pointing the wrong way when starting, with consequent damage. How should it look when NOT engaged?

Many thanks.

[fnoller]

Hi

My lever is down when not used

[Kiwi Kev]

Hi

My lever is down when not used

Horizontal is probably more correct (which is down, but not pointing down)
Kiwi Kev

[Gman]

Hello to all, hope everyone is well. You can see the round knob end on the lever in this picture on my Power Major.
It is closed at this position, when you open it the lever will move upward a few inches. Remember the rule, never crank with decompression lever in open position. Good luck.

[porteous]

Thanks guys

[super6954]

Hi Porteous
When you say about the decompressor being like a bent wire is this located at the back right side of the head casting or at the front of the rocker cover. if it is at the back of the head you have the early type not the later as in Gmans picture .

For the early type it is not an up down lever action. it is a push pull release. My book says on this early type slacken the lock nut, pull the lever fully out to decompress, then push it all the way in and secure with the lock nut to run the motor.
you should be able to take the rocker cover off( should be 2 screws in top) Maybe check the valve clearance if you havent done it too as the arms wear on the stem contact surface or they may not of been set for years , Then look at the valves that are fully up(closed) move the lever and you should see the valves get opened about an 1/8 to a 1/4 " if it is working properly when you pull the lever out, then close when pushed in .
Regards Robert

[porteous]

Robert;
Very many thanks. I'd worked out it was not the later one (shown in the handbook) but your detailed explanation as to how the thing works is a god send, especially as it explains why the lever tightens up as the lock nut is tightened. It now makes perfect sense. David

[super6954]

Robert;
Very many thanks. I'd worked out it was not the later one (shown in the handbook) but your detailed explanation as to how the thing works is a god send, especially as it explains why the lever tightens up as the lock nut is tightened. It now makes perfect sense. David

No problem David
I read your post the other day and thought one of the other guys would come on with the answer for the old type de compressor as I got busy with work and didn't have much spare time . I don' t like to hog the forum too much either as its not my place, and 30 pages of one guys replys to everybodys questions might not go over too well either, we all have to share
good luck and if you need any more help someone will get the answers you need on here im sure. It's a great place to be for info .
Regards Robert

[neilarmo]

forgive dragging an old thread up but I'm rebuilding a '52 E1A, is the safest option to just have the decompressor present but disconnected?
The man who rebuilt my head (3 years ago) seems to have made the decision for me.
What do the pedants at the tractor shows generally say?

ah found another thread which answers things, please ignore.

neil