1953 Major engine rebuild

[porteous]

Just been down to visit my Major in the local engineers workshop. A couple of months ago the tractor went in for a service (1st since I bought her) and we found a slight blow on the head gasket, which explained the slightly high engine running temperature. It seems common sense to fit a full engine rebuild kit if the head was coming off anyway, since there wan an oil leak on the crankshaft and the oil pressure is pretty much nothing when warm.

It was like visiting a relative in hospital, I was genuinely nervous. Anyway, head off, sump off , liners and pistons out. I am surprised at the simplicity of the engineering. After 60 years (come September) I reckon the old girl is due a heart/lung transplant, which should see her good for another 60.


fordson engine rebuild 002 by CraigWales, on Flickr


fordson engine rebuild 003 by CraigWales, on Flickr

[AdrianNPMajor]

Totally agree. With a rebuilt engine your Major will see us all out!

Best

Adrian

[porteous]

I think you are right about that Adrian. Mind you, the massive elderly John Deere behind my Major is so heavily built I can see that doing another 100! I wonder how many of the electronically and mechanically complex tractors being built today will last half as long as either of these two old stagers.

[Pavel]

Maybe the mechanicals will last a couple of decades -- but I very much doubt that the electronics will. They are also much more sensitive [and expensive] to correct service and maintenance. Viva la oldies!

Pavel

[super6954]

Hi Guys
Ive had this discussion with a few guys in the last couple of years about stuff on farms now and how long it will last compared to the older stuff restored or working still now.
We have all pretty much come to the conclusion, In 60 years all that will probably be in vintage/ classic shows if still going, Will be the stuff that's there now but the Major and others will be 120 + years old .
we think as it can be hard to get electronic parts for some of the first generation electronics on farm equipment that this stuff guys have now, will be long gone and that the average Joe won't be able to restore it at home , like the guys do with the stuff from the early 80's and before now .
Regards Robert

[AdrianNPMajor]

I'd agree, Robert. The reason the Major is worth restoring is that once done, you've got a machine that is useful. And it's the usefulness, all encapsulated in a bit of kit that post renovation owes you probably £2k, that means that the Major is worth having around. You can paint it and show it, and a lot fun is to be had doing that. But you can also rely on it to start on a cold morning in December, even where they have real winters like you, Robert, to do a job of work.

Mod cons are all very well, but it's the basics that matter, and the Major is just that - basic. And all the more powerful for it. While there is still soil to be tilled, and replacement parts are still available, the Major will be out there somewhere chugging away. Even in 120 years time.

By the way, my Major has got a mod con - air conditioning. On a cold day I get cool air, and on a hot day I get warm air!

Best

Adrian

[porteous]

I'd agree, Robert. The reason the Major is worth restoring is that once done, you've got a machine that is useful. And it's the usefulness, all encapsulated in a bit of kit that post renovation owes you probably £2k, that means that the Major is worth having around. You can paint it and show it, and a lot fun is to be had doing that. But you can also rely on it to start on a cold morning in December, even where they have real winters like you, Robert, to do a job of work.

Mod cons are all very well, but it's the basics that matter, and the Major is just that - basic. And all the more powerful for it. While there is still soil to be tilled, and replacement parts are still available, the Major will be out there somewhere chugging away. Even in 120 years time.

By the way, my Major has got a mod con - air conditioning. On a cold day I get cool air, and on a hot day I get warm air!

Best

Adrian

A little over £2k Adrian, but not much, and she had brand new tyres on when I got her. Cheap for a working tool pretty much as good as it was when it left the factory.

Just had a call from Gary, the engineer, to say that she will be ready to pick up at lunchtime, once he's run her up to bed the rings in. She was in remarkably good order, the block was completely sound and the only damage we could find was a broken valve spring which may have been working broke for years.
A Good Day!

Now I'm back to the old "To paint or not to paint" question. Since the tractor is completely original and quite early I must say I am likely to leave her as she is.

[county654]

When the pictures show the original paint, don´t even think about painting it!

[AdrianNPMajor]

You're going to love the crack of the exhaust note of your rebuilt engine. Music a Major owner's ears!

Another fantastic tractor ready to take on many years of hard work.

Best

Adrian