ENGINES COVERED: Petrol engine, 80mm bore (TE-A20) Petrol engine, 85mm bore (TE-A20) Vaporising oil engine, 85mm bore (TE-D20) Lamp oil engine 85mm bore (TE-H20) Diesel engine (TE-F20)
Specifications - Engine - Cooling System - Fuel System - Governor - Electrical - Lighting - Clutch - Transmission - Axle - Hydraulics - Power Take Off - Steering - Brakes - Wheels and Tires - Body - Narrow and Industrial Variants - Special Tools - and much more.
About the Massey Ferguson TE20
The model name came from Tractor, England 20 horsepower . The TE range of Ferguson tractors was introduced in England in 1946,following 30 years of continuous development of 'The Ferguson System' from 1916. The first work was to design a plough and linkage to integrate the tractor with its work in a manner that was an engineering whole. The automatic control system is now employed by almost all tractor manufacturers worldwide. A British patent was applied for by Harry Ferguson in 1925 and granted the following year. By the early 1930s the linkage design was finalised and is now adopted as international standard category I. Just one prototype Ferguson System tractor, known as the Ferguson Black, was built to further technical development and for demonstrating to potential manufacturers. During 1936 the first production Ferguson tractors were built in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, by the David Brown Company.
### Headlight Replacement on a Massey Ferguson 1946 TE-20 Tractor
#### Tools Needed:
1. **Socket Wrench Set** - For removing the headlight assembly.
2. **Screwdriver Set** - Flathead and Phillips for various screws.
3. **Pliers** - For handling wiring connectors.
4. **Wire Strippers/Cutters** - If wiring needs to be modified.
5. **Replacement Headlight Bulb** - Ensure it's compatible (typically 6V).
6. **Electrical Tape** - For insulating any exposed wires.
7. **Clean Cloth** - For wiping surfaces.
#### Safety Precautions:
1. **Disconnect the Battery** - Always disconnect the negative terminal before starting work to avoid electrical shock or short circuits.
2. **Wear Safety Glasses** - Protect your eyes from debris when removing the headlight.
3. **Work in a Well-Ventilated Area** - If working indoors, ensure good ventilation due to potential fumes.
#### Step-by-Step Process:
1. **Disconnect the Battery:**
- Use a socket wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal and remove the cable. Secure it away from the battery.
2. **Remove the Headlight Assembly:**
- Locate the screws or bolts holding the headlight assembly in place. These are usually found at the back of the headlight housing.
- Use the appropriate socket or screwdriver to remove these fasteners. Keep them in a safe place for reinstallation.
3. **Disconnect the Wiring:**
- Gently pull the headlight assembly away from the bracket.
- Locate the wiring connector; it may have a locking tab. Use pliers to carefully squeeze and release the tab to disconnect the wiring.
4. **Remove the Old Bulb:**
- Depending on the design, twist or pull the bulb out of the headlight housing. If there are retaining clips, carefully remove them first.
- Inspect the socket for any corrosion or damage.
5. **Install the New Bulb:**
- Take your new headlight bulb, being careful not to touch the glass with your fingers (oil can reduce bulb lifespan). If you accidentally touch it, clean it with a cloth.
- Insert the new bulb into the headlight housing, securing it in place with clips if necessary.
6. **Reconnect the Wiring:**
- Connect the wiring harness to the new bulb. Ensure it clicks into place securely.
- Check that there are no exposed wires; use electrical tape to insulate if needed.
7. **Reinstall the Headlight Assembly:**
- Position the headlight assembly back into the bracket.
- Replace the screws or bolts removed earlier and tighten them securely without over-tightening, which could crack the housing.
8. **Reconnect the Battery:**
- Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut with a socket wrench.
9. **Test the Headlight:**
- Start the tractor and turn on the headlights to ensure they are functioning correctly.
#### Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- **Touching the Bulb** - Always handle the new bulb by its base to avoid oil contamination.
- **Forgetting to Disconnect the Battery** - This can cause electrical shocks or damage to the electrical system.
- **Not Checking Compatibility** - Ensure the replacement bulb matches the original specifications (voltage and fitting type).
- **Loose Connections** - Make sure all wiring connections are secure to prevent flickering or failure.
### Replacement Parts:
- **Headlight Bulb** - Typically a 6V bulb for this model; confirm specifications.
- **Sealing Gasket** - Check the condition of the gasket around the headlight; replace if cracked or dry-rotted.
By following these steps and precautions, you can successfully replace the headlight on a Massey Ferguson 1946 TE-20 tractor. rteeqp73
The clutch master cylinder in a Massey Ferguson 1946 TE-20 tractor is responsible for transferring the force from the clutch pedal to the clutch mechanism. If the master cylinder is faulty, it can lead to a lack of hydraulic pressure, causing the clutch to not engage or disengage properly. Replacing the master cylinder restores this hydraulic function, allowing for proper control of the clutch.
### Theory of Replacement
1. **Diagnosis**: Identify signs of failure, such as a spongy clutch pedal, difficulty disengaging the clutch, or visible leaks around the master cylinder. A faulty master cylinder can lead to air entering the hydraulic system or loss of fluid, impairing clutch operation.
2. **Preparation**: Gather tools and replacement parts. This typically includes a new master cylinder, wrenches, screwdrivers, and possibly brake fluid or hydraulic fluid.
3. **Fluid Removal**: Before removing the master cylinder, it’s important to drain the hydraulic fluid to prevent spills and contamination. This step is critical as it ensures a clean environment and prevents air from entering the system during replacement.
4. **Disconnection**: Disconnect the hydraulic lines and any electrical connections (if applicable) to the master cylinder. This step is necessary to separate the faulty component from the hydraulic system without damaging other components.
5. **Removal**: Unbolt the master cylinder from its mounting location. This involves removing any securing bolts or brackets holding it in place. Proper removal ensures that the new component can be installed without obstruction.
6. **Installation of New Cylinder**: Position the new master cylinder and secure it with bolts. This restores the structural integrity of the hydraulic system.
7. **Reconnection**: Reattach the hydraulic lines and any electrical connections. This allows the hydraulic fluid to flow to the new master cylinder, enabling it to function correctly.
8. **Bleeding the System**: After installation, bleed the hydraulic system to remove any air. Air in the system can cause sponginess in the clutch pedal and ineffective clutch operation. Bleeding restores the hydraulic pressure needed for proper clutch function.
9. **Testing**: Finally, test the clutch operation by pressing the pedal and checking for proper engagement/disengagement of the clutch. This ensures that the new master cylinder is functioning correctly and that the hydraulic system is sealed and air-free.
### Conclusion
Replacing the clutch master cylinder restores the hydraulic pressure necessary for clutch operation, resolving issues related to clutch engagement. Understanding each step's purpose helps in diagnosing similar issues in the future and ensures that the repair is effective. rteeqp73
Short overview
- The TE‑20’s fuel system is simple: fuel tank → filler strainer → fuel tap/petcock → sediment strainer/bowl → lift pump → fuel line → carburettor float bowl and jets. Cleaning restores reliable flow and correct mixture so the engine starts, idles and runs under load. Dirty fuel, water, varnish and rust are the usual causes of poor running.
Components (what each part is, how it looks, how it works)
1. Fuel tank
- Large metal tank under the bonnet. Holds the fuel. Inside can collect rust, old varnish, sludge and water at the bottom. Has a filler cap and usually a coarse mesh/felt strainer under the cap.
2. Filler strainer
- Simple screen in the filler neck that stops big bits going in. Can be removed and clogged with dirt or petrol varnish.
3. Fuel tap / petcock
- Manual shut‑off valve between tank and outside world. Often a brass lever or screw. When closed it stops flow; if plugged it prevents fuel from reaching the engine.
4. Sediment bowl / strainer
- A glass or brass bowl mounted low on the tractor (or directly under the tank) with a removable screen and a drain. It catches grit and allows water to settle at the bottom so you can drain it. Often the first place debris accumulates.
5. Fuel lines (metal and rubber)
- Rigid pipes and rubber hoses carrying fuel. Old hoses harden/crack; metal pipes corrode internally. Internal corrosion and collapsed hoses restrict flow and introduce debris.
6. Mechanical lift/pressure pump (engine‑driven diaphragm pump)
- Small pump on the block that draws fuel from the tank and supplies the carburettor. It has an internal leather/rubber diaphragm and inlet/outlet valves (ball or reed) and usually a small strainer at the inlet. If the diaphragm is perished or valves are gummed, fuel flow drops or stops.
7. Inline filter (if fitted)
- A paper or mesh cartridge in a housing. Traps fine debris. If clogged it reduces flow.
8. Carburettor (float chamber, float, needle valve, jets, emulsion tube)
- Float bowl holds a small reserve of fuel. A float and needle/seat keep the level correct. Jets meter fuel into the venturi. Small passages and jets are easily blocked by varnish or grit. Float sticking or a worn needle will flood or starve the carb.
9. Tank breather
- Small vent to atmosphere; if blocked it can cause a vacuum in the tank and starve the engine.
Theory—why cleaning is needed and how the system works (analogy)
- Think of the fuel system as the engine’s blood supply. The tank is the reservoir, the pump is the heart, the carb jets are capillaries. Any sludge, rust flakes or water are “clots” or contaminants that block capillaries (jets) or gum up the heart (pump), starving the engine or making it run erratically. Old petrol forms gum/varnish that narrows passages. Water sits at the bottom and can cause misfires or corrosion. The mechanical pump needs a flexible diaphragm and clean check valves to move fuel; debris can tear the diaphragm or block valves.
Common failure modes (what can go wrong)
- Tank full of rust/varnish/sludge: restricts flow and repeatedly re-contaminates cleaned parts.
- Water in tank: causes misfires and rust.
- Clogged filler strainer or sediment bowl: reduced flow, intermittent running.
- Perished pump diaphragm or leaking pump valves: little/no fuel flow.
- Cracked/blocked fuel hose: air leaks causing lean running or no fuel.
- Blocked carb jets, gummed passages, sticky float or needle: hard starting, poor idle, bogging, flooding.
- Worn needle or seat: float problems and flooding; or poor sealing and starvation.
- Blocked breather causing tank vacuum and starvation.
Tools and supplies you’ll need
- Basic hand tools: screwdrivers, spanners/wrenches set (imperial sizes common on TE‑20), pliers, wire brush.
- Flat container for old fuel, rags, towels.
- Small parts tray, magnet for picking up metal flakes.
- Carburettor cleaner spray / non‑water solvent (petrol, diesel, or dedicated cleaner), brass wire, pipe cleaners, compressed air (careful).
- New gaskets and seals: sediment bowl gasket, carb float bowl gasket, carb needle and seat kit, pump diaphragm and gasket kit, fuel hose, hose clips.
- Replacement fuel filter element or fine mesh.
- Safety: fuel resistant gloves, eye protection, good ventilation, fire extinguisher; no sparks or open flames.
- Optional: tank cleaner or rust remover, fuel tank liner (if tank badly corroded), magnet pick‑up, new fuel pump kit.
Step‑by‑step cleaning procedure (beginner friendly)
Safety first: Work outside or in a well‑ventilated area. No smoking, open flames, or sparks. Disconnect battery earth if you’ll be doing a lot of wrenching near electrical bits.
A. Preliminary checks and preparation
1. Turn off fuel tap and remove as much fuel as practical into a safe container for reuse or proper disposal.
2. Put rags under work areas to catch drips. Place drain pan beneath carb and pump.
B. Clean/inspect the tank
1. Remove filler strainer and clean or replace it. If it’s cloth/felt, replace.
2. If tank only slightly dirty: drain bottom through petcock and rinse with clean petrol (not water). Swish and drain until runs clear. Use a rag on a stick to remove loose sludge.
3. If heavily rusted or sludgy: remove tank from tractor (supports/bolts), empty properly and consider professional tank cleaning or using a tank rust remover and then lining (Tank-Kote). You can use mechanical cleaning (rotate gravel inside and shake) as a temporary fix, but be aware this can damage paint and may leave abrasive grit—flush thoroughly afterward.
4. Check tank breather is clear.
C. Sediment bowl and petcock
1. Place pan under bowl. Close valve if necessary and unscrew the bowl. Catch any sediment/water.
2. Remove the bowl screen/mesh and clean with solvent/brush. Inspect for holes or damage; replace if necessary. Replace bowl gasket.
3. Inspect the petcock for muck. Disassemble if possible, clean out inside and seat, replace washers if deteriorated.
D. Fuel lines and hoses
1. Disconnect lines (note routing); blow through (from tank end toward pump) with low pressure compressed air or use safe flow of fresh fuel to flush. Replace rubber hoses older than ~5–10 years or showing cracks, swelling, or softness. Replace any corroded metal pipe.
2. Replace hose clips—use new stainless clips or correct vintage style.
E. Mechanical fuel pump
1. Remove pump mounting bolts. Disconnect inlet and outlet lines.
2. Disassemble pump per the workshop manual or repair kit: remove cover, take out diaphragm, check valves (balls or flapper), inlet screen.
3. Clean all parts in solvent. Replace diaphragm, gaskets, and valve components if worn or hardened. Leather diaphragms should be replaced; modern rubber/α/fluoro options may be available in repro kits.
4. Reassemble with new gaskets, ensuring valve orientation is correct (check inlet/outlet marking).
5. With pump off the engine, you can test by hand action or by connecting a small pipe: pull/push diaphragm gently to see if suction/pressure is produced. Better test after refit by checking flow at carb inlet.
F. Carburettor cleaning and inspection
1. Remove carburettor from manifold. Put it on a clean workbench.
2. Remove float bowl. Carefully remove float, hinge pin and needle valve. Inspect float for dents (if metal) or leaks (if plastic) by submerging in solvent—leaks mean replace.
3. Remove main jets, slow‑running jets, emulsion tube, and any brass fittings. Keep parts in order.
4. Use carb cleaner and brass brush to remove varnish and debris. Blow out small passages with compressed air from the largest openings to smallest; never use too high pressure—use a regulated low‑pressure source and point away from yourself.
5. Do not file or enlarge jets. Use a fine wire only if a soft varnish plug is present—not aggressive metal wire that can alter orifice size.
6. Clean float needle and seat. If seat is worn, replace. Fit new needle if tip is damaged.
7. Check float height: if you don’t have TE‑20 spec, set float to allow correct fuel level—general method: with carb inverted and float resting, measure distance between gasket face and top of float (or follow a reputable workshop manual for exact mm). If unsure, compare to known good unit or set so float just barely closes the needle: too low = lean; too high = flooding.
8. Reassemble with new float bowl gasket.
G. Inline filter (if present)
1. Open housing, remove element, clean or replace element. Mesh elements may be cleaned in solvent and dried.
H. Reassembly and leak check
1. Refit fuel pump to engine, ensuring gaskets clean and bolts torqued.
2. Reconnect lines, making sure they are routed without sharp bends or chafing.
3. Refit sediment bowl with new gasket.
4. Fill tank with fresh fuel. Open petcock.
5. Prime the pump if needed: some manual pumps have a lever to prime; otherwise turn engine over with choke open or crank with ignition disabled briefly to pull fuel into carb bowl. Observe fuel filling the sediment bowl (if transparent) and carb bowl via drain plug or a temporary clear hose.
6. Check for leaks at all connections.
I. Starting and tuning
1. Start engine and let it warm slowly with choke as needed.
2. Watch for smooth idle, no stalls on acceleration, and no fuel leaks.
3. Adjust mixture and idle as normal for TE‑20: adjust idle screw and mixture until smooth idle. If the engine still runs poorly, re‑inspect carb jets and float level.
4. After running, recheck all connections for leaks.
Testing to confirm success
- Steady, strong fuel flow into carb bowl when priming and engine cranking.
- Smooth idle and easy starting.
- No sputter under load and no fuel smells around engine (indicating leaks).
- No water in sediment bowl.
Maintenance schedule and tips
- Drain sediment bowl daily during initial use after cleaning, then check weekly.
- Replace fuel hose that shows any age signs; rubber hardens.
- Use fresh fuel and consider a fuel stabilizer if stored.
- Periodic carb cleaning every season or when performance drops.
- Keep a small spare sediment bowl gasket, pump diaphragm kit, and carb needle in your tool kit.
Troubleshooting quick guide
- No fuel flow at pump inlet: tank/petcock/blockage—clean tank, petcock, sediment bowl.
- Pump makes noise but no flow: diaphragm failed or valves stuck—rebuild/replace pump.
- Engine starts then dies: small leak or vacuum in tank—check breather; check petcock position; check float needle seating.
- Poor idle and hesitation: clogged slow jet or pilot passages in carb, or incorrect float level.
- Flooding and black smoke: stuck float or worn needle/seat.
Parts to keep on hand
- Sediment bowl gasket and bowl screen
- Fuel pump diaphragm kit
- Carb float needle and seat kit
- Carb gasket set and float bowl gasket
- Fuel hose and clamps
- Inline filter element
Final cautions
- Work safely around fuel. Use proper containers for old fuel disposal. Clean solvent away from painted surfaces. If tank is heavily corroded inside, consider professional tank repair or replacement—rust inside a tank will continually contaminate cleaned parts.
This gives you the full route: start at the tank, follow the lines through the sediment bowl and pump, finish at the carburettor. Clean or replace each filter, screen, valve and gasket and test flow at each stage — that’s how you ensure reliable, long‑term running on a TE‑20. rteeqp73