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.
- Safety first
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, stop engine, remove key and disconnect battery negative cable to avoid accidental starting.
- Chock wheels front and rear to prevent rolling.
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and old clothes. Gear oil is messy and carcinogenic on prolonged exposure.
- Work with adequate ventilation and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Tools you need (basic tools plus why and how to use each)
- Large drain pan (10–15 L / 2–4 gallons)
- Description: shallow steel or plastic pan with a wide mouth to catch oil.
- How to use: slide it under the gearbox drain plug before loosening the plug; oil will flow directly into it.
- Basic spanner/socket set (metric and imperial mix, 8–19 mm)
- Description: combination wrenches and a ratchet with common sockets.
- How to use: use the correctly sized wrench/socket to loosen/tighten the drain and fill plugs. Use breaker bar if bolt is stuck. Avoid rounding bolt heads by using the right size and pulling steady force.
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- Description: common screwdrivers for prying or removing small covers.
- How to use: use flat screwdriver carefully to remove small filler/dipstick plugs or pry off covers; protect surfaces with a rag.
- Funnel and long flexible hose or hand pump
- Description: funnel with a long spout or a hand-operated fluid transfer pump.
- How to use: funnel to pour new gear oil into the fill hole; hand pump is useful if fill hole is awkward or at an angle.
- Torque wrench (or a good feel for snug + manufacturer torque spec)
- Description: adjustable torque wrench to tighten plugs to spec.
- How to use: set to the torque spec (consult manual); tighten drain/fill plugs to that value to avoid stripping or overtightening.
- Clean rags and solvent/degreaser
- Description: lint-free rags and a mild degreaser.
- How to use: wipe areas clean before opening plugs; clean spilled oil immediately to prevent slips and contamination.
- Wire brush / gasket scraper
- Description: small metal brush or scraper for cleaning mating surfaces.
- How to use: remove old gasket material or rust from the fill/drain plug threads and mating surfaces before reinstalling.
- Rubber mallet (optional)
- Description: soft-headed hammer to tap stubborn parts without damaging.
- How to use: gently tap a plug or cover that’s stuck; avoid banging on delicate parts.
- Jack and axle stands (optional if access is limited)
- Description: hydraulic jack and stable stands to raise tractor safely.
- How to use: lift only from safe jacking points; always support with stands, never rely on jack alone.
- Oil-absorbent pads or kitty litter (for spill control)
- Description: granular material or pads to absorb drips.
- How to use: place under the work area and clean up spills immediately.
- Parts you should have on hand (recommended)
- New crush washer(s) or copper washer for drain plug
- Why: old washer often crushed and leaks when reused.
- How to use: remove old washer, fit new washer under plug, tighten to spec.
- Replacement fill and drain plug gaskets or O-rings (if rubber)
- Why: prevent leaks at threads or plug face.
- Small tube of thread sealant or anti-seize (engine oil safe)
- Why: helps prevent galling and may seal slightly porous threads—use sparingly and only a sealant rated for oil service.
- Rags and new gloves
- Fluids and specifications (important—verify with manual)
- Always check the Massey Ferguson TE-20 operator or service manual for the exact specification and capacity for the transmission (many older tractors use SAE 90 gear oil or a specified tractor hydraulic/transmission oil). If you cannot check the manual, a commonly used temporary choice on old gearboxes is straight gear oil (e.g., SAE 90), but confirm before filling.
- Typical fill method: fill until oil reaches the level check hole or until it begins to drip from the level plug. Do not overfill.
- Step-by-step procedure (basic tools, beginner-friendly)
- Prepare the tractor
- Park level, chock wheels, disconnect battery negative, let engine and drivetrain cool if recently used (warm oil drains easier but be careful of hot surfaces).
- Clean around fill and drain plugs so dirt doesn't enter the gearbox when you open them.
- Locate drain and fill/level plugs
- Drain plug: usually at the bottom of the gearbox case; position drain pan under it.
- Fill/level plug: typically on the side of the gearbox above the bottom; this determines correct oil level (oil should be at the bottom edge of the fill hole).
- Drain the old oil
- Loosen the drain plug with the correct wrench; remove slowly to let oil flow; let drain completely (10–30 minutes depending on temperature).
- Inspect oil in the pan: look for heavy metal particles, milky appearance (water contamination), or a burnt smell. Heavy metal flakes or a metallic sludge is a sign of internal wear—see parts replacement section below.
- Remove/inspect fill/level plug
- With oil drained, remove the fill/level plug to allow air in and allow faster drainage and later filling; inspect the plug and washer.
- Clean plug threads and mating surfaces
- Use wire brush and rags to clean; replace crush washer if fitted.
- Reinstall drain plug
- Fit new washer, thread plug by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to snug or to torque spec if available.
- Fill with new oil
- Place funnel in the fill hole or use the hand pump. Add new gear oil slowly.
- Fill until oil starts to seep out of the level/fill hole, or until the level reaches the correct mark/dipstick. Stop when you see oil at that hole; this is the correct level.
- Run and recheck
- Reconnect battery if disconnected. Start the engine briefly and move the gearbox through gears (with brakes on and clutch operation as appropriate) to allow oil to distribute.
- Shut off engine, wait a minute for oil to settle, then recheck the level and top up if necessary.
- Clean up and dispose of old oil
- Wipe off spills, tighten plugs securely, and properly dispose of used oil and contaminated rags at a recycling center. Do not pour oil down drains.
- Parts that commonly need replacement and why
- Drain plug crush/copper washer
- Why: these washers compress to seal; they deform and lose sealing ability each time removed. Replacement prevents slow leaks.
- Fill/level plug O-ring or gasket
- Why: prevents leaks at the fill hole. Many are inexpensive and easy to change.
- Input/output shaft seals (if you find external leaks)
- Why: oil leaks at the gearbox shaft seals allow loss of lubricant and contamination; seals harden with age and should be replaced if leaking.
- Replacement note: this can be intermediate-level work—may require removal of shaft covers or bearings; consider a shop if unsure.
- Gasket for gearbox cover/intermediate plate (if you remove cover)
- Why: sealed surfaces use gaskets that deteriorate; replace to prevent leaks.
- Bearings or gears (only if metal particles or loud noises)
- Why: heavy metal in drained oil or grinding noises indicate internal wear. These are major repairs and usually require a professional rebuild or specialist parts (bearings, gears, synchros if present).
- Filter (if your variant has an in-line or suction filter)
- Why: some tractors have small strainers/filters; clean or replace to maintain flow and reduce contamination.
- How to judge if you should stop and seek professional help
- Drained oil contains lots of shiny metal flakes or a metallic sheen.
- Gearbox makes grinding, knocking, or very loud whine noises during a quick run-through of gears.
- Oil level drops quickly after a correct fill (significant leak).
- You must remove large external components or the seal/shaft work is beyond your tools/comfort level.
- In any of these cases, stop and consult a qualified tractor mechanic.
- Quick troubleshooting and tips
- If a plug is stuck: apply penetrating oil, let soak several hours, use the correct-size tool and steady force. Heat around the plug (carefully) can help break corrosion—avoid flare or open flame.
- If you cannot access the fill hole easily, use a hand pump to avoid spills.
- Keep a small notebook: record date, hours on tractor, oil brand and quantity for future maintenance.
- Dispose of used oil responsibly at recycling centers — illegal dumping harms the environment.
- Final checklist before finishing
- Drain plug and fill plug reinstalled and tightened to spec or snug.
- No visible leaks after run-through.
- Old oil and contaminated materials disposed of properly.
- New washer/gaskets installed where applicable.
- Closing safety reminder
- Gearbox work is straightforward for a simple drain-and-fill, but internal repairs are complex and potentially dangerous if attempted without experience. If you encounter heavy contamination, leaks that won’t stop, or internal damage signs, stop and have a professional inspect and repair.
No further questions asked. rteeqp73
- **Tools Required**:
- **Wrench Set**: A set of combination wrenches (both open-end and box-end) is necessary for removing bolts and nuts. You'll need various sizes, typically from 7/16" to 5/8".
- **Socket Set**: A socket wrench set with a ratchet and sockets in the same sizes as the wrenches will make it easier to remove and install bolts quickly.
- **Screwdriver**: A flathead screwdriver for prying off any clips or covers that might obstruct the radiator.
- **Pliers**: Needle-nose pliers can help grip small parts or remove clamps that hold hoses.
- **Drain Pan**: To catch any coolant that drains from the radiator.
- **Coolant**: Replacement coolant if you need to refill after the work is done.
- **Gasket Maker or RTV Sealant**: If you're replacing the radiator or its components, a sealant may be needed for a watertight fit.
- **New Radiator Hose**: If the hose is damaged or old, replacement is necessary to prevent leaks.
- **Replacement Radiator**: If the radiator itself is damaged (e.g., leaks, corrosion), a new one will be required.
- **Removing the Radiator**:
- **Park the Tractor**: Ensure the tractor is on a level surface and the engine is off and cool.
- **Drain Coolant**: Place a drain pan under the radiator and open the drain valve or remove the lower radiator hose to let the coolant flow out.
- **Remove the Radiator Hoses**: Use pliers to loosen and remove the clamps holding the hoses to the radiator. Pull the hoses off carefully.
- **Unbolt the Radiator**: Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts that secure the radiator to the frame. Keep the bolts in a safe place for reinstallation.
- **Lift Out the Radiator**: Carefully lift the radiator out of its mounting position.
- **Inspecting for Damage**:
- **Check the Radiator**: Look for cracks, corrosion, or leaks. If found, a replacement radiator is necessary.
- **Inspect Hoses**: Check both upper and lower hoses for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace if necessary.
- **Installing the New or Repaired Radiator**:
- **Position the New Radiator**: Place the new or repaired radiator back into the mounting brackets.
- **Bolt the Radiator**: Secure it back into position using the original bolts. Tighten them to ensure a firm fit but don’t overtighten to avoid stripping threads.
- **Reconnect Hoses**: Slide the hoses back onto the radiator and secure them with the clamps using pliers.
- **Refilling Coolant**:
- **Fill the Radiator**: Pour new coolant into the radiator until full.
- **Check the System**: Start the tractor and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks around the hoses and radiator.
- **Final Checks**:
- **Monitor Temperature**: Keep an eye on the temperature gauge to ensure the system is functioning correctly.
- **Dispose of Old Coolant**: Properly dispose of the old coolant according to local regulations.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove and replace the radiator on a Massey Ferguson 1947 TE-20 tractor. rteeqp73
- **Safety First**
- **Safety Goggles**: Protect your eyes from debris.
- **Gloves**: Wear gloves to protect your hands from oil and sharp edges.
- **Tools Required**
- **Socket Set**: Used for removing bolts and nuts. A ratchet handle will allow you to turn the sockets easily. Make sure to have various sizes, typically 10mm to 19mm.
- **Wrench Set**: Useful for tightening or loosening nuts in tight spaces where a socket won't fit.
- **Screwdriver Set**: Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers will help in removing any screws that may be present in the assembly.
- **Pry Bar**: A small pry bar can help remove the old seal from its housing if it’s stuck.
- **Seal Puller**: This specialized tool is designed to remove seals without damaging the surrounding area.
- **Torque Wrench**: Ensures that bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- **Shop Rag or Paper Towels**: For cleaning up oil spills and wiping hands.
- **Replacement Parts**
- **Output Shaft Seal**: This is the part you’ll be replacing. It prevents oil from leaking out of the transmission. Make sure to get the exact part that fits your Massey Ferguson 1947 TE-20.
- **Gasket or O-Ring**: Depending on the assembly, you may also need a new gasket or O-ring to prevent leaks.
- **Preparation**
- **Drain Oil**: Place a drain pan under the tractor and remove the drain plug from the transmission to let the oil out.
- **Remove PTO Shaft (if applicable)**: If your TE-20 has a Power Take-Off (PTO), you may need to remove the PTO shaft to access the output shaft seal.
- **Accessing the Seal**
- **Locate the Output Shaft**: Look for the shaft where it exits the transmission housing.
- **Remove Bolts**: Use the socket set to remove any bolts securing the cover or housing around the output shaft. Keep track of each bolt and where it belongs.
- **Removing the Old Seal**
- **Use Seal Puller**: Insert the seal puller behind the old seal and gently pry it out. Be careful not to damage the housing.
- **Inspect the Area**: Check the output shaft for any damage or wear. If the shaft is damaged, it might require replacement.
- **Installing the New Seal**
- **Clean the Area**: Wipe the seal housing and output shaft with a clean rag to remove debris.
- **Lubricate the New Seal**: Apply a thin layer of oil to the lip of the new output shaft seal. This helps it slide into place more easily.
- **Insert the New Seal**: Use your hands or a flat surface to press the new seal into place. Ensure it sits flush with the housing. A flat piece of wood can help gently tap it in without damaging it.
- **Reassembly**
- **Reattach Housing/Cover**: Put any covers or housings back in place and secure them with bolts. Use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified torque settings (check the manual for the correct torque).
- **Reinstall PTO Shaft (if applicable)**: If you removed a PTO shaft, reinstall it now.
- **Refill Oil**
- **Replace Drain Plug**: Reinstall the drain plug after all oil has drained.
- **Refill Transmission Oil**: Use the appropriate oil for your tractor and fill it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- **Final Check**
- **Inspect for Leaks**: Start the tractor and let it run for a few minutes. Check around the new seal for any signs of oil leaking.
- **Clean Up**: Dispose of old oil and seal properly, and clean up any spills.
Following these steps should help you successfully replace the output shaft seal on your Massey Ferguson 1947 TE-20 tractor. Always refer to a service manual for specific details and torque specifications. rteeqp73