TE20 P3 Conversion - winter project

[H200GT]

Its been on the list for years, but finally this weekend its made it into my small workshop and its now my winter project.

Its been in the family as long as I can remember, and its always smoked really badly, and due to this not really been used in anger for well over 15 years, only moved from shed to shed. That said it was still a very good starter which was remarkable given the state I found the head gasket in, which will go a long way to explaining the breathing and smoking engine. Started easily yesterday on a poor battery despite not being run for over a year.

Anyhow, plan is to give it a full mechanical overhaul, but undecided on painting it. The tin work is really good and the mudguards and bonnet are all very solid. 30% of me thinks its better lo leave original, but the other 70% of me says paint it to protect the original tin etc - but of course in doing this it will lose its some of its originality. what do others think?

Engine is first on the list to tackle - again somewhat undecided whether or not to go the full hog and delve into the bottom end. It was a good starter, just smoking and breathing, which will be explained by the head gasket. Liners look good, a little glazed maybe, but seen worse. However it would probably be good practice to do the liners, and at least I would know its right then. Where is the best place to get an engine kit?

 

[startinghandle]

Definitely leave it original,.... including black engine but get lights working
Definitely fully overhaul engine but be careful with parts as there are variations

 

[startinghandle]

Looks to be early tractor by no scallops in front wheel
Radius arm bent which could be caused by badly worn front axle pin which could be caused from extra weight of Diesel engine

 

[H200GT]

Looks to be early tractor by no scallops in front wheel
Radius arm bent which could be caused by badly worn front axle pin which could be caused from extra weight of Diesel engine

Its 1947 I believe - serial number TE3939. Also has solid rear wheel centres, not sure if all were like that or not?

Yes front axle pin and cradle worn, but should be easy enough to put right. Hopefully the press will straighten the radius arms.

 

[startinghandle]

It is earlyish with that serial number and solid wheels , someone will be able to give accurate age
there are still a few old timers around that has worked on and know these engines
It is my opinion that older engines run better on single grade oil

 

[Harrysfergie]

Definitely an early one with that serial number would of had a z120 continental engine originally. Early tractors all had solid rear and front wheel centres I think up till possibly early 1949. Looks in nice condition would be prime candidate for an oily rag job. Having said that would look good with a decent paint job too. Fofh will be able to give you an exact date of manufacture if you send details of serial number

 

[H200GT]

Its going to be a slow burner this one, but managing to get an hour here and there on it.

Looking for suggestions on where to send the injectors and pump for a refurb. Local company near me packed up last year, so could do with some recommendations please

Thanks

 

[H200GT]

I was expecting to find a chain in here

 

[agrimax]

The early P3s were chain driven. My FF has a P3 and also has a strap on CAV starter with gearstick start rather than your later type.
I'd say that's the later P3.144 engine you have. I'm guessing much the same as the Dexta's F3.144.

 

[Netherfield]

Its going to be a slow burner this one, but managing to get an hour here and there on it.

Looking for suggestions on where to send the injectors and pump for a refurb. Local company near me packed up last year, so could do with some recommendations please

Thanks

Try

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[Rusty_Relics]

I was expecting to find a chain in here

Agrimax is quite rite, your engine is the P3.144
I have a couple of TE20s and a ford ferguson with the early P3 TA fitted. (TA = Tractor Application)
my dad has also recently rebuilt a P3.144 which came out of a Bristol 22 crawler.
There are many variants in perkins engines so always double check the part you order are correct for your engine.
Frank Thornton's are very good for engine parts should you need any.
every perkins tractor we have has needed a rebuild as they were that good back in the day, the just used um, and used um until they were clapped out !

Pardon our interruption...

I have a video on YouTube about my Allis Chalmers B with a early P3 TA fitted. It run well but was terrible to start I found out why when I stripped it down. The culprit was over use of easy start by the last owner and it had blown the top piston rings to bits but she still ran well with 60psi oil pressure. Which just goes to show how much punishment these little engines will take

 

[agrimax]

It really is nasty stuff when overused, that Easy Start...

 

[startinghandle]

Agrimax is quite rite, your engine is the P3.144
I have a couple of TE20s and a ford ferguson with the early P3 TA fitted. (TA = Tractor Application)
my dad has also recently rebuilt a P3.144 which came out of a Bristol 22 crawler.
There are many variants in perkins engines so always double check the part you order are correct for your engine.
Frank Thornton's are very good for engine parts should you need any.
every perkins tractor we have has needed a rebuild as they were that good back in the day, the just used um, and used um until they were clapped out !

Pardon our interruption...

I have a video on YouTube about my Allis Chalmers B with a early P3 TA fitted. It run well but was terrible to start I found out why when I stripped it down. The culprit was over use of easy start by the last owner and it had blown the top piston rings to bits but she still ran well with 60psi oil pressure. Which just goes to show how much punishment these little engines will take

There is tractor enthusiast not far away who also has ford ferguson with
P3 conversion .... he says it is one of
25 converted for test purposes, could yours be another

 

[Rusty_Relics]

There is tractor enthusiast not far away who also has ford ferguson with
P3 conversion .... he says it is one of
25 converted for test purposes, could yours be another

I doubt it, it looks a bit Heath Robinson but I can make something of it eventually when I get round to it, lots of other projects infront of it. But I have all the correct parts to make it nice

 

[startinghandle]

I have ford fergi but not converted which I will use for road runs when I get it running

 

[Rusty_Relics]

They are a nice little tractor and a bit different from the more common TE20s. One down side is only 3 speed transmission which can be a little tedious on open roads.
My petrol/paraffin 2N model is pictured

in the Ferguson history book by Stuart Gibbard.

 

[agrimax]

Think I figured out my FF to be from 1943.It also has a reduction unit fitted. Nearly sure it says Rotary Hoes on it. Must have a look again! Can't say I've seen many FFs about with a P3 and also the low box.
Suppose I shouldn't really be calling it a Ford Ferguson (I believe the purists don't like it) when it's really a Ford 9NAN with the Fergie hydraulic system!

 

[startinghandle]

This is not 3 speed but I want to get it up and running so I will be seeking advice here but not for a while

 

[agrimax]

What do you mean it's not 3 speed? FF 2N and 9Ns were all 3 speed,unless fitted with a reduction unit,making them 9 speed....unless it's an 8N you have?(4 speed).

 

[startinghandle]

It has Howard reduction unit and Sherman hi/low unit