Ransomes256

Tim,
There are 2 styles of Wico A cap. You have the version that the lead is just a push fit into but the end of the lead should be fitted with a push in terminal. If you have not got the terminal it should be perfectly OK if sufficient wire from the core of the lead is exposed and the lead pushed firmly home and retained with a few wraps of…[Read more]

Hi,
Have you removed the 2 outer bearing filler strips from the main chassis?
You will need to push the left hand drum and shaft as far in as possible.
Start by lifting vertically then tilt up on left side with right brake drum entering the gap in the side plate.
This can be a bit of a struggle on your own.
Neil

There are several opportunities.
Assuming you have soaked the frame tube with plenty of release fluid.
Find a very large diameter nut and bolt that will fit between frame and main body adjacent to the central support tube. With the nut on the bolt pack the bolt to be a tight fit then undo the nut to act as a wedge and push the frame away. This…[Read more]

Although I will be attending the Newbury show I do not intend having the same stand as I had at Malvern.
If any owners wish to collect parts at Newbury please let me know to ensure I take them with me.
Neil

Jonathan,
Before you suspect the condenser I would suggest you clean the points as a small amount of calcified deposit can also give a similar result. If you still consider you have a condenser failure would you bring it / them to Newbury so I can test them for you. Additionally how long has it been since you ran this tractor and could it be…[Read more]

Dave,
I am sure there will be a lot of opinions on this but as stated by Jonathan there was an early change in colour from his researched light blue/green colour to Nacton blue which is the pale cornflower shade. I know there are some opinions that Orwell was on the MG2 and Nacton on the MG5 onward but all the NOS components I have in stock for…[Read more]

I am not a plough man but believe the 42A has lower adjusting screws for use in orchards but generally appears to be the most common found.
Neil

Dave,
The TS30B was the original plough available for the MG2 it was followed by the TS42A and 42B with the introduction of the MG5.
The biggest advantage of the TS42 is that it uses a quadrant driven from the wheel to lift the plough out of the ground as opposed to the hand lever on the TS30.
There was a 2 furrow option available for the MG5…[Read more]

As far as I know there is no specific Ransomes MG club. A few years ago Tom Couchman started a group with a news letter but it never really took off. There is a discussion group on Yahoo started by Veronica Merryfield 16 years ago and still used but not very much activity deal.
If you have seen the entry of the owners club for the Newbury show I…[Read more]

Joe,
I am a bit worried by the statement “packed with grease” The Ransomes MG range use no grease!
All gearboxes and nipples are oil only. The side boxes, weight rollers and idler hubs are all EP140 and the engine and gearbox all SAE50. Oils seals on hubs and rollers are all installed backwards designed to leak oil out to clean surface but…[Read more]

I will be going to Newbury but do not plan to have the same stand as Malvern so it is essential that if you require any parts you let me know in advance to ensure I take them with me.
Neil

Joe,
The 580 is just an assembly number and I do not believe it applies to the serial number. The 4-37 suggests the crown wheels were produced in April 1937 which seems a long way in advance of the serial number 551 which is 1940. Please see Diesel Daves investigation into serial numbers.
Neil

Dave,
From this running gear I feel the machine is more probably 1947
Neil

Dave,
1-47 is the month and year of manufacture of the crown wheel.
The gear ratio is 9/34 (9 on pinion and 34 teeth on crown wheel)
The load rollers on a 1937 machine would be galleried (radial slots) but on a 1947 more likely just 3 round holes. Idler wheels also changed from galleried to pressed rims.
If in doubt post a photo.
Neil

Dave,
Sorry I do not have an MG2 available to look at or photograph. Hopefully an owner will join in and be able to supply some more specific info.
Neil

Dave,
Engine number stamped into the crankcase on the left side. (left as sitting in machine)
Neil

Dave,
There may be some variation depending on year but I believe it will be the right plate (looking at rear of machine) The number would be stamped in the lower left corner.
The second plate mounted lower on the left side carries the patent info for the roadless track.
I have never seen the serial number on the gearbox cover.
Be careful using a…[Read more]

Dave,
Unfortunately the only true id was on the plates and there is no other serial number available on the machine. It may be possible to see a faint indent in the chassis where the plate fits as the serial number was stamped on the plate after it was fitted to the tractor.
If you have the registration number you may be able to retrieve the id…[Read more]

Peter,
Drop me a mail about this.
Neil Jarrett njarrett@btinternet.com

The valve clearances should be 0.006″ inlet and 0.008″ exhaust
Gap set with piston at top of stroke on compression and checked under the cover plate on the side of the barrel. Tappet bolt and locknut screwed into the tappets.
Cylinder bolt head torque 32 lb/ft
Neil