Ransomes256

If using the original 18mm plug a Champion 7 or 8 com or a Lodge C8
If using a more modern 14mm plug and adaptor a Champion N9Y or Motorcraft AG22 or 32
In all cases do not use a resistor plug or cap as magnetos do not like them.
I can supply a new coil if you are certain this is what is required or rebuild your mag.
Neil

I have been rebuilding Wico A magnetos fitted to Ransomes crawlers for a number of years and apart from coil faults can confirm the failure you describe is often associated with the condenser. It is true a condenser normally works or does not but some condensers can take a considerable time to accept a charge and also a slow rate of discharge. I…[Read more]

Hi,
Another machine rescued.
Photographs will be best way to ensure identification.
If the Id plates on the back of the machine are beyond reading it may be possible to see a shadow of the stamped number in the chassis under the plate as they were stamped in situ. Rubbing with chalk and using a digital camera then playing with the contrast on a…[Read more]

Post hole borer?

Michael,
I am not an oil expert either.
If you search this forum there is a thread about oils for the Diesel engine.
They seem to suggest an SAE 20 is the best.
The gearbox would be best with the SAE 50 but if expensive will be OK with a multi grade 20/50.
The side drives, drive hubs, weight carrying rollers, and idler hubs all use SAE 140 gear oil.
Neil

Michael,
Glad I have been of help and the engine runs.
The engine oil filter is located under the belt tensioner bracket and is held by the 4 nuts.
Engine oil should be a straight 30 but not sure what will be available in France.
Gearbox oil should be a straight 50 oil but an engine oil of 20/50 is OK.
The tractor does not use any grease. All…[Read more]

Michael,
I am not an expert on this engine but believe your method is correct. I am not sure what length the piece of wood you used was but I presume this was free to rise to the TDC position. It would not be easy to assess TDC if it was not free to rise.
Is the engine still locked if the wick holder is removed (certain that there is no…[Read more]

James,
The slot is random and has no bearing on tube.
If anything the internal passages need cleaning.
Neil

James,
It is a fine thread and should just unscrew. However, It may have corroded so would need care and as I stated previously some heat. Take care not to melt the aluminium casting.
Neil

James,
The emulsion tube is located under the blanking plug on top of the carburettor. Once the plug is removed there is a wide screwdriver slot in the top of the tube. If this has been butchered there are only 3 options.
1. Try to improve the slot with a Dremel type tool.
2. Try to use a screw thread easy out.
3. As a last chance drill out and…[Read more]

James,
The dog on the magneto can only fit in one of two positions and it is unlikely this was wrong. I am assuming it is the correct magneto and was not a rouge version in the first place.
It should be an A-1009-CZ
The quickest and least intrusive check is to take the tappet cover off and check you have maximum valve clearance at compression…[Read more]

James,
The magneto should click every time at TDC.
It will spark (click) on both the compression and exhaust strokes.
You need to check the engine timing. ie are both inlet and exhaust valves fully closed at compression TDC. The timing chain can jump teeth if it has become slack.
If this is OK try some easy start.
Neil

James,
The jet is fed via one of a number of cross drillings in the carburettor body. These are blanked and may be blocked causing your starting issue.
Neil

James,
It will depend on if everything is as it should be and nobody has been there before.
Often some aerosol brake cleaner or similar sprayed around the release mechanism will do the job but if the spring has gone weak it may need to be wound on 1/2 a turn.
With the points just make sure the insulator strip covers the entire length before you…[Read more]

James,
The click is the impulse of the magneto which should be heard every time when cranking by hand.
The actual impulse is there to retard the ignition by about 20 degrees to make starting easier and also flicks the rotor faster to improve the spark. If the ignition is not retarded it will make starting virtually impossible. When the engine…[Read more]

James,
The carburettor is generally considered the better version as it has mixture control.
To get the engine to run sweetly it is important that the air inlet pipe is fitted and air tight plus the correct oil in the filter. Without this the air flow rate across the venturi can be higher than expected and therefore the mixture control is poor.
Neil

Shop, what shop and where? or is that a secret?

Personally I am very doubtful that a backhoe was ever originally available, I heard many rumours of the existence of a version but have never seen any documented proof.
The only version I ever located prior to Jonathan’s build was a poor fitting of a mini digger arm grafted onto an MG6 and trying to be passed off as original. The Japanese id…[Read more]

Jerry,
You need to contact me by email and I will send you a list.
njarrett@btinternet.com
Regards
Neil

Jonathan
I have managed to change my hotel and will still be attending with spares and other Ransomes bits.
Anybody wanting me to take specific items should let me know in advance to ensure I am taking it.
Neil