1919-20 Fordson

Oldfarmman · Mar 13, 2020

In search of someone who knows how to start a 1919 or 1920 fordson.
I have one but don't know how to start it.
I live in Zeeland Michigan.

Bernie/MA · Mar 13, 2020

Make sure you have gas and spark and correct timing, then crank til it fires or
your arm falls off.

Royse · Mar 13, 2020

Welcome to the forum! I'm in Ionia, MI.
YT has a forum dedicated to Fordsons [b:aaed6469bb]here.[/b:aaed6469bb]
You may get more specific answers to your questions if you ask there.

I don't know much about the old Fordsons, but many had the
original wooden box coils replaced and it may be important to
mention if you are still using them or converted to something else.

warbaby · Mar 13, 2020

Does it still have the original coil box and 4 wooden coils , or has it been converted to a external magneto? If it has the original ignition set up in it, see
iff you have any voltage output from the lead terminal on the bellhousing that is connected to the coil box when you crank it. if so, see if your coils "buzz" and
see if you have spark at the plugs. If you have spark at the plugs, screw them back in and crank, crank, CRANK!

Do NOT attempt to pull start it, although you can belt it up to another tractor via a flat belt, if you have one on your tractor.

cdmn · Mar 13, 2020

They are set up just like a Model T Ford car or truck.
Theoretically you can start one by cranking "on the magneto".
However, you would need to be a superman.
Most of the time a starting battery would be used, with a switch
to take the magneto out of the circuit. [Be sure you don't hook
up the battery so that it discharges the magnets. Be careful!.]
These were six volt dry-cells, still sold today to power electric
fencers. Fordson farm tractors didn't get electric starters and batteries
until about 1945. But they did make special industrial models that did.

Notice: You are asking for trouble if you try to pull-start a Fordson. The
worm gears in the rear won't work that way and may break up.

grizz02 · Mar 14, 2020

if you find you have spark at the plugs pour a small cap full of gas down each plug hole replace plugs and spin it if all is good it should at least fire a little

1919-20 Fordson

Oldfarmman

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Bernie/MA

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Royse

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warbaby

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cdmn

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grizz02

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