MF 35 on TVO

[congo181]

I'd like to try running my 35 on TVO, but I've got a couple of concerns before I go ahead.

Firstly, the heat shield is missing from the manifolds do I need to replace this?

Secondly, and in the same are, in the top-centre of the inlet manifold is a threaded outlet which a pipe is supposed to go into. The previous owner has removed this pipe and blocked the hole (with a spark plug oddly). What is this pipe for and do I need to reconnect it?

Lastly, what else do I need to check? The motor runs around 90′ when worked so I'm guessing the thermostat is still the TVO one. Is there anything I've forgotten? Jets maybe?

Thanks all,
Jim

 

[WilliamTO-35]

Apparently, Tractor Vaporizing Oil ( TVO) fuel is similar to what we called Tractor Fuel in the USA , a distillate fuel somewhere between kerosene and heating oil . The octane rating of Tractor Vaporizing Oil can be quite low , and most tractor manufacturers lowered the compression ratio a couple of numbers to use such fuels. A thermostat rating of 90 degrees C is 194 degrees F. I would think that's hot enough to run TVO. I've looked through my manuals covering TE-20, TO-20, TO-30, and TO-35 tractors, and the only identification I can find for that threaded plug is
" Plug, 1/8 inch pipe". It would make a good place to connect a vacuum gauge , I suppose. I think the heat shield should be replaced . It seems to funnel air from the fan through the manifold, keeps the intake manifold cooler, and shields the fuel tank from excessive heat. It may also deflect hot air away from your leg. You could make one from aluminum sheet , and simplify it by not including all of the manifold stud holes.

 

[congo181]

Hi William and thanks for your reply.
I have now successfully run the tractor on TVO, after managing to find a supplier of the oil in the UK.
Before running, I replaced the copper pipe into its hole in the manifold. My own investigations lead me to believe that this is a crank case breather pipe, which according to the manual feeds 'warm, moist air' into the inlet.
I don't know why it had been disconnected, but its running fine with it having been replaced so that's how it will remain for now.
When I tested running on the TVO it was a nice warm day, which was good as I had not fitted the manifold cover. I can get a pattern part her in the UK and will do so before I use the tractor in earnest but for the test there were no problems.
I'm away for a while now, so this project is on hold, but thought you'd like to hear that some success was had.
Thanks again for your input,
Jim

 

[stuckmotor]

Congo,
It appears that TVO is the same as distillate that I've read about. TractorData.com - Tractor fuels Does your 35 have two tanks so it can start on gasoline, then switch to TVO? My second question is whether TVO is easy to find in your part of the world. I've never seen or even heard about it being available in SC.

 

[congo181]

Hi Stuckmotor
Yup, 2 tanks - one small tank that's at the back at about 1/2 depth for the petrol (gas) and the main one with the filler at the front for the TVO.
There's a brass valve that selects the tank feed.

I didn't know of anyone selling TVO until someone at a steam fair put me onto a company called Rye Oils in the South of England. They do a range of items, including a number of products for vintage Tractors.
Vintage & Classic Tractor Oils - Rye Oil Limited

The TVO was £35 for 25L delivered but they do do a 205L barrel which would work out a lot cheaper.
Jim

 

[stuckmotor]

Hi Stuckmotor
Yup, 2 tanks - one small tank that's at the back at about 1/2 depth for the petrol (gas) and the main one with the filler at the front for the TVO.
There's a brass valve that selects the tank feed.

That's cool Congo. My AC WD had a shutter infront of the radiator so I guess it was available with the all fuel engine. It only had one tank though. I never quite figured that out.