How does your Ferguson TE20 Air Cleaner work?

In this video I have a chat about how the oil bath air cleaner works and what to service.

[@kenwheeler65]

Just the job. Had to remove the oil bath to get at the hand throttle lever where the ball joint had broken. Now it’s off I can give that a clean too. Cheers for all the useful videos on the TE20.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Glad to help.

[@dianer777]

Had the same problem with lots of grass fibre blocking the mesh, did a lot of jiggling in a petrol bath with very little progress so I turned it up side down and set fire to it. Worked a treat, once it cooled down the now burnt grass washed out in petrol easily.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Great tip!

[@brianthompson8943]

There was a story circulating around our valley years ago about a farmer who soaked his oil bath filter in gasoline. It was a deisel tractor. He reinstalled the filter with it still being a bit wet. Upon start up it went to extremely high RPM and the clutch departed through the cae and flew some 40 feet.

[@BundyBearsShed]

It would rev like buggery alright, frightening.

[@markinoz4795]

Great job at the end! Reckon the stencil is the go too - a bit of dinkum authenticity amongst all the sophisticated stickers around the place. Wool bales and the army - stencilled icons

[@BundyBearsShed]

G day Mark, Thanks Mate I might need to buy an army jeep to go with the stickers, what do ya reckon lol.

[@oby-1607]

Wow, that looked better than new when refinished. They were pretty smart back then in the design of this. Unlike today, there wasn't the availability of consumable parts(paper air filters) that there is today and therefore cleaning the filter regularly was the norm.

[@BundyBearsShed]

The oil bath was a good filter, they couldnt sell you extra parts with it each service which was a bonus.

[@b3anz790]

Very helpful video. I was trying to figure out why my TO20 had oil in the air filter compartment! Haha thank you

[@BundyBearsShed]

Well now it should be all clear, lol.

[@garyadams348]

Thanks for the video, a simple piece of kit but explained well and so now can service mine properly. Great series!

[@BundyBearsShed]

Thanks for watching!

[@AverageJoe2020]

Oil bath air filters are a great idea, always serviceable and just work, I put one back on my MG TD- I can't stand those over restrictive pancake jobbies. Cheers, J.

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Joe, Yes they are cheap to service and engine lasted 50 in ploughing etc. so they cant be too bad.

[@jackphillips8771]

I love all your videos. Straight forward packed with great info. Thanks

[@BundyBearsShed]

Thanks Jack, Glad you enjoy them.

[@indianatone218]

Thanks lance for showing ,my te was running for a while and stopping ive two port of calls now ,fuel tank filters cleaning and air filter ,take care Ant from Wales UK .

[@BundyBearsShed]

Thanks, I hope it helps.

[@andrewavvenire116]

Glad you made this video. That was just what I needed to know. Thanks.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Thanks Andrew, Glad it helped.

[@johnscheffler1514]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@BundyBearsShed]

You are welcome!

[@deranocasper]

Kool video i cleaned my air cleaner using your video very good my air cleaner was dirty so needed it big time love your videos Thankyou for sharing your wealth of information 👍👌🤘🍻

[@BundyBearsShed]

Glad I could help

[@RustyGlovebox]

Oil baths are great filter. People over fill, under fill and some don't like the mess.Thanks for the topic for teaching the mysterious of the oil bath .

[@BundyBearsShed]

Thanks Lloyd, they were very popular years ago but you never see them now, probably because they cant sell you a new filter element with the oil bath.

[@cloudmaker]

Thank you this has been very helpful, just taken the air cleaner off a non starting Massey Harris Pony and it was full of water and sludge, I have washed it all out using spray lubricant WD40 type stuff and wondered what and where the oil went, know I know, so thanks again. Yes I now have a running tractor and have subscribed to your channel. Kind regards Sir from the UK.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Glad it helped

[@aussiemal5295]

Thanks Lance. Great videos. Looking forward to the TEA steering box strip down video. I have mine on hold at the present waiting for new seals. Plenty of other things to do on the old girl though. Once again thanks.

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Mal, It is hard to find seals that look correct on the TEA so I have machined some up to look good but have two orings inside where no one can see.

[@mrbrown3546]

Love the explanation, thank you. I'm looking for a TE20 for our small acreage so definitely subbing.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Welcome aboard!

[@adrienbusson2005]

Hey Lance As a french organic small scale farmer, I have to thank you sooo much for sharing your knowledge . You're channel is like a goldmine for me as you're explaining so well how to restore these vintage machines. I've learn so much from you from resealing a CAV pump to replace a universal joint. You make appear maintenance so easy. Do you plan a full steering box rebuild on your TE20? I've seen your video on replacing a steering shaft, but would be VERY interested in seeing the full process for a MF 135/140 which should be very similar to the TE20. Do you plan to finish the video about the park brake on your front end ford loader (I have a very similar one on my ford 4000)? Knowledge and experience coming from old timers like you is just priceless. Please keep going on. Thanks to know I can slowly but surely restore my Ford 4000 and MF 140 ;-)

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Adrien, I should finish my old loader. I was just looking at the parts the other day, they are still on the bench. I'm very slack with that one but I bought a fork lift so the loader does not get used a lot any more so it went off the radar. The TE20 steering box is coming up soon but they are a bit different to the MF35. The injection pump video is now over 360,000 views and has increased the sales of the injection pump seal kit fron 12 per year to 14 per month. That is the power of the internet and I have made some great friends along the way. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@pm270100]

good work well done got one on my TEF the arse is gone ///the one on the gold belly is ok

[@85deckard]

Thank you. Great vid and informative as I’m a new TE20 owner

[@BundyBearsShed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@85deckard]

Bundy Bears Shed yeah I cleaned it out today. Lots off debris and old oil removed runs better already Can you help with the gearbox I cannot select reverse stuck solid and tried moving the slider with a bar but no joy Tractor is a TE 20 Perkins P3 engine conversion

[@128file]

Love your videos they're down to earth. I might have cussed when the other air filter fell:)

[@BundyBearsShed]

Glad you like them! I bite my tongue at times, lol.

[@laurawallis141]

Hi, my partner is currently restoring a tractor and watches a lot of your videos for advice and help. He loves the way you say "carby" and "carby cleaner". Have you ever contemplated doing a special on carburetor cleaner and its uses? Thanks :)

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Laura, Well no I had not thought of that, I have plenty to keep me busy at the moment but if I start scratching for content I might do something like that.

[@laurawallis141]

@@BundyBearsShed Thanks. That's made him smile bless him. I've never known him to be as happy as when he finds a video made by you for something he needs :)

[@Dave-qr6pv]

Brilliant, thank you very much - mine had no oil it!

[@BundyBearsShed]

Glad it helped!

[@flintstoneengineering]

"One down..." you barely missed a beat.

[@BundyBearsShed]

I reckon its a pretty poor video if I don't knock something off the bench of drop something. lol Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

I remember those on old cars made in the 1950 era.

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Harrold, Yes that's the ones, these tractors were made from 1945 to around 1955 and people didn't want to buy a new element every time.

[@JACKATTACKED]

Simple and effective

[@BundyBearsShed]

They were and now a days they still do the job, by the amount of dirt in the bowls they work fairly well

[@Hastings_Farm]

I have just bought a T35 and have taken odd the air cleaner assembly. It was completely devoid of oil and in the bottom was the dried-up residue. I cleaned it up and have found a couple of pin holes which is where possibly residue has worked its way through. Any suggestions as the best way in which to fix the pin holes please. Great video and many thanks

[@BundyBearsShed]

I solder or Braze the small holes up.

[@johnt7232]

Yes I grew up with oil bath air filters on Fergies Nuffields Fords Internationals etc , did a good job and cheap to maintain but I often wondered what happens to the oil with the volume and speed of the air surely it must get thrashed about an awful lot , I wonder would oil work as well with todays huge horsepower high revving engines , just wondering

[@BundyBearsShed]

G day John, One problem with the oil bath was if it was over filled a diesel would run flat out on the oil. I think the paper element does a better job now a days.

[@ezeehitch]

Thanks for another great video. I am trying to find something on getting my Ki Gass system working. Do you have anything?

[@BundyBearsShed]

No, sorry I have a TEF waiting for some work but nothing so far.

[@ezeehitch]

@@BundyBearsShed Ok, thanks for the reply

[@philipstubbs2432]

Similar to the 65 lance! I cleaned mine out by burning it with petrol!

[@BundyBearsShed]

Yes basically the same.

[@danlacasse516]

I have seen so many way to date a MF 35 but they all seem to contradict each other. How can I find the actual year my tractor was manufactured? It is a MF fe35 Coventry built only 3 gages tach oil and ammeter

[@BundyBearsShed]

www.queenslandtractorspares.com.au in the technical section.

[@motorv8N]

Nice little clip Bundy Bear. Question - do you fill with oil both in the inner cup as well as around the outside of the cup?

[@BundyBearsShed]

Yes it will even out through the little holes

[@SamEEE12]

My first car (63 Beetle) had an oil bath filter. This would have been useful to watch in 2004, I don't think I ever really cleaned it. Whoops.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Oh well lol.

[@richmcintyre1178]

Here is a maybe dumb question. I purchased a vacuum cleaner that used water as the filter, it was called the Rainbow. Little to no dust can through the water "filter" so when we finished vacuuming we just dumped the water. Is water better than oil to filter air?

[@BundyBearsShed]

I think oil would be better but any fluid obviously works.

[@joefalmo5528]

the problem with oil bath filters is that they we're only about 40% efficient at removing dirt, paper filters do about 90%

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Joe, Yes they were not as efficient but in England they seemed to work well, we can test any air filter in our dust out here in Australia. I know for sure Massey Ferguson and Ford tractors both upgraded the air cleaners and fitted safety elements for the Australian market. You would wonder what the difference is, apparently dust is not just dust.

[@bobvansand6346]

Thx bro!

[@BundyBearsShed]

No problem

[@krashdown102]

6:00 i wonder can i just block that hose off? because my replacement air cleaner i brought is the wrong one or something and doesn't have the small pipe coming out of it

[@BundyBearsShed]

The engine does need to breathe some how or it will build up pressure and you will have oil leaks you never thought possible.

[@krashdown102]

@@BundyBearsShed thanks i will modify the new one this weekend

[@michaelmcdonnell6866]

Enjoy all your videos, just wondering will you be doing a video on how to check and set the ignition timing on a TE20 TVO/Petrol?.Michael,

[@BundyBearsShed]

G day Michael, I will put it on the list, When I get to do the TEA20 I will show it but that might be a little while away yet. I could possibly show it on my gold and grey petrol as they are the same. Leave it with me I will see what I can come up with.

[@231MasseyFerguson]

That air cleaner is basically the same as what's on my MF 231. That simple system was used for years and I didn't realize it. I keep the oil clean in my tractor. Isn't it an effective system? I love your videos.

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day 231MF, It worked well but now the paper element types take more of the dust out and do a better job but these are still ok.

[@231MasseyFerguson]

+Bundy Bears Shed Yeah I would think the paper elements are better filtration also.

[@richmcintyre1178]

I wanted to know how an oil bath filter worked but I wanted to learn in English. Cracky is that English LOL? Thanks, I learned a bit.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Good to hear.

[@duncanrose3891]

Got an oil bath on the Field Marshall. Still has coconut fibre media too. What do you think to swapping out the coconut for a VW paper element or leaving it out completely ? The DPA pump resell was good but l need some help on servicing my Gardner 6LX pump please 😁😁

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Duncan, For what the Field Marshall will do for the rest of its life I would leave it standard. I would not leave it out if you plan on tractor pulling etc. The Gardener pump would be an old in line pump I would guess?? Just start at one end and work your way through lol.

[@chiimchim7987]

Where in Bundy are you based Lance? I'll be up there in early to mid Feb, be great to see your collection

[@BundyBearsShed]

Not much of a collection to look at only couple of tractors now a days, The John Deere 420 is out the front of our shop in Enterprise Street.

[@grantquist8498]

Bundy Bears Shed, no problem, was hoping you had a display room lol. I'll drop by on my way through and see your John Deere. Thanks for reply

[@richardperry9095]

I have restored a MF 35 Deluxe tractor. It has a rectangle oil bath air cleaner that is rusted through and is not all there. I would like to replace it with the same type of air cleaner although I have purchased a round one I COULD use. I cannot find the rectangle one - I understand they were only put on certain 'deluxe' models. Would you have any idea where I might find a rectangle type - or the part number for such?

[@BundyBearsShed]

Not sure I have seen them.

[@AMar-hy8qz]

TO-20 Oil Bath Filter question..

[@BundyBearsShed]

yes

[@drmarine1771]

Thank you for the info. Lance. next is the oil and filter change. is there any specific oil that you'd recommend ? can't seem find anything on oil weight for TE20.

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Danny, The tractors started out with a mono 30 engine oul but there are many like a 20w50 etc now for the older engines. Put the same oil into the air cleaner bowl and engine.

[@drmarine1771]

Much appreciated thank you.

[@AMar-hy8qz]

TO-20 Oil Bath Filter question.. I am in USA and have bought an old 1950 Ferguson TO-20 tractor we want to get running. It did not have oil bath filter assembly at all. I am told the part (p/n 181657M91) is discontinued and cannot find any aftermarket replacement for this part. Any suggestions? I can find TO-35 aftermarket part, but this style has air coming from dash, TO-20 does not. Can I convert different model oil bath filter, like the TO-35 to fit my TO-20 tractor? I can find a couple of used TO-20 oil bath filters, but look pretty rough condition and pretty expensive for used parts. But maybe that is best option. What do you think Mr. Bundy? Any suggestions? Thank you for any advice you can offer. Really enjoy your videos! (tractor has Z120 Continental engine, if it makes a difference)

[@BundyBearsShed]

With the ones that go to the dash you can often put a top pipe on it as they are a very similar size and it is in the centre.

[@AMar-hy8qz]

@@BundyBearsShed Thank you Mr. Bundy. Unfortunately, the TO-20 model does not go to dash. Might be able to cut hole in hood and extend a pipe with pre-cleaner as Ferguson did with some 3 cylinder TO-35 models. Would rather not alter the tractor this way. My son may want to restore with original look, although he certainly plans on it for working tractor. -- I can get a original used oil bath assembly part.. and if I change filter screens, it should work as new, I think? -- Do you have any info, video, or experience changing out the screen material within an Oil Bath Filter?

[@PC-ml3yo]

Any thoughts about setting the mesh filter alight to clean it ? ;)

[@BundyBearsShed]

I suppose as long as it didn't get too hot and you could wash the carbon out might be worth a try.

[@jembo1959]

What type oil can be used

[@BundyBearsShed]

Usually the same oil you use in the engine.

[@erdemir5641]

I just took mine off a TED-20. The small pipe bit that comes up on the inside of the oil bath bowl is rusted and gone, plus the bit that comes down to meet it on the upper bigger mesh housing part, plus the inside mesh is rusted. Maybe I'll just buy a new one. What do you think?

[@BundyBearsShed]

will usher yeah or look for a good second hand one

[@erdemir5641]

Can't find one on Ebay so I'll probably get the Agriline one. Might fix the original old one at a later date. Cheers

[@JACKATTACKED]

What's your grey paint 🎨Lance? Controversial topic 💣💥😂😂😂

[@BundyBearsShed]

II see you must have been here before knowing it can be a can of worms lol. The painting I do on these parts is just to protect them before assembly and the proper paint job. I buy the aerosols of Stoneleigh grey from Sparex. The original colour was battle ship grey as Harry Ferguson bought it from the military surplus after the second world war, or that's what I have heard but there is almost as many variations as there is tractors as sometimes at the bottom of the big pots they bought there might be a little more colour as it settled and different batches may have varied slightly. As long as it is close that is ok to me. Sparex are now owned by Agco , (Massey Ferguson) so I am thinking they should be close to the right grey.

[@JACKATTACKED]

Yip, I've got a email address for a guy (John) that used to work on the production line in Banner Lane. He says the same, there's no definitive shade. Whatever was cheapest 💷 I suppose 😀

[@BundyBearsShed]

I have seen people get all high and mighty about this subject lol as if it is life changing. Good to get inside info on it.

[@colinmorris3633]

Did not know you can buy rattle can grey allo

[@scottragg]

Lance, can you buy new wire packing for the air cleaner? Couldnt see it in the Bareco website. Mine looks like it hasn't been cleaned in 50 years. Or is persistence with the petrol washing a better use of time than deconstructing the filter assembly? Thanks!

[@BundyBearsShed]

G Day Scott, It does not appear they have the TE20 one but do have the bigger 35 etc. ones. I found washing works well enough but it does take time and you need to be careful. I have never been happy with deconstructing them as they always seem to have a gap here or there. Depends how careful you can be I suppose.

[@scottragg]

Bundy Bears Shed, Thanks Lance. Did a number of rinses to get the worst of it out, then soaked overnight in fresh petrol. Came up a treat with a heap of rubbish in the bottom of the bucket. The old girl can breathe again! Looking forward to the pump and top cover overhaul videos.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

Scott Ragg For future reference, I would use diesel or maybe mineral spirits. Gasoline is extremely explosive as it evaporates.

[@BleuJurassic]

Louvres dats in Paris I think

[@BundyBearsShed]

Could possibly be I think, lol.