Still having problems and getting really frustrated

[Patrick Potter]

I'm still working on my 1958 Ford 850, I'm certain I'm doing something wrong I just haven't figured it out, I'm using the shop manual FO20
and I'm trying to adjust the 3 point lift going by the instructions on pg. 125 "System Adjustments" I don't have any of the tools that it
says to use (NCA-503-B & NCA-502) so I got my caliper and set it at 0.396 I started at the beginning at paragraph 309 the main control
spring I was able to get adjusted it's after that where the trouble starts I have not been able to get the constant draft or the position
control to adjust out to what it says, I've posted some links with photos hoping maybe maybe someone can see something that can help me
out, when you see the photos you can see how far out the adjustments are.
http://photos.yesterdaystractors.com/gallery/uptest/a204192.jpg
http://photos.yesterdaystractors.com/gallery/uptest/a204193.jpg
http://photos.yesterdaystractors.com/gallery/uptest/a204197.jpg
The story behind this tractor: My dad purchased it in 1978 when him and my mom bought the land we live on, him and I worked a lot together
with this tractor and on this tractor till he was killed on the job in Dec of 1989, after that I kept it running for a few years then
things happened I didn't loose interest in it I just could no longer bring myself to work on the land the with the tractor or anything, the
tractor got parked and set for several years then a little over a year ago that sparked got lit up with the help of 2 of my sisters and
their families and that spark has turned into a torch, that's the short story behind this tractor. A number of yawl have helped a great
deal with this project and I can never express how much I appreciate the help.

Patrick

 

[JMOR]

I will have to say up front that I am not absolutely positive in this respect, but to the best of my knowledge, you are measuring to the wrong reference point. I believe it should be to the bolted on plate that partially surrounds the control valve actuator rod.

 

[Patrick Potter]

That would be a nice mistake but the book says, "Measure gap between machined service of lift cylinder casting and exposed land on control valve and adjust to 0.395 - 0.397 by means of the control valve turnbuckle...."

 

[john in la]

You are measuring at the right spot but one thing that jumps out at me.

You are referencing the draft control setting of 0.396 but you have the lift cover (picture 3) in position control and the touch control lever in down position. Position control is set at 0.449

Rather than me going threw a step by step adjustment go back and start at the top and try it one more time.
Lots of things could make you 0.088 off such as worn pins in the linkage.

 

[Dean]

Are the lift arms properly positioned as specified in the FO-20 alternatives procedures?

I've done several of these lift covers using the alternative procedures with good results.

Dean

 

[Patrick Potter]

Well I went back out and redid everything again lost count at how many times I did this put it back together and it seems to be working now picked up a couple of heavy items and left it at a set position and it stayed put, now for the next project, the flywheel that's down the road though, and yes Dean I did have the lift arms set to the alternative settings, thanks everyone for the advice