The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hi all, hoping someone on here can help. I have bought a 1963 JCB 3 (NOT a 3c) based on a fordson super major,that I,m planning to restore. The engine starts and runs very well but it seems to use about 3 litres of water per two hours use. I think the water is going into the sump via the liners. The PROBLEM is the engine I think has been replaced. The engine number is 538EC33714 or it could start with an S. I know that would make it an industrial unit but what age and which liners would I order (major or super). The only block casting number i can find is above the dynamo one in a circle N 1 and the other below which the first digit could be 9 or 3 or B, then there is a 7 and last a J. there is only 3 digits (I know there should be 4) but there is only 3. Any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS Alastair.

Welcome to Fordson Tractor Pages.
The 5**E numbers mean that the engine was built for a Thames truck. I've never heard of a 538E, but that doesn't mean that there isn't one. It sounds like the numbers are hard to read, so it may say something else. If the casting number by the dynamo is B7J, it was built, Feb. 7, 1963. That would make it a Super Major engine, but it would be a good idea to be absolutely sure of the number before you buy any parts. There are a few other ways to identify it. Does it have a Minimec injector pump, with the mechanical governor or does it have a vacuum governed Simms pump?

THANKS JC for the information, it will give me a good starting point. The Simms pump is a minimec (no vacuume pipes). It has some sort of casted flange on the back of it (as if something like a compressor was bolted to it) It has not got the provision for a tacho cable, I've had to use an angle drive. The Jcb is a march 1963 according to the V5. but I was gutted when a friend pointed out it had an odd replacement engine. The JCB has no cab unfortuneatly, but I have bought an AirFix model and plan to scale it up to try and make one. THANKS again for the info (hope to order Super Major liner in the summer).