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Massey Ferguson TE-20 tractor factory workshop and repair manual download

Why this repair matters (theory, in plain words)
- The throttle cable links the hand throttle lever to the carburettor/throttle arm (or to the governor linkage). When you move the lever the inner wire pulls or pushes the throttle arm to open the carburettor butterfly (or change governor setting) and raise engine RPM. If the cable is worn, seized, stretched or routed poorly you’ll get sticky throttle, not-full throttle, creeping idle, or uncontrolled revs.
- Analogy: the throttle cable is like the brake or gear cable on a bicycle. If the cable is frayed, stuck or too loose the bike won’t stop or shift properly. Same on the tractor—bad cable = poor speed control.
- The governor (on diesel or regulated petrol versions) tries to hold engine speed under load. The hand throttle sets the target. If the cable bypasses or fights the governor, or if the return spring is missing, the engine can surge or race.

Main components (what each piece is and what it does)
- Hand throttle lever/peg and dash quadrant: the lever you move to set speed; often has detents to hold specific positions.
- Cable outer sheath (casing): the stiff coated tube that holds and guides the inner wire; seats into a bracket or ferrule. It transmits compression of the inner wire path and keeps it from buckling.
- Inner wire (core): a flexible steel wire that actually transmits pull (and sometimes push). It usually terminates in a shaped end (barrel, ball or threaded nipple) to fit linkages.
- Ferrules / end fittings: metal sleeves at each end of the sheath that seat into brackets so the inner wire moves relative to a fixed mount.
- Grommets / firewall bushings: rubber pieces that protect the outer sheath or wire where it passes through sheet metal.
- Throttle link/clevis and pin: the small fork or hooked fitting on the carburettor or governor arm where the wire end connects, held with a pin or split pin/cotter.
- Return spring: pulls the throttle back toward idle when you release the lever; essential for safety.
- Adjuster (barrel adjuster or threaded rod/locknut): lets you take up cable slack so you can set idle and full travel accurately.
- Mounting bracket/clamp: secures the sheath to the dash or engine so the inner wire can move independently.

Tools & materials you’ll need
- Replacement throttle cable (correct length and end fittings for TE-20 or universal cable + correct ferrules)
- Wrenches/sockets (common sizes 7/16–9/16 in / 11–14 mm), pliers, screwdriver
- Wire cutters or cable cutters and file (if trimming cable)
- Vise-grips or small bench vise for making up cable ends (if needed)
- Penetrating oil, light oil or cable lube
- Replacement grommets/ferrules, cotter pins/split pins
- Small hammer or punch, safety gloves, eye protection
- Zip ties or clamps for routing

Preparation and safety
- Work with the engine OFF and keys out. If petrol engine, disconnect spark or ignition and consider removing battery ground. If diesel, ensure fuel shutoff and no accidental start.
- Let hot parts cool. Keep fingers clear of moving parts when testing.
- Photograph or mark existing routing before removal so you can follow the same path.

Step-by-step: inspect, remove, replace and adjust (beginner-friendly)
1) Inspect the existing cable and route
- Move the throttle lever back and forth while watching the full travel of the inner wire and carb/govenor arm. Note any stiff spots, kinks, frays or corrosion.
- Check sheath ends: are the ferrules seated? Any cracked rubber grommet where the cable passes through sheet metal?
- If the inner wire is frayed or the sheath is damaged, replace the cable.

2) Remove the old cable (if replacing)
- Mark or take a photo of routing so you replicate it.
- At the carburettor/governor end: secure the throttle arm so it won’t snap. Remove the pin or cotter that holds the cable end in the clevis. Unhook the cable end from the clevis.
- At the dash/lever end: remove the lever clip or pin that secures the cable end. Loosen the adjuster locknut and slide the ferrule out of its bracket. Pull the cable out through any grommets.
- Remove sheath ferrules and grommets; keep bracketing hardware.

3) Prepare the new cable
- Choose correct final length: route the cable the same way and cut to length if necessary. Always leave a little extra to adjust—don’t cut too short.
- File the cut end smooth to avoid frayed wires. Fit the ferrule/end sleeve to the sheath ends.
- If the cable uses a threaded nipple or barrel end, fit the correct end fitting for the clevis/lever. Many replacement cables come with multiple end fittings.

4) Route and fit the new cable
- Route the cable exactly like the old one. Avoid sharp bends, hot exhaust proximity, and places where the cable rubs on edges. Keep smooth curves, not tight 90° bends.
- Seat the sheath ferrules in their brackets and into any grommet holes. The sheath must be anchored so the inner wire movement is effective.
- Pull the inner wire through and attach the end to the throttle arm clevis. Fit pin/cotter and secure.
- Fit the dash/lever end; place the cable end in the lever and secure pin/clip.

5) Install/verify the return spring
- Ensure the throttle return spring is present and hooked correctly between the throttle arm and the chassis. Without it, the throttle may not return to idle when released.
- If spring is weak or missing, replace it.

6) Adjust cable slack and travel
- With the engine off, move the hand throttle from idle to full and watch the carb throttle arm. Full movement at the lever should correspond to full travel at the carb. There should be smooth, full-open and full-closed positions but you must not overextend the throttle arm beyond its stop.
- Use the adjuster (barrel or threaded rod) to set quiet idle at the closed throttle position: when lever is at idle, the carb throttle should rest against its idle stop. When lever is at full, the throttle plate should open fully but not hit or strain linkage.
- Lock the adjuster with the locknut.
- Ensure there is a small amount of free play (a few millimetres of inner wire movement) so the throttle is not under constant tension.

7) Test run and fine adjustment
- Reconnect anything you disconnected for safety. Start the engine and slowly operate the hand throttle. Confirm:
- Smooth movement across full range.
- Engine returns to idle when release occurs.
- No sticking at any point.
- Under load (drive or run a PTO) check governor behavior: the hand throttle should set desired speed but governor should control engine under load. If governor fights the hand throttle or engine races, governor adjustment/repair may be required — do not force the hand throttle against the governor.

Common problems, causes and fixes
- Sticking cable or intermittent movement:
- Cause: dirt/rust inside sheath, kinks, collapsed sheath, frayed inner wire binding.
- Fix: replace cable. Short-term: spray cable lubricant and work cable many times; replace sheath/grommet.
- Frayed inner wire or broken strands:
- Cause: wear, rubbing, poor fittings.
- Fix: replace cable. Do not try to splice frayed cable; it will fail.
- Too much slack (no response or delayed response):
- Cause: stretched cable or lost adjuster setting.
- Fix: take up slack at adjuster, or replace if stretched beyond adjustment range.
- Return spring missing/weak:
- Cause: broken/missing spring.
- Fix: install a proper replacement spring. Without a return spring the throttle can hang open.
- Wrong routing causing heat damage or binding:
- Cause: cable near exhaust manifold or sharp edges.
- Fix: reroute with heat shields and protective grommets; use new rubber grommets where cable passes sheet metal.
- Cable outer sheath pulled out of bracket (so cable moves whole assembly):
- Cause: missing ferrule or loose clamp.
- Fix: seat ferrules correctly and tighten bracket. Sheath must be anchored.
- Throttle works but engine surges or governor fights it:
- Cause: governor linkage disconnected, misadjusted governor, or hand throttle attached incorrectly (bypassing governor).
- Fix: check governor linkage and settings. If unsure, consult a governor specialist or service manual.

Replacement cable tips for TE-20
- Use a cable matched for length and correct end fittings — TE-20 vintage tractors used specific fittings; many modern universals with swappable ends will work.
- When cutting cable, fit the ferrule promptly and avoid frayed wire ends that can unravel.
- Use a Teflon-lined or low-friction cable if possible for smoother feel.
- Replace any worn rubber grommets and mounting brackets at the same time.

Final checks and safety reminder
- Confirm throttle returns to idle with the lever released. If not, stop and fix before operating.
- Don’t leave the engine running unattended during tests.
- After a day of use, recheck the adjuster locknut, pins, and routing for chafe.

If you follow the above, you will have a smooth, safe hand throttle on your TE-20.
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