Ford 8N starting issue

[Dale22inMO]

The problem has gotten progressively worse. Tractor was firing constantly but might take 30 minutes to actually start. Now, it will fire when initially trying to start then stops firing. Has been running fine up until this problem of last week. New plugs, new carburetor new gas in tank. Whats next?

 

[martin]

How's the fuel pump?

 

[7.5L_STX]

our 8N has the same problem, ive just learn to deal with it. i think it got a little better when we converted it to 12V and put a bigger alternator on it. it takes about 20 minutes to get running and does the same thing you describe (starts right away then puffs and dies)

so if anyone can really answer this id be interested.

oh and martin, theres no fuel pump, its a gravity feed type system.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

How is the ignition?

If it is a front mount dizzy it is easier to remove to change points than to do it on the tractor. Sadly replacemet ignition parts (points, condenser, coil...) are not made like they used to be.

Also, sometimes the new style Viton needles don't like sitting and can stick to the seat.

And also if the needle can't seal when the tractor is shut off and floods the carb, it won't take 20 minutes but it will still pitch a fit at startup. I have one now (it is a A-C though) that needs some tinkering, doesn't leak a drop of fuel if I leave the fuel turned on... but will start hard and run like crap usually taking a couple restarts. So until I get a chance I just turn the gas off when I am done and life is good.

 

[racsan]

id check compression first, just to be sure it is there. dont know what it should be but it should all be fairly even, probly around 100 psi. next make sure you have good spark. and alot of times with those 6 volt systems you use so much battery just turning over the engine that it doesnt leave enough for the coil to fire good. a 8 volt battey will help, so does converting it over to 12 volt. if you have good spark and compression, all that is left is fuel. its a pretty simple carb to rebuild. take it apart soak it in cleaner, put it back together and adjust after you get it started. we have a 2N (1946) thats been in the family since new. also have a 8N with a loader and backhoe. not sure of the year, but it still had the front distributor so its closer to '48 than it is '52. both the 2N and 8N we have have the sherman overdrive. road gear without it is terribly slow. the 2N:

the 8N:

 

[Tony Raine]

just got our 8n up and running from having similar problems

pulled the distributor off and got all new guts for it. there's 2 types, so take it with you to the store.

got a new coil too

if its converted to 12v, make sure you get a reducer and run 6v to a 6v coil. 12v will either burn out the coil, or destroy the points.

 

[martin]

If it's a gravity feed system it might be a sticky float needle.