861 Ford Problems

[kf4uda]

I have a 1958 861 Ford (gas). When I go to use the tractor I start it and let it warm up a little before moving. The tractor usually starts fairly easily but will sometimes die after running for a minute or so. It is then very hard to start again. Over the last couple of years I have replaced points,condenser, cap and plug wires. Several years ago I replaced the original carb with the Zenith replacement (which has never seemed just right to me). This acts like a fuel problem but I am not sure. Anybody got any ideas?

 

[art]

I'd go with a fuel problem too! Thing is, what is the problem, to much fuel or two little.

 

[Soundguy]

put the crystal ball away and quit guessing.

next time it dies, pull a plug wire and have a spare plug available.. check spark.. if it has good spark, move on to fuel.

pull the bowl drain and see if it is a fuel stoppage at the tank tap.. or perhaps something inthe float valve / needle / seat.

I don't care much for the zenith.. but a working carb is a working carb.

if it is a fuel issue, a lil choke will likely help it, and thus help diagnose it.

also.. clean the points.. pull a piece of white paper thru them.. plus check their gap.. too close and they will start to burn.. to far apart and you get weak spark.

that machine is gapped at .025 on points and plugs.

post back.

soundguy

 

[kf4uda]

Your right Soundguy. My crystal ball never worked anyway. Hopefully I will have some time this weekend to check a little deeper. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Soundguy]

let us know what you find and we can continue diagnosing it and hopefully get you going again.

soundguy

 

[kf4uda]

I ran the tractor a few hours this weekend using a landscape rake. Before doing so I replaced the spark plugs. They were very black (sooty) indicating a rich mixture I think. I did not have any problem starting it. I did notice that it sputters some when you throttle up real quick.

 

[Soundguy]

If it's sooty and stumbles.. it's possibly flooding out.

soundguy

 

[SKFOOTER]

And what would cause it to flood out??

 

[Soundguy]

too much main needle.. poorly adjusted flaot.. bad seat.. etc..

 

[SKFOOTER]

And what is the likely culprit that causes those problems???