First off this is my first tractor and the first problems I had since the purchase. I bought 2 books when I got the Tractor-I&T FO-4 Ford Shop Manual and Ford Tractor Operator's Manual. I just recently purchased-How to Restore Ford Tractors by Tharran E. Gains. I used the gap stick that came with the points set that was included in the package?? I joined this site because I wanted to talk about my tractor with other enthusiasts. I have 2 college degrees in Architectural Technology and Construction Management from East Carolina University. So Murphry 1244 don't play me like I am stupid. You do not know me or the situation, so either talk to me with some couth and quit be so obtuse. I was raise that if you cannot say anything good then don't say anything. I am parispete so remember that next time to want to sound off on my thread when seeking help. Thank you.
All I do appreciate all the information even from murphy1244 and am willing to learn and hopefully gain knowledge and friendships on this site. Now, I was thinking that I do not know how long that carb has been on that tractor so from that point of view I am thinking that I can save the 50-60 bucks and put it towards a new carburetor. Who out there know and has field tested carbs so that I can get a new one. I figure that I can get a kit down the road and try to install a kit and try that then save it or sell it used and rebuilt. What is some good carb cleaner now a days??
So you have two college degrees, three books on the tractor and still gap'ed the points too wide? You tell us the engine ran great before you messed with the distributor, wires, plugs and you want to rebuild the carburetor to "fix it"?
I'd throttle back on the caffeine, swallow some dry crow, stow the ego and listen to the advice already given.
1) Follow Soundguy's advice. He doesn't just have more posts than you, he has more tractors too --- and by the same ratio! Re-read the book on how to remove the dist and set the points. It's not common knowledge and is easy to do wrong. Very easy. (at least for me)
2) Run your fingers from dist to plug for each one. Verify the order is correct. #1 is closest to the Rad (if memory serves). Make sure you ordered them for the rotation direction of the dist.
3) don't go borrowing trouble. If it worked before you mucked about with the dist, wires, plugs and it won't work now ---> it's because you did something wrong. Go back and verify. When you KNOW the wires are in the correct places, pull each plug one at a time and VERIFY you have a fat blue spark from each one.
I am thinking you have a weak spark from too wide of a gap, but wouldn't be shocked if your firing order is out of whack too.