Long time lurker, first time poster.
1949 8N with front distributor that has been converted to 12V and not by me. I am somewhat mechanical but don't know much about carbs, distributors, points, etc.
I have done lots of searching and am wondering if I am on the right path.
Symptoms -- Tractor was working fine and then recently I was having issues with the tractor taking longer to start (which has led me to running down the battery a few times and needing to be charged) and randomly shutting off while in use. This is in Michigan and previous to these issues it would fire up strongly even when 0 degrees outside. I thought I was having issues with my points or distributor because it would run for 15 to 30 minutes and shut off and be impossible to start again for a few hours, but this last time it has been 2 days and I *still* cannot get it to start. A few days ago while it was running if I tried plowing too much snow the engine would spit and almost stall unless I put the clutch in and let it run for a few minutes. This usually resolved itself although once or twice the tractor shut off with a backfire.
Short version of troubleshooting:
- Gas tank is 3/4 full with new gas
- Gas knob has been tried rotated to 2 turns and all the way
- Tractor will keep turning over until battery dies without firing
- Jumped wires on ignition switch
- Checked one spark plug and it was getting spark while cranking (held close to engine block while cranking)
- Carb fast drips (almost pours) gas after trying to start while choking for too long -- check the single plug I can remove (on the side of the road) and no gas is on the plug
- Poured small amount of gas into the engine after taking out the spark plug -- with it being jumped it will fire once or twice but that is it
- Tried starting while jump starting without pouring gas into spark plug hole -- no dice
- Tried starting while being towed for ~1 mile -- would putter and almost start but when I put the clutch in to let it run on it's own it would die.
My buddy helping me tow figures that it isn't getting gas -- the one spark plug I could get out is not soaked in gas and towing it will not jump start it even though it was producing a spark.
My tentative next steps were going to be to put in new spark plugs and maybe put in some carb cleaner or something?
Any help or tips would be appreciated. I don't have a garage, have limited tools, and it is cold outside but I will try my best to follow any advice you all have. Thanks!