Ford 8n Hydraulic and Engine Start Woes

[jackbnimble]

Yesterday I attempted to raise my brush hog to adjust the cutting depth chains. Hog went up; won't come down. Then engine stopped and now will not start. I took the PTO shaft off thinking that might relieve tension on engine but no luck. What gives? Am I looking at two separate problems or they interconnected? If they are connected, how? Thanks in advance for comments.

 

[bcp]

Welcome to TBN.

Does the 8N have a safety interlock so it won't start with the PTO engaged? I forget after 40+ years.

Someone who knows will be along soon.

Bruce

 

[mapper]

Welcome to TBN.

Does the 8N have a safety interlock so it won't start with the PTO engaged? I forget after 40+ years.

Someone who knows will be along soon.

Bruce

The only safety interlock on an 8N is the neutral switch.
I think there may be two issues here, the lift being stuck in the up position may be a clogged position control valve. The engine not starting; we need more information on symptoms, does it crank over or is it locked up? If it cranks, check the usual culprits - spark, fuel etc. These are pretty simple machines, the average shade tree mechanic can work on one and usually diagnose what the problem is.

 

[jackbnimble]

It cranks and wants to start so fuel/electrical appears ok. I checked all connections with test light. Its almost like the engine does not build compression (but have not done compression check).

 

[mapper]

Check the fuel screen located in the elbow where the fuel line enters the carburetor, if it is partially blocked the engine will start and die as soon as the float bowl goes dry. The screen is about 3/4" long and about 1/8" in diameter, so it doesn't take much to plug it. I found the one on mine was plugged with rabbit fur, the previous owner had stored it in a shed where rabbits were also kept.
I understand there is also a screen in the fuel tank, I never had to get into that one.