Ford 2N not starting

DWD.IN · May 17, 2024

All was good 3 weeks ago, went to start up tractor today and it just turns over and over but won't fire. I checked for spark- all good, I checked fuel flow through carb- very good, battery strong and turns over very good. I pulled plugs and they are clean and dry. Not getting it to fire at all. I even tried ethenal to my own personal objection. Dont make any sense. If I have good spark at plugs, shouldn't I get some kind of fire? If points are stuck, would that cause no fire but spark at plugs? If the coil was bad, I wouldn't get spark to the plugs correct? Could it be a wet distributer? But I'm getting good spark. Common sense would tell me I'm not getting fuel to spark plug in order to get it to fire. Could it be the carb idle or fuel/air mix port clogged? I'm looking for a go to answer because this has to be something simple enough as turning on a light switch and it's fixed, right? I've worked this tractor over and under with fuel flow, charging, electrical and firing system. What happened while it was just sitting for 3 weeks that could possibly cause it not to fire? Dampness? Last time it stopped, could points stick? Any advise gentlemen? WTH am I missing? There is only one thing that has changed sense it last ran and sat for 3 weeks. Weather was rainy and damp in the shed. It's a new closed shed not exposed to foul weather. Please advise, thanks.

kirkawilson · May 17, 2024

Might be a timing problem. Make sure distributor cap is positioned correctly and snug. Also check distributor cap does not have a small crack anywhere.

ultrarunner · May 17, 2024

Spark and Fuel...

Only leaves timing and compression like stuck valves but I would think it would at least pop...

John0829 · May 17, 2024

A 2N with the front mount distributor is not going to be out of time, with spark and fuel it should at least try to start. I would start by checking the compression and that the air cleaner is not blocked.

DWD.IN · May 17, 2024

Update: resolved! I went out and attempted starting without choke and low throttle. It tried to fire. Waited about an hour, turned it over, added a little choke and fired right up. I'm think my throttle position was too high and when I choked it I flooded it. Didn't realize the throttle position could flood out the plugs on start. Runs like a kitten now. Thanks for the tips. I didn't want to pull the front mount dustributer. It's a PITA with 12 v conversion altenator in the way. But yes, that was a thought...bad cap. Compression is on the lower end, a rebuild is in the works in the future. I forgot to post the specs for the tractor...would have made it easier for you tractor mechs that know your stuff. Again appreciate the feedback.