Ford 850 won't run

[Gale Hawkins]

Agree you should have a good flow if you remove the line going into the carb when a helper opens the tank shut off. If not then learn why. If the flow is good then you could just let it run for 30 minutes at a time with Sea Foam mixed about 4oz per gallon of fresh gas and do it once a day for several days and see if the dying goes away when you put it in gear. A carb rebuild would not hurt anything if you clean everything well while it is open and expect that would be a good move if you plan to keep it for a while. We have whacked the carb on the side with a 2x4 to shake loose a float that was hanging. The objective is not to bust anything however.

Keep us posted. The tractor will be handy when you get it running well.

 

[jmcgill89]

I just replaced the fuel valve under the tank and I know I have good fuel flow. I know I had to "finesse" the fuel line back into its proper place when I did the valve replacement. I eventually got it something close to right. I have read many threads about these Ford tractors boiling the fuel in particular the crap we have nowadays with ethanol. I worry that's what was happening but after I let the tractor sit for 35 minutes and it started back up it was still not right and I know it wasn't hot enough to be boiling the gas in the line.

I'm going to get a carb kit, charge the battery up and try some of these other tricks. I'm sure it'll be running well in no time.

 

[Cbrown9064]

I have an 861, fuel line routed stock through manifold and no problems with "boiling" fuel. Most fuel problems are due to a restriction somewhere. It seems yours is also, as the problem is still evident after "cool down".

1--Do you have good fuel flow at the end of the line when you take it off the carb?

2--Do you have good fuel flow with the drain removed on the bottom of the carb?

If Yes on both, then I would think you have a restriction in the carb. Get a kit and clean everything well. Visit a local auto or boat shop and see if they have a bucket of that nasty carb cleaner they would soak your carb in. I cannot remember the name of that stuff, but you did not want to stick your hand in it. It did a good job of cleaning out the oil left behind in 2 stroke carbs...

Otherwise get a few cans of carb cleaner and blow it through every passage.

Usually a surge like you are describing is a lean condition (lack of fuel). So troubleshoot that...

Chris

 

[jmcgill89]

Chris,

Yes to 1 and 2. I'm going to get a carb kit, and rebuild it. I actually own one of those buckets of "stuff" to soak parts in, so I'll be doing that.

Quick question: Which carburetor do I have on this thing? It's the original carb, (Marvel-Schebler). I'm looking, but there seems to be a number of different model numbers for the carburetors listed on both eBay and Yesterday's tractor.

 

[Soundguy]

Where is the fuel filter that was mentioned? Is it the one in the carburetor?

should be one in the tank, one in the sed bulb as well..

 

[Soundguy]

all you need to know is large carb or small carb.. as that's the carb gasket. most of the kits rebuild all the models for that size.. extra seats etc.

check fuel flow THRU carb drain... not just TO carb

Chris,

Yes to 1 and 2. I'm going to get a carb kit, and rebuild it. I actually own one of those buckets of "stuff" to soak parts in, so I'll be doing that.

Quick question: Which carburetor do I have on this thing? It's the original carb, (Marvel-Schebler). I'm looking, but there seems to be a number of different model numbers for the carburetors listed on both eBay and Yesterday's tractor.

 

[jmcgill89]

I emptied the bowl on the carb once, but not with the fuel valve open. I will try that when I head back to the land on Friday.

I know the filter is ok at the tank, but I'm sure the sediment bulb is probably at least somewhat clogged. I'll just take it all off, blow some carb cleaner through the unit, and put the quick rebuild kit in.

I'd have been happy if I would have had internet at the property.....Soundguy's choke tip might have been enough to get the tractor moving, at least.

 

[jmcgill89]

Quick update.

I went out to my property on Friday and worked on the 850. Turns out I DID NOT have good fuel flow into the carburetor. I took the fuel line off the carburetor, and only got a trickle of fuel out. Luckily I had a can of compressed air with me, and I was able to blow some air through the line, and got it flowing really well. After that, the tractor started right up and I was able to get the bush hog running until it clogged again like 5 minutes later. I then did the same procedure, and it worked longer...I was able to make a few passes with the bush hog and get it back into the shed. I was happy. I'm thinking I did some damage to the new fuel valve when I installed it. When I get it all taken out this winter, I'll make sure I replace the valve again.

 

[Soundguy]

probably the screen plugged up.. or a bit of trash in the valve..

 

[FarmHan]

what is the correct setting of the dwell on an 850 ford tractor?