Ford 8N - What to look for

[kf4uda]

If he's looking at buying an 8n, my biggest piece of advice is to buy a 600 or 800 series Ford instead. Not much more money, much more useful tractor.

I will add a 2nd vote for this advice. I personally would much rather have a 600 or 800 series. Nothing wrong with an 8n. They were a game changer in their day. Ford went on to improve with the 600 and 800 series with features like more power, live PTO and lift in a tractor not much larger than the N series.

Now if he just wants an 8n because Dad or Grandpa had one, then forget all the above

 

[DavesTractor]

Yep, buy a 600 or 800 series. But on any decades old tractors, also check for repaired freeze cracks in the block. Look down into the fuel tank also, many are rusty and yucky.

 

[flusher]

I have a friend that is looking at buying a Ford 8N tractor. Are there certain things that he should be looking for that are model specific problems. I am trying to help him with a little basic knowledge, but have no experience on 8N's.

Consider buying that 8N only if it's running properly--works in all gears; no black, white or blue exhaust smoke after the engine is up to temperature, 3pt hitch works OK, pto works OK.

My neighbor bought a non-running 8N for $1000. Turned out to have less than 50 psi compression on all cylinders--way too low. 8Ns have been around going on 70 years and many of them have worn out engines and/or transmissions.

That said, 8Ns are fun to work on.

Good luck.

 

[Lastkidpicked]

Hello MyBx. Thank you for helping advise your friend.

Flusher has a very good point: There are enough good running 8n's (and 600 and 800 series) at good prices that there is no reason to buy a project tractor.