Ford 8N

Schall · Dec 10, 2013

I am new to this forum, and I just bought a Ford 8N, it has the 12V conversion but it wasn't and is currently not running. I have checked the spark, its good and blue-white. I figured it was then a fuel issue, so I tried a bit of starting fluid and didn't even get a sputter..... I have hand choked the carb and it the gas doesn't pour out but its enough to wet my hand. SO my question is should I pull the carburetor and do a total clean out of it? I always figured if I had spark the starting fluid should get me a sputter at least. I think this tractor has been sitting for at least 3 years. Thanks

Loadstar · Dec 10, 2013

Only way starting fluid seems to work on my 600 is if I spray direct into carb while cranking. It won't hurt to pull carb and clean it well. Check your tank and make sure it is decently clean with decent gas and good flow to carb. Maybe give the compression a check. When cranking for a long time does the tailpipe smell gassy?

Schall · Dec 10, 2013

I'll check that this evening, what PSI minimum should I be looking for on a cold engine?

Loadstar · Dec 10, 2013

Not sure on specs but maybe someone will chime in on that. Might wait on it until you clean carb up and make sure of a good seal between carb and intake. Has it ran at all since sitting for three years?

Schall · Dec 10, 2013

I don't think it has run, it was in the barn of a man who passed away so I have really no idea of the mechanical history.

Loadstar · Dec 10, 2013

The way I approach gas equipment that has not run in some time is the following:
1. Clear contents of tank and clean.
2. Change oil and check air filtering
3. Pull carb inspect and clean as necessary
4. Pull plugs and see what story they have to tell then clean, check gap, or replace.
5. With the plugs out hit cylinders with a very small MIST of lube.
6. With plugs out, crank engine checking fire on each plug.
7. Reinstall plugs, reinstall carb, verify oil, and begin start up attempts.
8. Remember fuel, air, and fire at the right amounts and time are all you need

paccorti · Dec 10, 2013

My motorcycle carb gets nasty just sitting over the winter. 3 years is a long time. I don't know what an 8N carb is like but if it has a fuel bowl that's usually where things are very messy since the lighter gas volatiles evaporate leaving a thicker residue. On my motorcycle the pilot jet (which sits in the fuel bowl) is the usual culprit when it won't start. A good cleaning with carb cleaner will do wonders. Wear goggles if you can. I've shot myself in the face with carb clear more times than I'd like (shoot cleaner into one orifice and it always seems to exit right back at my face).

Peter

Soundguy · Dec 10, 2013

familiar looking message? is this a dupe of on in the vintage ford section?

IF it has good spark.. and has compression on each cyl ( ie.. no stuck valves ).. then it SHOULD pop on start fluid.

ford specs 90 psi minimum for decent running. will it run on less than 90.. sure.. but may be weak and hard starting.

a lil atf in each cyl to loosen ring sup may help.

that is assuming it is getting fuel.. etc.

Schall · Dec 11, 2013

You got me Soundguy, I wasn't sure both forums were viewed by all. As I said in the vintage forum I did get it figured out finally. Loadstar your advise was spot on. I realize I should have changed the gas, but it was practically empty when I got it, so I added fresh gas....... bad idea. For the little effort, I should have drained the gas and replaced it. I gaped and changed the plugs. and gave it a shot of starting fluid while cranking and bingo. I have a lot more work to do on it once I get it where its warm, but at least I can drive it onto the trailer to get it home! Thanks to you all!