I need my 1952 Ford 8N to start... please help!!

[macecase]

I really need this tractor to work... It worked great for a while after I bought it but now doesn't start. I am at the point of just buying another tractor because I need a working one.... But, I am attached to the Ford 8Ns and don't want to do so. It makes better sense to fix this one.

To me, it seems the starter is really slow.... But, it is 6V and I am used to 12V sounds.... Anyway, I have a brand new battery in it with no changes. I am all ears and will post back responses to all suggestions, requests for measurements, etc....

Thank you!

 

[Soundguy]

Always check spark first on a gasser when it dont start, if it is spark try it with starter fluid if I bangs on that, check fuel, post back

 

[LD1]

IT dont sound right to me. Only sounds like one or two cylinders is building compression. Get a compression tester and check compression of each cylinder. I am betting you are down a few cylinders. A head gasket or a valve stuck open are the likely two.

 

[Xfaxman]

IT dont sound right to me. Only sounds like one or two cylinders is building compression. Get a compression tester and check compression of each cylinder. I am betting you are down a few cylinders. A head gasket or a valve stuck open are the likely two.

Yep, guessing stuck or burned valve. Shouldn't hear that noise in the air cleaner.

 

[LD1]

I didnt notice much noise in the air cleaner. But tehn again, computer speakers arent the greatest. I did notice it missing some compression cycles though...

 

[Soundguy]

thumb over plug holes and valve side covers off will tell a tale.

 

[macecase]

IT dont sound right to me. Only sounds like one or two cylinders is building compression. Get a compression tester and check compression of each cylinder. I am betting you are down a few cylinders. A head gasket or a valve stuck open are the likely two.

I made a trip to harbor freight and purchased a compression test kit. Cylinder 1 & 2 have ZERO compression. 3 & 4 register about 65 pounds.

Now, what should I do?

 

[LD1]

Pull the cylinder head off. Hopefully you just have a blown gasket. Also check and see if you have antifreeze in the engine oil. If you do, you need to do an oil change.

Again, could also be a valve stuck, which you would see by popping the head off and cranking the motor over by hand.

Worst case would be busted pistons, broke crank, cracked block, etc.

Pulling the head comes first. But the 65psi concerns me on the other two holes as well...

 

[Soundguy]

exactly what i mentioned.

pull valve side covers... i bet for find the intakes for 1 & 2 stuck open.

 

[macecase]

is it possible to pull the head without having to take the hood off? I would imagine no, but I thought I would ask.