Restoring a 1939 Ford 9N

Dragonslayer · Mar 25, 2018

Recently I made a package deal on two tractors and a 4' Bush hog. One of the tractors is a 1939 Ford 9N that last ran a year ago. It turns over but won't crank. I believe the starting point is to clean out the gas tank, replace the fuel filter bowl and rebuild or replace the carburetor. My plan is to get it running right and either use it for bush hogging or restore it all pretty for resale including a repaint to factory colors.

Any help and advice along the way will be greatly appreciated.

mopardude318 · Mar 25, 2018

Do a compression test, and check the points too.

Please post lots of pics as you go!

MossRoad · Mar 25, 2018

Dragonslayer said:
Recently I made a package deal on two tractors and a 4' Bush hog. One of the tractors is a 1939 Ford 9N that last ran a year ago. It turns over but won't crank. I believe the starting point is to clean out the gas tank, replace the fuel filter bowl and rebuild or replace the carburetor. My plan is to get it running right and either use it for bush hogging or restore it all pretty for resale including a repaint to factory colors.

Any help and advice along the way will be greatly appreciated.

Don't know if you know this already or not, but worth mentioning in case you don't.... Having hung around TBN for 17 years, I've read about 9Ns and brush hogs. And a friend of mine has one and has mentioned this. I can't recall for sure, but I think the 9N does not have a live PTO, so when you clutch, the PTO stops spinning. Conversely, if you slow down, the blades of the brush hog spinning will keep pushing the tractor forward unexpectedly even if you clutch, because the PTO is connected to the tranny. Clutching just disconnected the engine, not the PTO.

At least, that's the way I recall reading it. Never had one, so can't confirm.

Also, investigate an overrunning clutch for the PTO shaft. That should keep the implement from pushing the tractor, I think, but again, am not sure.

MossRoad · Mar 25, 2018

As for the gas... give it a pop of carb cleaner (or staring fluid) while cranking and see if there's fire before tearing into the fuel system.

fried1765 · Mar 25, 2018

MossRoad said:
Don't know if you know this already or not, but worth mentioning in case you don't.... Having hung around TBN for 17 years, I've read about 9Ns and brush hogs. And a friend of mine has one and has mentioned this. I can't recall for sure, but I think the 9N does not have a live PTO, so when you clutch, the PTO stops spinning. Conversely, if you slow down, the blades of the brush hog spinning will keep pushing the tractor forward unexpectedly even if you clutch, because the PTO is connected to the tranny. Clutching just disconnected the engine, not the PTO.

At least, that's the way I recall reading it. Never had one, so can't confirm.

Also, investigate an overrunning clutch for the PTO shaft. That should keep the implement from pushing the tractor, I think, but again, am not sure.

A PTO overrunning clutch is available from Agri-Supply for $29.99.
"Don't leave home (very dangerous) without it".

Agri-Supply is a GREAT company to deal with!

Kirk-NJ · Mar 27, 2018

Many people think they have a '39 but most have a later model. there was a lot of changes made that first year. Best to check the serial number on the flat shot just behind the oil filter near the head. Post some photos if you can. Here is one of my '39's for comparison.

motownbrowne · Mar 27, 2018

I can not say strongly enough that in my opinion an N tractor is an extremely poor choice for either bush hogging or restoration. They're terrible for mowing because they're geared too high and don't have live hydraulics. If you restore it and paint it you'll be pretty hard pressed to get even your money back, much less turn a profit.

Best thing would be to get it running and sell it as is. Just my thoughts.

NC419N · Mar 27, 2018

motownbrowne said:
I can not say strongly enough that in my opinion an N tractor is an extremely poor choice for either bush hogging or restoration. They're terrible for mowing because they're geared too high and don't have live hydraulics. If you restore it and paint it you'll be pretty hard pressed to get even your money back, much less turn a profit.

Best thing would be to get it running and sell it as is. Just my thoughts.

What he said :thumbsup:
Unless you have a special attachment to it let it ride unless it really is a all aluminium hood 39 then in that case send me a pm and we will talk