The old 'fuel dripping out of the air intake after the tractor is turned off' thing;

[farmer jann]

Hi, farmer Jann here. I want to know if I read or dreamt the following bit of information regarding my 1953 Ford 8N:
Is it true that the idle adjusting and main metering needle valves are set with the threads turned counterclockwise (out) to begin with, then turned clockwise however many turns the repair manual suggests? Also, is there anything unforeseen that could turn a carb rebuild session into a nightmare- like the removal of the brass needle valves themselves? I hope it would be step by step, using care, inspect prior and during to not ruin threads, valve tip(s), etc. Anyone have a "Dick and Jane how to service/rebuild your 8N stock carb" Book or any pointers? The manuals and diagrams I have are full of instructions that assume one has the nerve to actually start on a project this vital to the operation of my tractor. Is it as easy as the printed word seems to suggest?
NERVE NEEDED OPERATE on my 8N. thanks

 

[DJ54]

The needle valves shold be turned in, until they seat (carefully screw in), then back out the number of turns. I'm thinking about 1-1/2 on the main, and 3/4 on the idle. This should be close enough to get it to run, then fine tune when you get it started.

If you have gas dripping when it is shut off, sounds more like the float needs to be adjusted. I would try that, before doing a complete rebuild. I've got 14 various models of gas fueled tractors, and only one needed a rebuild, simply becase a previous owner screwd the needle valves in too far, and put a crease in the needle. All others just needed a good cleaning, and float adjustment.

Back in the 70's and 80's when I was hot & heavy into collecting and showing, a wise old mechanic informed us that there is a difference in the specific gravity of leaded gas, and unleaded gas, which allows the float to sink a little more in unleaded gas, thus causing fuel drips, and running rich. With today's fuel, and the additives including ethanol, could be a lot of the problems folks are experiencing with float settings.