I have a 52 8N ford that ran like a top until it didn't. I have tried all that I know and all my friends know and can't get it going again. I'd like someone with real experience to give it a go. I'm in The Colony. Any suggestions?

Thanks!!
Matt

Does it have spark?

Is there fuel at the carb?

My NAA -

Cast knows them pretty well

Did you put the rotor back in ?
I did that once.

Spark yes. Fuel yes. Air yes. Timing maybe. The engine is still in place . I rebuilt the carb from a YouTube video and a kit from amazon. I really want someone that knows these things to look at it. I think compression is ok. Valves seem to be ok. I’m just stumped.

Do you have spark AT the plugs? Sorry but this should be easy. Did it run right after the carb rebuild? FYI, those carbs are cast iron and they rust. I tried rebuilding mine then replaced it with a new OEM carb. You can still get parts at NH tractor dealers.

It is important to check for fuel right at the carb on these old tractors. They are notorious for not delivering gas to the other side.

Have you pulled the plugs for inspection yet?

The fuel cap. Is it vented? Long shot.

Try pull starting it.
Usually if it’s going to fire off it will if pull started.
Be sure to use 3rd or 4th gear.

Is it 6 or 12 volt? Regular or SS ignition?
I’m thinking fouled plugs.

As a kid we had a 9N, sat for some time between uses. Would go start it the day before we were going to use it, then next day wouldn't start, had to pull it off. That 8N is a heck of a tractor compared to a 9N.

With him and all his friends cranking on it, it is very likely the plugs are fouled. You should have spare plugs around, change them.

OK. Plugs are new. I personally think it's either the carb that I rebuilt and might have messed up, or timing. It has had a 12 volt conversion. Alternator and battery are good. I got a spark gap tester and it has plenty of spark at the plugs.
I should be more clear. If anyone here has experience with old Ford tractors, doesn't mind driving to The Colony, and wouldn't charge me out the wazoo, I'd gladly pay for someone to tell me whats going on. I bet it wouldn't take but an hour or two, maybe less, with someone that knows what is really happening. Hit me up in a PM and lets figure this out.

Thanks!!!
Matt

You never told me if it ever ran well after the carb rebuild. I think there is a drain on the carb bowl. If you remove it, does fuel run out? If it never ran after carb rebuild, replace the carb. If it’s the original carb, I would consider replacing it with OEM not aftermarket. My NAA tractor ran so much better with a new carb.

It has not run after the rebuild. but there is fuel to the carb. I have seen it run out of the bowl.

Ok, so the carb it is. Did you research the settings for the jets after the carb rebuild? It is tricky. It’s in the service manual. Go over to Yesterday’s Tractors and ask about carb settings in the 8N forum. Old Dell will set you straight if he is still alive.

try using starting fluid sprayed into air breather while cranking. If it will start and run on starting fluid, likely carb issue.

Nothing works better at testing all the necessary components at once. If it cranks on starting fluid, no use checking for a problem with spark, compression, or air.

Yes...

Good luck wish you were next door, would be a fun after work project.

My bet is on the carb as most times someone without a lot of experience digs into and rebuilds a carb it doesn't work right when they are done. Do you know how to adjust the carb?

i wouldn't use starting fluid, it could lock it up. use wd40, pull the cleaner and spray directly into the carb while your turning it over to see if it bumps and tries to start

That carb, besides being cast iron, is a strange beast. The jet adjustments are to be set once and forgotten. One jet is closed when screwed in, the other is open when screwed in. It has been too long since I changed my carb and have not touched it since.

My parts guy says finding an OEM will be tough.

it could if you over do it ... cracked a ring on my dad's Ford 951 by using too much and it locked up ... that was fun to tear apart to replace ring.

but on a gas engine, merely start spinning engine over and puff a couple shots of starting fluid into air breather ... she should fire up and start to die, puff again, repeat as it keeps trying to die ... after a few seconds you will have defined you have spark, air and fuel (starting fluid) and if it sounds half way normal while running (on puffs of starting fluid), likely not timing issue. I fully suspect it's carb related or fuel delivery between tank and carb. have you checked to make sure the petcock on the bottom of the tank is open. checked water strainer to see if fuel is being delivered that far. I would also pull the fuel line off the carb to see if fuel is flowing to eliminate fuel flow from tank to carb.

Are you sure the fuel is good?

It is pretty hard to kill an old Ford tractor, my guess is the carb needs professional help.