Farmall H losing power / stalling

Justin-PA · Aug 12, 2009

Hi guys...finally got some dry weather to make hay, got the Farmall H out and 1 trip around suddenly it is running like crap. Sputters and spits and stalls out when I try to mow or even put it in gear and go. I pulled the sediment bowl and carb and I have good flow to the carb (cleaned everything anyways, including the jets in the carb). Checked the governor linkage and adjust the idle and power screws on the carb per instructions I found in another post. I pulled the plugs and cleaned them..they had a little build-up. I checked compression...got 90, 120, 100, 110. Could that #1 cylinder be causing the problem? SOmething still screwed up in my carb? I don"t know what else to check.

Any help appreciated.
Justin

rustyfarmall · Aug 12, 2009

Might be the ignition contact points, possibly the distributor cap, maybe the wires? How long since you did a complete tune-up?

CNKS · Aug 12, 2009

A dirty carb has to be disassembled and soaked in carb cleaner (preferably overnight), blown dry and assembled with a new kit. Also, the fitting on the carb that the fuel line attaches to is removeable and has a screen inside, it could be partially plugged. You have a lean fuel mixture.

TomH in PA · Aug 12, 2009

I agree with Rusty. Points will go bad and cause it to act like that.

Justin-PA · Aug 12, 2009

Thanks for all the suggestions. After puting in the cleaned plugs it ran better for about 5 minutes. I went back out to the field and got the whole 5 acres mowed..but boy my neighbors thought I was nuts. Spit'n and a sputer'n the whole time. Good thing the field was mostly flat.

I have never given this tractor a tune-up. I inherited it from my late grandfather last year, and I agree its about time. I think tomorrow I'll pick up a carb kit, points, condensor, coil, wires, plugs. I did change the oil and filter just last month.

What do you all think about my compression numbers? That #1 looks a bit low and I noticed a very small water leak coming from somewhere near the #1 cylinder (possibly the head gasket).

I had planned a complete overhaul on this tractor eventually..might have to do the engine sooner than I thought?

Thanks again.
Justin

El Toro · Aug 13, 2009

Have you opened the main jet adjustment screw near the bottom of the carburetor? Hal

Justin-PA · Aug 13, 2009

Hal,
Yes I initially set the main jet to the standard 3 turns out, then adjusted it several times both in and out at wide open throttle. I can get it to stall when its turned in, and when turned way out it runs even rougher, but there is not any spot in between that really helps.

Justin-PA · Aug 19, 2009

Just wanted to give an update, it was apparently an electrical problem. Two spark plug wire contacts were burnt/dirty looking. Rotor was worn, points were worn. I replaced everything from points to plugs. I also rebuilt the carb with a new kit. Man does it run GOOD now!!! Its like a whole new tractor, lots of power, etc.

Thanks for everyones help!

Farmall H losing power / stalling

Justin-PA

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rustyfarmall

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CNKS

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TomH in PA

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Justin-PA

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El Toro

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Justin-PA

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Justin-PA

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