(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Starts and then dies everytime.

J

jwinders

New User
I have a 1949 Ferguson TO-20 it ran fine a couple of weeks ago and then all of a sudden it won't stay running. I have recently changed the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, checked the timing, had the carb rebuilt, replaced the coil, removed the gas tank and cleaned it, replaced the fuel filter, removed the fuel filter to make sure it was flowing well without it. Drained the gas because I thought it was bad gas. It sounds like it just runs out of gas after 15 to 20 seconds and then i can usually start it up again after it dies and it does the same thing. Almost like it is using up the fuel that is in the carburetor and once that is gone it runs out.

I hope this all makes sense if not I will try and clarify thank you in advance for all your help. I am out of ideas.
 

Try a compression test , one or two valves might be sticking and not allowing it to suck in enough fuel air mixture . At the same time make sure the air filter isn't clagged right up .
 
I bet you are exactly correct. The fuel is flowing very slowly, too slow for it to keep running. Let is stop for a minute or two and it fills the carb
and will run again for a bit and then die. I expect there is something partially blocking the fuel. The problem could be at the sediment bowl, or one
of the filters. Do you have an inline after-market filter? If so, remove it, and see if that helps.
 

That is what I am thinking. If i let it sit overnight it starts right up and runs for about a minute. It dies and will start again but only for a few seconds. I have removed the aftermarket fuel filter to take it out of the equation. I guess my next step is going to be removing the fuel tank and cleaning it again.

When it starts it runs fine which is what makes me think its not compression or anything just a fuel issue.
 
(quoted from post at 14:54:15 03/29/16)
That is what I am thinking. If i let it sit overnight it starts right up and runs for about a minute. It dies and will start again but only for a few seconds. I have removed the aftermarket fuel filter to take it out of the equation. I guess my next step is going to be removing the fuel tank and cleaning it again.

When it starts it runs fine which is what makes me think its not compression or anything just a fuel issue.
Click to expand...


Check for a screen in the carb fuel inlet.
 
Try taking the plug out of the carb bowl, see what kind of flow you get. Should flow, and continue to flow, if it slows to a drip, something is restricting it. Catch what comes out in a glass, check for water or trash.

Be sure the tank is vented, try opening the cap. It may say "vented", but doesn't necessary mean it really is, BTDT.

If the fuel system checks out, be ready to immediately check the spark when it dies. Also check the distributor shaft for side play, points won't stay set if the bushing is worn. Todays points and condensers are not what they used to be, lot's are DOA new out of the box.
 
Is the baffle in the gas tank loose and moving around? That can scrape up sediment which washes to the outlet.
 

If you have checked the fuel supply like you said and it is flowing well then it's not likely to be a fuel gravity feed problem . If the valves aren't stuck try holding onto the ignition switch while starting . The switch might be connecting while you turn it and disconnecting shortly afterwards . Easy enough to test , connect the wires at the back to each other and try stating again . If it stays running the switch is faulty.
 
Parts book shows a screen around the carb end banjo bolt with late Zenith carbs. Doesn't mention same with early Zenith or Holley ones.

Worth checking IMO.
 
I have the Marvel Carb on mine (I mistyped its 51 not a 49) i checked the screen at the carb.(all good) When I unscrew the plug at the bottom of the carb, after sitting all night, fuel pours out of it then basically stops and just drips. Is that normal? Or should it keep flowing?
 
It should keep flowing. YOu have a restriction up river. That's your problem. Sediment bowl is possibility.
 

Just an update for anyone in the future with this problem. It was fuel flow from the gas tank. I removed the gas tank and hooked up a funnel. Tractor ran fine. Removed the filter bowl assembly and it was gunked up pretty good. So I cleaned the tank and sealed it also I got a new filter bowl assembly. I am having issues with the assembly right now but that's another issue. Should be up and running in no time. Thank you everyone for the help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
MH 44 Won't keep running.
Replies
19
Views
349
stevieb49829
stevieb49829
6
MF65 starts and dies right away
Replies
2
Views
252
60mf65
6
S
JD 4400 dies and won't start
Replies
6
Views
354
wore out
wore out
F
Ford 8n starts but dies without choke
2 3
Replies
45
Views
938
Jim L WA
J
M
Farmall super M dies after 20 minutes
Replies
13
Views
341
Chester5731
C
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top