late 60's Ford 3000 Gas: run, sputter, run sputter - wazzup?

kgracey

New User
Hey guys! So I don't sound like somebody calling Click and Clack, I uploaded a video to help you diagnose the problem with my tractor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dsr_3cVQuY

Here's what you'll observe. First, the hour meter was just replaced and I've had this tractor for about seven running hours. I don't know the history of this machine - just bought it off a lawyer (yeah, I deserve everything I get!) and getting familiar with the machine.

It runs kinda poorly. As you'll see in the video, it sorta sputters, gets some power, then almost stalls, gets some power back. Sounds like sputter, sputter, a bit less, more sputter. During the periods of lower power I feel the tractor slow down a bit, too.

What's the guess here? Feels kinda low power in general. Would it be best to replace the plugs and then diagnose more? Could it be that the carb needs a rebuild?

Thanks!

Ken
 
Crap in the fuel tank is the first thing to look for. Remove the gas line and see if you get good flow. If not, remove the valve and let the tank drain to remove the gunk.

If good flow at the tank, start down the line and check for obstructions.

John
 
kgracey,

I don't know about your particular model, but I have a 1973 Ford 2000 gas tractor.

A few years ago (about 5 of them), I had intermittent sputtering and found out that there is a lift pump mounted near the front of the tractor that pumps the gas to the carburetor. It has a screen inside the pump to filter the gas. That screen was badly corrupted with dirt. I cleaned the screen and it hasn't had a problem since.

Good luck with your diagnosis.

Tom in TN
 
These little metal screens are a lifesaver and a heartbreaker with modern fuels.

Just taking a screen out and looking at it doesn't cut it. If it sits over winter or longer the gas forms a lacquer on the screen and will restrict flow.

Chainsaws, Weed-eaters, and Tractors with these fine mesh screens need the screen pulled out and use a pair of needle nose pliers to hold it and burn the lacquer off with a lighter, replace and you would be surprised at the difference.

Or it could just be dirty. Either way, checking all of those screens is a good deal.

Don't forget you probably have one of the fine mesh screens in the gas tank as well.

Its a cheap and easy check, my grandfather who spent over 30 years as a mechanic taught me a long time ago, and it stuck in my head, usually clears up rough and/or non runners when you know it ran right before parking it.
 
Be careful that you only do that to metal screens. Lots of screens are nylon mesh and will melt or burn if you take a flame to them.
 

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