Standard N starting problems

Ad Hickley · Nov 23, 2009

I have an ongoing problem starting my 1939 Fordson Standard N. Fuel is getting to inlet manifold but is not being drawn into cylinders: it gets sprayed out of the little valves underneath the manifold as the engine is turned over.

Taking out the plugs and priming the cylinders with petrol almost always works and the tractor runs fine once it has started (although restarting once hot is a bit of a problem!) so it doesn't seem to be a compression problem. Probably.

Any ideas as to what the problem might be? Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike Farmer · Nov 23, 2009

I dont know what you have already tried so this is what I would do.
It sounds to me that you may have a classic N and E27N fault. There is a thin air pipe(about 3/8th inch diameter) that goes from the point just in front of choke valve down to the bottom of the carb. It follow the bend all the way down. These pipes rust out at the bottm end and so you are not drawing air properly. Not too much problem when its running but hell when you are using the handle at the front.So you may need to replace or repair it.
Remove the vaporiser plate and ensure that it is as clean as humanly possible. Make sure the jet through is also really clean. When you bolt it back on be as sure as possible that it is airtight. Now at least it should be sucking properly. If you already tried these then I dont think I can be of much help. MTF

Ad Hickley · Nov 24, 2009

Thanks very much for the response Mike. My Standard has an E27N carb fitted which people tell me is a major benefit in terms of economy and general running (I'd have preferred an original vaporiser but it was there when I bought it).

The only pipe I can find is the one that drains surplus fuel from the carb. It has a tap on the carb body. Do you know if the pipe you're describing is in a different place on the E27N carb?

Mike Farmer · Nov 24, 2009

Sorry my thoughts haven't worked out for you.The E27N upto about 1950 had basically the same carb. I guess you are saying the later one is fitted to your "N". In theory they were better for starting and more economical?????. I honestly have very very little experience with these, but will try to find out for you. I come back to you as soon as I can. The other thing is of course that more than a few "N"s were absolute pigs to start. At least yours starts with a little application of 'cylinder juice' MTF

Mike Farmer · Nov 24, 2009

Sorry forgot to say, have you tried taking off the air intake pipe and stuffing a rag into the top of the carb, not a long term remedy but will give a better idea of the cause of the problem.MTF

Anonymous-0 · Nov 24, 2009

If you know someone else with a good starting tractor, maybe you could borrow their magneto and see if it makes a difference.

Ad Hickley · Nov 25, 2009

Thanks Mike and Cdmn. I shall try the air intake issue and the magneto, if and when I can lay my hands on one...

Mike Farmer · Dec 7, 2009

Hi just thought that I would tell you that I have asked all my friends and no=one is able to come up with anything really specific. The E27N manifold shouldn't make a whole lot of diference. The general opinion is that all else be relatively ok, over the years the engine has got a bit worn and just isn't sucking as well as it used to on the handle. Did you try blocking the air intake. We actually have an old Massey combine and thats the only way it will start. The carb has been profesionally rebuilt and the timing is perfect but shes old and cantankerous, but this way she starts first touch everytime. Best of luck. MTF

Standard N starting problems

Ad Hickley

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