mcharley94
Member
Greetings,
I recently aquired from a friend, what we understood to be a 1948 Ford 8N, which he himself owned and used for several years. It's nothing pretty, and other than being a bit finicky to start sometimes its gotten the job done, thus far. I've no intentions on restoring it to its former glory, I simply aim to utilize it to plow snow / grade the driveway, and brush hog, along with various other tasks that are not to demanding.
My friend never has been one to maintain his equipment, where as I on the other hand was taught that a well maintained truck / tractor will rarely ever leave you stranded, which has proven to be true for me. That being said, I am in the process of addressing all the neglect while there is a break in the weather, starting with removing the hood and radiator and cleaning from the instrument panel forward, the years of built up grim and oil...what a mess!
After considering the pros and cons acquired from other posts here in the forums I've purchased both a 12 volt conversion kit, as well as a spin on oil filter adapter from eBay that some have recommended here, along with a complete tune up kit.
With the front half of the tractor clean and dry, and rid of virtually all the grim, the first thing I am wanting to tackle is converting the oil filter, which leads me to my first question. Upon looking at my oil lines I noticed that they do not appear to correlate with photos or videos I am seeing online when referencing a 1948 8N. Everything I am seeing shows the outlet line running around the front of the engine to the governor, where as mine exits the housing directly underneath and goes straight into the block through a 2" line. Upon further investigation online I learned that these short lines into the block were used in the 9N's from 39 to 44? My understanding has always been that 9N's had 3 forward gears, and 8N's had 4 forward gears, (which mine has along with the typical 8N brake and clutch pedals with the tread pattern). Perhaps this tractor is a compilation of different years into one?
I have the spin on adapter at this point so I intend on using it, but now I question how to run the oil lines without the risk of compromising the pressure. Should I run a new line to the governor and plug the inlet in the block, or should I use the existing setup?
One other question I have is in regards to the tappet cover gaskets. That side of the engine was a oily grimy mess which leads me to believe that the cover gaskets need replacing. With much time and effort I was able to clean that side quite well without removing the carb and manifold. The carb is not a big concern, but can I accomplish replacing the gaskets without the manifold coming off? Everything above the tappet covers appear well sealed and thus the bolts on the manifold are quite rusted and dry, and I have concerns one or more studs may break off in the process.
This go around (before the snow hits again) I aim to accomplish the oil filter adapter, the 12 volt conversion kit, new coolant hoses and thermostat, and the tune up (plugs, wires, cap, etc). Then in the spring I plan to rebuild the carb, replace the worn draglinks/tie rods, repair the useless brakes (which are no doubt due to faulty axle seals), and fix the PTO seal which leaks more than I care to see.
Any advice regarding the oil lines, and anything else I mention above would be greatly appreciated.
Kindly, Mark
I recently aquired from a friend, what we understood to be a 1948 Ford 8N, which he himself owned and used for several years. It's nothing pretty, and other than being a bit finicky to start sometimes its gotten the job done, thus far. I've no intentions on restoring it to its former glory, I simply aim to utilize it to plow snow / grade the driveway, and brush hog, along with various other tasks that are not to demanding.
My friend never has been one to maintain his equipment, where as I on the other hand was taught that a well maintained truck / tractor will rarely ever leave you stranded, which has proven to be true for me. That being said, I am in the process of addressing all the neglect while there is a break in the weather, starting with removing the hood and radiator and cleaning from the instrument panel forward, the years of built up grim and oil...what a mess!
After considering the pros and cons acquired from other posts here in the forums I've purchased both a 12 volt conversion kit, as well as a spin on oil filter adapter from eBay that some have recommended here, along with a complete tune up kit.
With the front half of the tractor clean and dry, and rid of virtually all the grim, the first thing I am wanting to tackle is converting the oil filter, which leads me to my first question. Upon looking at my oil lines I noticed that they do not appear to correlate with photos or videos I am seeing online when referencing a 1948 8N. Everything I am seeing shows the outlet line running around the front of the engine to the governor, where as mine exits the housing directly underneath and goes straight into the block through a 2" line. Upon further investigation online I learned that these short lines into the block were used in the 9N's from 39 to 44? My understanding has always been that 9N's had 3 forward gears, and 8N's had 4 forward gears, (which mine has along with the typical 8N brake and clutch pedals with the tread pattern). Perhaps this tractor is a compilation of different years into one?
I have the spin on adapter at this point so I intend on using it, but now I question how to run the oil lines without the risk of compromising the pressure. Should I run a new line to the governor and plug the inlet in the block, or should I use the existing setup?
One other question I have is in regards to the tappet cover gaskets. That side of the engine was a oily grimy mess which leads me to believe that the cover gaskets need replacing. With much time and effort I was able to clean that side quite well without removing the carb and manifold. The carb is not a big concern, but can I accomplish replacing the gaskets without the manifold coming off? Everything above the tappet covers appear well sealed and thus the bolts on the manifold are quite rusted and dry, and I have concerns one or more studs may break off in the process.
This go around (before the snow hits again) I aim to accomplish the oil filter adapter, the 12 volt conversion kit, new coolant hoses and thermostat, and the tune up (plugs, wires, cap, etc). Then in the spring I plan to rebuild the carb, replace the worn draglinks/tie rods, repair the useless brakes (which are no doubt due to faulty axle seals), and fix the PTO seal which leaks more than I care to see.
Any advice regarding the oil lines, and anything else I mention above would be greatly appreciated.
Kindly, Mark