Starting 8n

Hi guys me again. Trying to start 1950 8n ran fine in November sat over the winter . I recharged battery . When I try to start it wants to start but doesn't . Gas drips from bottom of carb I'm trying to not flood it. Only feels like it wants to start when I pull choke but that's when I get the drips from carb . Thanks for any help.

Check for spark. Since you have flooded it, remove the plugs and clean them off with a propane torch.

Check the spark. Make sure it will jump a 1/4 inch gap or more at all 4 plug wires.

If the gas in the tank is left over from last year, that may be your problem or a part of it. I'd check for spark like the others suggested and I would also check the points. Setting over a long period of time may have cased them to be in need of cleaning/replacing.

First, replace the plugs. You flooded it, they're fouled & it will be it next to impossible to start. You don't need to toss them; heat the tips for a few seconds w/ a propane torch to burn off the invisible spark-robbing deposits from today's additive filled gasoline........or wash them in lacquer thinner.

Next, drain out the old gas & add new.

Next, put the battery back on the charger.

Next, dress the points w/ a piece of card stock or brown paper.

Next, make sure you have a good spark & fuel. There are ways to check for spark & fuel that work & ways that don't. For example, having gas to the carb is nice, but having it past the float is what counts! That’s why removing the bolt in the bottom of the carb is the way to do it. And, same thing w/ spark at the plugs. Some folks think that checking for spark means pulling a plug wire off & looking for one. Well, it's the distance the spark jumps at the plug that gives you the info you want. It takes about 17kv to jump a 3/16" gap & 22kv to jump ¼” in the open air, so that's why you need to use a spark plug. Or, a store bought plug checker. Remember, it’s 14psi outside of the engine & about 90psi at a 6:1 compression ratio in the cylinders & compressed air creates electrical resistance, so you really need the 17-22kv to fire the plugs when the engine is running.

The usual cause of gas dripping out of the carb throat is operator error.

While each N has its own starting sequence, none of them will start well by just yanking out the choke rod & holding it out for 5 or 10 seconds while the engine cranks. This is a gravity fuel system on a low compression engine; it is easily flooded by too much choke.

Try this:

Key on, gas on 2 full turns, clutch in, 3/4 throttle, press the starter button. Let it crank for at least 3 - 4 seconds before you pull the choke rod. Then, don't hold it out for more than 2 or 3 seconds.

If you find out it will not start w/o excessive choking, you have problems.
75 Tips

Any results after Bruce's post and new fuel?

Well got it running ..... I listen to you guys better than I think. Problem is I don't remember how good I listen ... Like about how I shouldnt store the 8n over the winter with gas . So all it took to start her up was gas. LOL