Ford 8n will not start

stephennick · Aug 20, 2015

I have recently replaced the head gasket and converted to solid sate ignition. It cranked right up after completing this repair. Ran it around the yard and it worked fine. Then it died. Would not crank. Waited a few days and it started and ran. This pattern went on a couple of more times. Now it will not start at all. Will almost start and backfire. Rebuilt the carburetor , no change. Have tested for spark and we have that, appear to have fuel - because fuel comes out of bottom of the carb. Need to check the vacuum on the carb next. Any other thoughts on what could be wrong.

Bruce (VA) · Aug 20, 2015

6v or 12v?

Front or side distributor?

" because fuel comes out of bottom of the carb"

Did you remove the drain plug to test fuel flow, or is it just dripping out?

" Would not crank."

What does that mean? When you pressed the starter button, the starter did not turn the engine over at all....or it turned over but did not start?
75 Tips

stephennick · Aug 20, 2015

12volt . Front distributor .Starter engages and engine attempts to turn over. Have not removed the plug , drips out.

Bruce (VA) · Aug 20, 2015

" drips out. "

You flooded it.

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, put your battery on a charger. (see tip # 60)

You need a strong battery to:

1. Close the solenoid

2. Spin the starter

3. Engage the bendix

4. Provide voltage to the coil.

As the battery gets weaker, the first thing to fail is your spark. If the battery is almost totally dead, all you will hear is the solenoid clicking.

In addition to charging the battery, chances are you need new cables as well (tip # 41). And, don't forget to clean all the grounds, to include the mating area between the starter & the block.

The more current you use to spin the starter, the less you have for the ignition.

Finally, check out tip # 13. Post back with results or more questions.
75 Tips

stephennick · Aug 20, 2015

Okay I will perform the steps you have recommended tonight. Thank you for the help. I will let you know.

Ultradog MN · Aug 20, 2015

Just to get you up to speed on the terminology around here.
Usually if we say the engine cranks it means the starter is turning it over.
In your case it sounds like it is cranking properly but not starting.
Listen to Bruce. He can help you.

Harold Melius · Aug 20, 2015

Stephen, keep in mind that even if you have everything working properly, that choke knob is your worst enemy. These tractors flood VERY easily. You shouldn't need to choke a warm engine at all. When starting a cold engine I have found that with the throttle about 20% open, if you crank the engine over 4 or 5 revolutions and then pull the choke for about 2 revolutions, that should be all you need. Any more than that and you will probably flood it.

old · Aug 20, 2015

Attempts to turn over??? So you saying the engine spins but does not fire up and run or you saying it try is to spin but will not???
Just did a head gasket did you re-torque the head after you had run it?? If not and and it tried to spin over but does not could e a weak battery of you may have a hydro lock in a cylinder due to coolant in a cylinder because you did not re-torque the head

HCooke · Aug 20, 2015

"drips out."

Bruce is correct. Engine is flooded due to too much choke. Remove air cleaner tube to let excess gas out of carb. Replace or clean the spark plugs.

Ford 8n will not start

stephennick

New User

Bruce (VA)

Well-known Member

stephennick

New User

Bruce (VA)

Well-known Member

stephennick

New User

Ultradog MN

Well-known Member

Harold Melius

Member

old

Well-known Member

HCooke

Well-known Member

Similar threads