Questions

I recently acquired my fathers Ford 8N, we believe it is a 1954. My father has alzheimer's and I believe he did a little fiddling with the tractor. As the only girl with 3 brothers I never drove the tractor so I am completely lost! We have drained the old gas, removed the spark plugs and purchased new ones, the oil looks good and we purchased a battery. However, I am so lost that I don't even have any idea how to start it - ignition switch, starter etc. I don't believe we are ready to start it up and drive away, but have no idea what to do. We were told to put Automatic Transmission Fluid in the spark plug holes, should we do that? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Well, you've at least come to the right place. You say 'we" so I assume you do have some help with the tractor. First of all, how long has it been since it last ran? I would hesitate putting any oils down the spark plug holes if it has been less than a year. You have a new battery and gas. Guessing you have a key in the ignition. With the key vertical, and the transmission gearshift in neutral, press down on the starter button located next to the gearshift lever. If the engine turns over---just look at the fan in the front of the engine---making an rr--rr---rr sound, then it should be OK to start it.If it does not, then you will need to check the battery connections and the starter and any associated wiring. If the engine does turn over and you have new gas in the tank and new spark plugs in and the wires CORRECTLY installed, turn the key one notch clockwise SIT on the seat and push in the clutch and make sure the gearshift is in neutral. If you can find a small black knob with a C on it (for Choke) pull it out. Pull the throttle lever (just under the steering wheel on the right side I think) about 1/4 of its travel down. Engage the starter button and see if it will start. If it starts up, slowly push the choke knob fully in. It should run fairly smoothly; if not, then you will need to determine if and what has been worked on by your brother and troubleshoot from there. Don't get discouraged, these are a fairly simple tractor to repair and you have a wealth of experience and knowledge here at your beckoning. Give us a detailed explanation if you have issues and you will get help here.

Good Luck!!

Ben

Last 8n was made in 1952. The Jubilee in 53 and the NAA in 54.

Like Centash said ATF would be good if over a year since running, but let it sit for an hour to work its way down before cranking. It will also be good to get some oil pumped into the bearings before putting the load of firing on them. You can do this by removing the plugs after labeling the wires 1234 with numbers in masking tape. One is nearest the front. After removing the plugs crank it for ten seconds in order to get oil through the motor. Then you can replace the plugs and wires and try starting it. Remove the tube between the air cleaner and carburetor so that you can tell if you are getting gas. If you work on it any amount cranking it you will probably need to recharge the battery whether by charger or booster cables from your car.

Djd,

An operator's manual can answer most of your questions. You should be able to get one at your local farm supply store; i.e. Tractor Supply, etc.
Good luck. Stick with it and don't get discouraged.

Thank you for all of your great advice! My husband and I are going to keep plugging away!

post a pic of the tractor from it's left side.. that will let us id what ford it is.

there are some different maintenance and troubleshooting techniques between front and side mount N flathead engines, and 53-64 red tiger OHV engines...

different maintenance parts and recomendations too.

54 is OHV NAA

47-52 is 8N