8 N tractor, 1943

Norm Stout · Mar 15, 2017

My tractor worked beautifully in all weather and conditions.
Now she's broke.
Mechanic worked on it, I worked on it, put new parts on and she starts but won't stay running and sounds terrible when she runs.
Anyone out there have an idea what I can do next?

2x4 · Mar 16, 2017

sorry. its not a 8n. find out what you've got first.

tyler33sky · Mar 16, 2017

Either you have an electrical or a fuel
issue. Can you be more descriptive in
your problem?

Dell (WA) · Mar 16, 2017

Norm........4-speed 8N's were first mfg in 1949. Your 3-speed 2N was mfg 1942-1948. Based upon yer complaint, my WAG (wild A$$ guess) is you've gottchur sparkies miss-wired. Probably #2 & #3 swapped. Yeah, the 4-nipple front mount izza bugger. Points are 0.015 and best adjusted on the kitchen table. Me? I'd clamp the corner of $1-bill between the points and pull. Polish the INVISIBLE CORROSION from between the points. Ennytime you have starting issues, replace yer sparkies (again?) Recommend AutoLite 437's gapped 0.025. 2nd advice, learn how-to adjust yer carbie. Set the down-pointing MAINJET to 2-turns and LEAVITT!!! Adjust the side-pointing idlemix fer FASTEST idle, NOT SMOOTHEST idle. Understand the difference??? Ennythang under 500-rpms is good. I once got my eazy starting 6-volt 8N to idle 375-rpms onna transistorized tachometer. .........HTH, Dell, yer self-appointed sparkie-meister

Bob NY · Mar 16, 2017

The 8N came out in late 1947.

BarnyardEngineering · Mar 16, 2017

Simple way to remember is that the number is the last digit of the model year that the tractor came out:

9N: 1939
2N: 1942
8N: 1948

What people are trying to say is that you cannot possibly have a 1943 8N because they were not manufactured until the 1948 model year.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 16, 2017

x2 on electrical or fuel.
This post is like asking Dr over phone what's wrong with me, I'm not feeling good?

coshoo · Mar 16, 2017

Now that everyone has roasted poor Norm for the mis-identification, would any of the repair recommendations have been any different for an 8N vs. a 2N?

Leroy · Mar 16, 2017

Yes there is differences especially between early and late 8N tractors with front mount or side mount distributor. Besides that electrical system is different.

47fivewindow · Mar 16, 2017

A's Dell says check firing order. Then check fuel flow to carb. Then put a timing light on it and
see if the fire quits. Then go to N forum on this site and tell us what you saw.

wilson ind · Mar 16, 2017

Sparkie!!!!!!!!!! Carbie!!!!!!!!!!! At least you did not call it a Dizzy. And you correct him on year of mfg????

Elmo · Mar 16, 2017

when I was a kid learning to troubleshoot an engine my dad gave me some good advise that has helped me for the last 58 or so years. He sail most carburetor problems are in the ignition system. So get your ignition in good shape first. Dell gave you some good advise.
Elmo

Traditional Farmer · Mar 16, 2017

Buy an Allis-Chalmers or an Oliver.I'm sure its not what you want to hear but its the best advice you've gotten so far.(LOL)

C. Amick · Mar 17, 2017

Check fuel by opening drain plug on carburetor. I hear there are a lot of bad condensers out there right out of the box.

Royse · Mar 17, 2017

Welcome to the forum Norm.
It does make a difference whether you have a front mount
distributor or a side mount distributor. If you have a front mount
I agree with making sure you have your firing order right.

Either, actually, but especially with the front mount.
Firing order is 1-2-4-3 Counter clockwise on either.
Very easy to get the #4 and #3 wires swapped on a front mount.

Points are often the cause of the issue. Especially if you got
cheap junk from TSC or similar. If they have a plastic rubbing
block you better keep a spare set handy.
Gap is 15 thousands on a front mount, 25 thousandths on a
side mount. Plugs are gapped at 25 thousandths on either.

Check out [b:8d64227c84]John Smith's[/b:8d64227c84] excellent site for Ford tractor ID's.

8 N tractor, 1943

Norm Stout

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2x4

Well-known Member

tyler33sky

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Dell (WA)

Well-known Member

Bob NY

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BarnyardEngineering

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Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

coshoo

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Leroy

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47fivewindow

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wilson ind

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Elmo

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Traditional Farmer

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C. Amick

Well-known Member

Royse

Well-known Member

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