idle issue

1963 MF Model 65 dual transmission. Upon starting tractor will idle; however, when moved into gear it dies. It will also not go above idle speed.

any suggestions?

Check linkage may come loose.

Welcome ktrina71!

Some more detail would help, but what I'm hearing is the engine has no power.

If so, check the point gap, check the distributor shaft for side play. If the points are set too close, or the shaft has side play, the points won't stay set. Also check the spark quality at each plug. It should have a blue hot spark that will jump a minimum 1/4" at the plug end, not at the distributor cap.

If that checks out, check the fuel. There is a drain plug in the bottom of the carb. With the engine off, fuel valve open, remove the plug, catch the flow in a clean glass. It should have a full flow, then slow to a trickle, but not slow to a drip or stop flowing.

Look at what was caught. If there is water or trash, the tank is contaminated and will need to be taken off and rinsed out.

The same will be in the carb. What you describe could be a partially clogged main jet. Usually a clogged carb can be eased apart and cleaned without a kit. The carb is simple, field serviceable. Just work over a clean surface so not to loose anything.

If insufficient flow, check for restriction back to the tank. There should be a screen in the carb inlet fitting, and a screen in the sediment bowl, possibly a screen inside the tank. If an inline filter has been added, that can be too restrictive for a gravity system.

Check these things, get back with more details, we can walk you through this.