Ford 4400 Holley Carb issue

toolgarage · Oct 15, 2018

Guys,

I picked up a Ford 4400 industrial backhoe, but I've been having issues keeping it running since I got it. Once it starts, it will run for a while, then just die on me. Sometimes it's 20 minutes, other times
it won't run for more than 20 seconds... If I play with the choke I can keep it running for a little while but it will eventually die. Fuel filter is clean, and new gas (non-oxygenated).

I pulled the carb apart (Holley C9NN 9510C - R4111-1A), and inside it appears to be clean - no varnish, etc. in the bowl or in the needle valve, but the throat of the carb is black with suet. I was thinking
a stuck float, but it appears clean and moves freely.

Questions: How much of a pain is it to rebuild the Holley carbs? Am I better off just forking over the cash for a Zenith replacement?
Any tricks or gotchas to the rebuild?

Any info is always appreciated.

Thanks,

Tool

agjim · Oct 15, 2018

I don't like the Holley carbs on the Ford tractors. I prefer putting a Marvel Schebler carburetor off of a 420 or 430 JD on them. You can buy a adapter to fit the Ford linkage that has a nut on the back side which makes the linkage work fine. The JD carb fits the ford without other changes.
If the fuel pump is a problem I bypass the pump and let it gravity flow to the carb. It's best if you keep the tank 1-2 full or more.

Ultradog MN · Oct 16, 2018

Remember that there are 3, sometimes 4, filters in that fuel system.
First is on top of the fuel shut-off at the bottom of the tank. Second is a screen inside of the fuel pump on the timing cover behind the fan.
Third is in the fuel bowl behind the carb and last but not always in the brass fitting where the fuel line enters the carb.
As to the Holley, I just junk them and buy a Zenith. Zeniths are expensive but worth it in my opinion. They will make your tractor RUN and require ZERO adapters, adjustments or rigermarole to install in place of the Holly.

Dean · Oct 16, 2018

Sounds like fuel starvation.

Ultradog, below, has given you good advise regarding the fuel filters. Check/clean all of them and verify proper fuel flow.

Post back for advise if you decide to overhaul the carburetor.

Dean

toolgarage · Oct 18, 2018

Thanks Guys!

Carb kit for the Holley should arrive this evening, and hope to give it a try this weekend. I did check the glass filter behind the carb, and it was clean - no gum. The fuel line goes from that filter into the carb, and prior to that there is the shutoff filter I will have to check this weekend. Hope the rebuild will take care of this... If not I'm shelling out about $400 for the Zenith.

Any issues/concerns with the carbon buildup inside the carb? It is not thick, but is covering everything inside the barrel. I'll try to scrub that off too.

On this specific carb, any guidance on the adjustment for the float? any need to bend the tab for adjustment?

Also assuming 1-2 turns from closed for the main needle valve adjustment. If this is not right, let me know.

Thanks again!

Tool

Sean in PA · Oct 18, 2018

If the fuel line goes directly from the shutoff valve at the tank to the sediment bowl, then it is not as originally designed. The line from the shutoff valve should go up to the front of the engine and across the front of the engine to the mechanical fuel pump which should be mounted on the left side of the front of the engine. Then another line should go from the fuel pump back to the sediment bowl. As you describe it the system us currently running on gravity and not a pump. That carb was designed to have a 3 to 5 psi pump providing the fuel to the carb. Running on gravity you might not have enough psi to overcome the needle valve unless the tank is near full.

Hobo,NC · Oct 18, 2018

As long as the check valve is good for the accelerator pump a Holley can be fixed EZ... Most all if not all that give up give up to EZ... Take your time and learn it They can not be beat...

toolgarage · Jan 17, 2019

I did the carb rebuild and checked all the filters, and now it won't start at all.... Does the original issue sound like it might be an electrical issue? The tractor seemed to be dying more frequently as the day went on. Could this possibly be a failing coil, or do you think I'm on the right track with the fuel system?

I've checked the fuel filters, and all is good. When I pull the fuel line connection off the rear of the carb and open the valve on the bottom of the tank, I get a good stream of fuel when the tractor is not running.

I did also pick up a fuel pump for the tractor but have yet to put it in.

I also have a new carb on order, but don't want to put it in unless I have to. The Zenith set me back $450....

I'm trying to get this narrowed down... Any suggestions?

Sean in PA · Jan 18, 2019

The new needle valve might be stuck closed, or it could be a failing coil or something else in the ignition circuit. To test for spark, pull the high tension cable that goes from the coil to the center of the distributor cap from the distributor end and place that end approximately 1/4" away from a good clean ground point and then crank the starter. You should see a strong blue/white spark jump that gap. If you get that then the ignition circuit is likely good. If the spark is yellow or it doesn't spark at all then the problem is in the ignition circuit. It could be the coil or the points or condenser.

Ford 4400 Holley Carb issue

toolgarage

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agjim

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Ultradog MN

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Dean

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toolgarage

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Sean in PA

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Hobo,NC

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toolgarage

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Sean in PA

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