MF-TO35 Dies down after an hour

I had a problem years ago with a Ford 8N. I would run great for 30 - 60 minutes and starve out. After a few minutes it would restart, but run 5 - 10 minutes and die.

First, check the fuel amount going to the carburetor. Disconnect the fuel line and let it run into a can. It should fill a quart can in 1 -2 minutes. If does OK in that test, try the next test:

Second, remove the elbow from the carburetor where the fuel line connects to the carburetor. There should be a strainer connected to that elbow fitting. This is a much overlooked part. Very few people know it is there. If this doesn't fix the problem, try the next test:

Third, remove the plug from the bottom of the carburetor fuel bowl, and see if the fuel will run out. At first you will be emptying the bowl, afterwards, you will be testing the fuel delivery through the carburetor passages and through the float valve. Run about a quart of fuel into a can. It should fill up in about 3-5 minutes and running in about the same rate for the duration. If it slows down, start looking at the passages and particularly at the float valve. It may not opening fully to allow susatained flow.

Good Luck!

Ken McWilliams
Dayton, OH

All the best, Rex

It took a while to find, but there was very gas soaked grass, or straw, or something, plugging the fuel system. Just a couple of blades, but over time it was working its way into the sediment bowl.

Where it was: In the aluminum housing that holds the sediment bowl. There's a right angle turn in the path from the tank, which is where the needle valve that shuts off the fuel system screws in. The debris got as far as that turn and got stuck. So, the filter screen still looked clean, as the stuff never got that far.

P.S. If you look in this spot, check that the passages are all drilled out to full size. Mine necked down considerably, probably due to the drilling process not going deep enough.

Good luck!