Ford 9n won't stay running

I uploaded the photo but im not seeing it. Im new! How do i post a pic

The part is a wire-wound ceramic resistor, typically used as an ignition "ballast resistor" or "dropping resistor".

Resistors, by nature, get HOT.

We need to know if the tractor is still 6 Volt, or if it has been converted to 12 Volt.

It is 12 volt.

Front or side distributor?


As soon as the tractor stops running, not 5 minutes later, check for spark and fuel. (see tip # 13)

You need to answer 2 questions before you do anything else:

With the bolt in the carb bowl removed and the gas on, will the fuel flow fill a pint jar in less than 2 minutes?

Next, get out your adjustable gap spark checker * , open the gap to 1/4", hook it up, turn the key on and crank the engine. Does the spark jump 1/4"? Post back with the answers.

And do not buy a new part for the tractor until you can answer this question: how do I know the part on the tractor is defective?



* Don't own an adjustable gap spark checker? Buy one! Not a test light! Until then, take an old plug, open the gap 1/4" ground it to the head & look for spark. It?s not the color of the spark that counts; it?s the distance it jumps.



https://www.amazon.com/AMPRO-T71240-Energy-Ignition-Tester/dp/B00A8FO87S/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1513273147&sr=8-4-fkmr1&keywords=ampro+spark+checker
75 Tips

You just can't put a photo (img) in your post. You need to LINK it to a photo hosting site then copy the URL and paste in your post. You can also load a picture to the Parts & Pieces forum, then copy the URL from there.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

99.98% of all non-starting/non-running issues on these old N's are due to mucked up wiring jobs, almost always on a 12V switch-over job. There are but a handful of correct ways to do a 12V conversion and a 1000 incorrect ways. Many are done by fellas who just plainly don't know squat. I think you are talking about the OEM Ballast Resistor (see picture) mounted on the back dash panel. This part is essential in both the OEM 6V/POS GND system or in a 12V/NEG GND system using the front mount distributor setup. In addition, if you are using the OEM 6V coil on a 12V switch over, you need to add an external 1-OHM in-line resistor as well. If you go to a 12V coil, you do not use the extra resistor. Use your original wiring diagram from your manuals as a reference. Your 12V system should be using a 12V battery -NEG/GND; an alternator (1-wire or 3-wire); NOTE: generator and cutout removed altogether; an ammeter or voltage gauge; starter, a 1-Wire unit, NO SOLENOID; key switch; coil; and all wired correctly.

FORD ORIGINAL BALLAST RESISTOR USED ON FRONT MOUNT DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEMS ONLY:

FORD 9N (AFTER S/N 12500) & 2N WIRING DIAGRAM:

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

"You just can't put a photo (img) in your post. You need to LINK it to a photo hosting site then copy the URL and paste in your post"

That is not correct Tim. You can upload pictures right here to YT.
Just like I did with this one.