8n won't start

MOmilkman · Mar 23, 2019

I think I'm just about at my wits end with this tractor. I feel like I've hit all the points necessary to get it to start but it just won't.. It's a 48 8n.
When I try to start it it will try to fire and run (very poorly) on the first attempt and for about 5 seconds then shut off. Upon trying to restart its a no go from there.
When I parked it last fall it ran fine but I haven't been able to get it to start all winter.

Here's the things I've checked:

Spark is fine.
Gas is getting to the carb and filling the bowl.
Points on distributior is set correctly and they don't appear burnt
Compression is about 60-70

The gas was fresh last fall and treated so I doubt that it but that's the only thing I feel I haven't tried is some fresh gas.

If someone could give me another idea that would be great.

Thank you

Bruce (VA) · Mar 23, 2019

Get out your multimeter and check for battery voltage at the coil as soon as it stops running. Points open, you should see battery voltage. Points closed, about half that.

6v or 12v?

What point gap did you use?

Does the spark jump 1/4" in open air AFTER it stops running?

With the bolt out of the carb bowl, will the gas flow fill a pint jar in less than 2 minutes?
75 Tips

Jimmyjack · Mar 23, 2019

Are the plugs all soaked up and fowled? Might try cleaning or replacing them.

Jim L WA · Mar 23, 2019

If the gas was treated less than a year ago, I don't think that's the problem. After cleaning the plugs like Jimmyjack said try some starting fluid. Are there any kids around that could have fooled with it? Check the firing order, 1,2,4.3 CCW. Also check the distributor for moisture. That compression is a little low. It's possible it needs a valve job. Can you try pull starting it? Just some ideas.

MOmilkman · Mar 25, 2019

Bruce,

12v
.026
No, I didn't notice spark after shutting off
Yes, gas will fill a pint jar in less than 2 min

JimmyJack,
You might be on to something there. The plugs do appear to be pretty saturated. Cleaned them and put them back in and it fired for just a few seconds (much better than before) then promptly died and now back to same symptoms as before. I pulled the plugs again and they are wet.

Jim L WA,
Tried starting fluid and that was a no go.
Not possible any kids fooled with it. I'm on 5 acres way out in the country. Just my 10 yo daughter but she would never touch that greasy thing! Lol
Firing order is fine and no moisture in the cap.
I supposed pull starting might be worth a shot eventually.

HFJ · Mar 25, 2019

a front mount 48 8N should have a point gap of .015

Den N Ms · Mar 25, 2019

MO,You need to replace your gas fowled spark plugs. Get some NGK 3112 (B-4l)plugs many times better than autolites.Put new plugs in and give it just a sniff if starting fluid in the carb inlet(no choke)Save your old plugs for later (but I doubt you will ever need em.If it fired a few times when cleaning them chances are the NGKs will fire it up.

MOmilkman · Mar 26, 2019

Ok Den N Ms, I just ordered a set of 4 on your recommendation. I was thinking about new plugs anyways. Thank you for pointing me towards a good plug.

Farmer Dan · Mar 27, 2019

(quoted from post at 20:11:21 03/26/19) Ok Den N Ms, I just ordered a set of 4 on your recommendation. I was thinking about new plugs anyways. Thank you for pointing me towards a good plug.

What kind of shape are the plug wires in? Can you try starting it in the dark or at night to see if they are sparking in places they shouldn't?

8n won't start

MOmilkman

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Bruce (VA)

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Jimmyjack

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Jim L WA

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MOmilkman

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HFJ

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Den N Ms

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MOmilkman

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Farmer Dan

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