48 8n won't start

I have good spark, new carb but can't get this one running. I recently replaced points, condenser and wondering, Can the distributor be put back on so it is out of time? I thought if the tab lined up it was ok. If not out of time I am baffled...

No, the distributor can't go back 180* out.

Did you try and set the timing?

6v or 12v?

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?

Once you narrow the problem to spark or fuel, post back and tell us what you found (and how you found it) and you will get plenty of help to get your tractor running.



* 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

I have a gap checker and have plenty of spark. Already checked that. I will check the fuel flow tomorrow and report.

Its 12 volt.

Bruce(VA) I checked spark gap with checker and with a plug set at 1/4 inch. I have plenty of spark. I also checked the gas flow. Had a pint of gas in about 2 minutes. Still no luck starting. Baffled!!

Try a shot of starting fluid directly into the carb throat. No choke.



Post back w/ results.
75 Tips

What can't you get running -the new carb or the tractor? The front mount distributor will only go on one correct way as it has an offset male tang that slips into the cam shaft end with a matching female slot. If you get them off 180? the unit won't set flush and mount correctly, but it is possible it could seem like it is correct. The minute you fire it up it will try and orientate itself and end up busting the end of the aluminum distributor base. Pull the distributor off and see if it was mounted off. Did you set the points correctly? Get your I&T FO-4 manual out and follow the procedure. Also go to [email protected] New aftermarket carbs can be junk. They are never set correctly out of the box. Was it running before you changed the carb? Always do one system at a time. Make sure it runs correctly before moving on to another and doing a bunch of changes all at once.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)