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'39 Ford 9n running problem

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Theo

06-05-2003 09:03:22




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I have a '39 9n that will not stay running. I posted this question elsewhere and was advised to post here.

The tractor will start readily, but dies after a moment or two. The longest I have kept it running is 1 minute, then it dies. I have stripped the carb, cleaned the carb, and checked the fuel feed, cleaned the filter bowl, watched it flow freely from the down pipe, and it still dies on me. I feel that it has to be a fuel problem, because it starts so well, then will not start again for a while, so fuel seems to be having a problem getting to the engine.

Has anyone any experience with this problem. I am getting frustrated with this.

If I get some feedback suggesting that buying a new carb would work, I will do that, but cannot afford to replace the carb if I don't need to. Everything else seems fine.

Theo

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Upper Peninsula, Mich

06-05-2003 10:48:13




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
Hi Theo. You've received some great advice today. Just one additional item. My experience has been, that more than half the time you think it's a fuel problem, it's not. It's an electrical problem. I also have a 9N, 1940, for about 30 years. Take care of your great old tractor. Good luck and tractor safely. Ron



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Lee

06-05-2003 12:17:00




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 Re: Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Upper Peninsula, Mich, 06-05-2003 10:48:13  
Amen brother !!! I wish I had a nickel for every time I worked on "fuel" problems that were actually electrical. I'd follow Dells advice. That short of a run time is usually a bad condenser.
Good Luck, Lee



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Evil Steve

06-05-2003 10:43:22




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
What Dells says. You MUST ALWAYS eliminate your ignition as a problem before you move on to other things - espaecially replacing expensive carbs.

If you don't have a consistent whitiesh/blue spark you CAN'T properly diagnose anything else.

Once you eliminate ignition as problem, then go to fuel screens (3 of them), blockage in your air intake system, crud in the carb, carb adjustments, etc. Also check to see if your gas tank vent is plugged, although it shoul run longer than 1 minute even if vent is plugged.

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NOT yer CARB . . . Dell (

06-05-2003 10:19:51




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
Theo..... ...its your condenser. Your reported short time running problem is consistant with a bad condenser.

It takes about 3 minutes at idle to drain a carb bowl from clogged filters. NOT your stated problem.

It take about 15 minutes for a BAD ignition switch to stop your running. NOT your stated problem.

It takes about 60 minutes for a BAD frontmount ignition coil to stop running. NOT your stated problem.

You do know that to service your frontmount distributor, you remove 2 bolts and doitt on the kitchen table, don't you? The frontmount distributor is driven by an "OFF-SET" cam and can NOT be installed incorrectly. (well, some clods have been known to use a BIG hammer).

And while you can buy just the condenser, its generally a good idea to get the points & condenser as a kit. Set the points gap to 0.015 and you should be good to go..... .....Dell

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Karl

06-05-2003 09:45:40




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
Yes, check the 3 filters.

-> filter from the tank to the sediment bowl
-> sediment bowl screen and whole unit
-> filter into the carb

Follow the suggested electrial connections areas and potential issues too.



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rbell

06-05-2003 09:37:16




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
Pull the plug on the bottom of the carb and make sure fuel flows (there are three screens to check/change)
See if it will stay runnning if you take the air cleaner pipe loose, then start it and using a spray bottle squirt a small amount of fuel into the carb throat everytime it tries to die. If you can keep it running that way you know it is a fuel problem. Odds are it is in the ignition just because you think it is fuel :-)

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Tommy (TX)

06-05-2003 09:22:11




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
Theo..you need to have a strong stream of fuel comin outa the line from the tank...A bad condensor will run for about 15 secs and then die on ya....a bad ignition switch will go out after 'bout 10 mins or so...

You say it runs for a little while..then dies....After it dies...is the motor just not turnin over...or is it just not startin? You may wanna double check your electrical connections...make sure they are tight and bright....

HTH
Tommy

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Rob

06-05-2003 09:18:52




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 Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 09:03:22  
Don't buy a carb. Don't by a $45 kit either, unless you know you need it.
You need to check a couple things. Check the spark by removing a spark plug boot. Hold the boot with a pair of insulated needle-nose with one point up in the boot and hold it very near the manifold or somewhere and crank it. Some guys just poke a screwdriver in there and hold it close. You want to see a snappy blue spark. Try that before you start it and again after it stops running. If there's a difference then something electrical is happening. If it's a weak yellow spark or if there is a difference there then you need to remove, clean, shine, polish, and put back on tight with a back up wrench all the electical connectors from the coil back to the battery. Renew or repair any wires that are bare, frayed, or barely made to the connector. You are gonna have to have a shipshape ignition circuit if you want to isolate this problem. Fully charge the battery and try again.

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Theo

06-05-2003 14:33:32




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 Re: Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Rob, 06-05-2003 09:18:52  
Well, guys, I wish I had found this board weeks ago. I will look into the Electrics.. Particularly the condenser.. Getting the dissy off may be interesting. If I can't cope I will crawl back here and get help.

Thank you for the amazing responses - I hope I can get this beast working, I love it.



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Adam P

06-05-2003 18:57:24




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 Re: Re: Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 14:33:32  
Hey Theo,
Glad I could help!!! Pointed you to a pretty awesome forum here if I do say so myself!!! Many great and helpful people here! Welcome to the wonderful world of N's!!!!
AP



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Ultradog MN

06-05-2003 17:23:28




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 Re: Re: Re: '39 Ford 9n running problem in reply to Theo, 06-05-2003 14:33:32  
Welcome to the N board Theo.
This is the best place on the whole internet as far as I'm concerned.
All the more so since I also have a Ford N tractor.
Good luck with yours.



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