Problems starting 8N tractor

I am new to owning a tractor, and I have a problem with my Ford 8N tractor.

The problem is it's not starting. Starter has been replaced. Old fuel bowl had the mesh that appears to be dirty and might not have been allowing fuel to flow through. New fuel bowl has been installed. The tractor would not start. I was told that leaving the fuel bowl valve on flooded the carburetor. I shut it off and drained the carburetor. A week later I started it and it ran for 3 minutes. Then it died again. I was told that the fuel valve must only be open about 1/4 of a turn in the fuel bowl. I shut it off, drained carburetor, and let it sit for a week. The tractor will not start if I have the valve open only 1/4 of a turn or a little more. What could be the problem with it not starting or what should I try?
Thank you very much.

The carb controls the flow of fuel. Shutting it off at the tank is proper procedure between uses of the tractor. Flooding indicates the carb needs rebuilt Several shops do that. There are several important issues involved with diagnosing a non starting tractor
Ignition testing John T

The fuel valve should be fully open when running the engine.

An easy test is to remove the drain plug in the carb and see how much fuel is actually making it to the carb. Get a clean, clear container, pull the plug with the valve open. It should give full flow until the bowl empties out, then maintain a steady stream as fuel comes down through the needle valve. If the flow stops or slows to a drip, there is a restriction. Could be a screen in the fitting ahead of the needle and seat, clogged seat, float set to low, etc. Also look at what drained out. Look for water settling to the bottom, rust flakes, etc. Those old tractors are prone to collect water and rust in the tank. If it ends up in the carb it will clog the jets, won't run on water!

The carb is known as an "updraft carburetor". Dripping a little fuel following a failed start is normal. A true flooding carb will pour gas out on the ground, not into the engine like a down draft will. Also be sure the choke is fully closing and opening, and the air cleaner is not clogged. The oil cup underneath is only part of the service, occasionally the whole canister needs to be disassembled and cleaned. Try starting it with the cleaner disconnected, just for a test.

Another test is for spark at the plugs. Old ignition systems can be troublesome. Be sure the distributor shaft bushings are good, the points are set and working, wires, rotor, cap are good.

Don't be afraid to work on this thing, they are simple and field serviceable. A shop manual will be a very valuable investment!

On the N series tractor the fuel valve should only be open about 2 turns not all the way unless you run out of gas then you open it all the way for the reserve which is built in so you can get it back to the barn to get gas.

You need to learn the art of trouble shooting. First off is it a front or side mount distributor?? Can make a difference as to how to trouble shoot parts of it.
That said first thing you do is check spark. It needs to be a blue white in color and jump a 1/4 inch gap or more. Next pull the carb drain plug and make sure you have a good steady flow of gas for 3 plus minutes. Catch the gas so you can look at it for signs of water and or dirt.
As for the fuel valve on the 8N 2 turns open is normal run all the way open is reserve so if you run out you have a reserve to get back to the gas can

Normal operation is two full turns open on the fuel valve.
All the way open for reserve on an N.
Most likely problem on an N is weak spark.
Check it by using an old spark plug plugged into a wire and
held against a paint/grease free section of the block or use
an adjustable gap spark tester. $7 at the parts stored.
If you have a good blue/white spark move on to fuel.
If you have weak/orange spark, most likely cause on an N
is points. They can be cleaned and regapped or replaced.
Don't just throw parts at it though. Ask over on the 9N/2N/8N
forum of YT and you'll get all the help you need. N Forum