Ford Workmaster has spark, won't start

I pulled the tractor out yesterday for the first time all season to bush hog a couple acres. Remarkably, it started fine on the first try. No jump starting or anything.

This is a 12-v converted tractor.

However, part way through, it died. Sounded like it ran out of gas, added more gas (it was getting dark so didn't look to see if the tank was empty, but it was probable so didn't question it. Now it won't start. Tried after it having time to cool off yesterday, tried again today. It turns over, just won't start.

First checked the fuel supply. The fuel sediment bowl is full and the screen appears clean.

Checked the spark plug connections, all wires are sparking. Tested by taking screw driver, placing into spark plug connector, and holding close to frame.

A little history. Near the end of last year, the starter motor burned up. While working on that, I noticed a leak in the gas tank, where a repair had apparently already been made (bought the tractor used last year). So, replaced the gas tank since a repair had already been attempted, and everything ran fine after that through the end of last season.

Would this be bad spark plugs? Wouldn't seem to be points or distributor since spark is getting to the spark plugs.

I'm not a mechanic just learn things as I go from forums, reading, and watching others.

If I left out something to help try to figure out what's going on, just let me know and I'll be glad to answer any questions.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

HobbyFarmGA Remove the plug at the bottom of the carburetor and check for fuel flow through the carb.Catch the gas in a quart jar so you can check for trash,water,and fuel flow.It should fill the jar half full in 2 minutes.The carb could have water in it or trash behind the needle valve restricting the fuel flow.

I worked on a ford 8N yesterday. The owner had replaced the coil, and points and condenser, after experinceing the same scenario you described. We had great fuel flow, to the carb, by removing the fuel line, at the brass elbow, going into the carb. We removed the brass elbow from the carb, ( marvel Shibler) and found a inch long brass screen, on the brass elbow, that was stopped up, with what looked like cottonwood fuzz. I didn't know they had that screen! Problem cured!

What brand spark plugs are in it? If they are Champion, I'd bet it's the plugs. Was running my Jubilee and for no reason it died and would not restart. Long story short, replaced the plugs with AutoLites and have not had a problem since.

And... Make sure it is gas and not diesel! Had a poster on here few months ago, fought the same problem only to discover his gas can had diesel in it!

If there is a blockage in the carb - like a needle and seat stuck or something similar, you will not get fuel to the engine and it will not start. This is easily checked by spraying some carb cleaner into the air intake and seeing if it will start.
As to spark plugs......
In the recent past, I have found some really strange things with spark plugs that I would have not believed a couple of years ago. BUT.....realize that the likelihood of ALL spark plugs failing simultaneously is a near impossibility. I can see one or two failing, but all at once, NO. In the case of a spark plug going bad, you would more likely see a miss (rough running) before it conked out entirely.

Given your description of the problem, I would think it is most likely that something was drawn into the carburetor and is internally blocking fuel flow.

Spark needs to be a blue/white in color and jump a 1/4 inch gap or more. So that is the first thing to make sure of at all 4 plug wires. Then pull the carb drain plug and make sure you have a good steady flow of gas for 3 or so minutes. Catch the gas to watch for water/dirt/rust. If you have both those check your air cleaner and make sure it is not full of water/dirt. Post back what you find

Thank you all for your replies, especially to Den. Your simple steps were perfect and it started right up after that. I didn't see any foreign matter come in to the mason jar, but maybe there was some air in there or float in the wrong position?

Whatever it was, it started up and was able to get it back to its storage place. Hopefully there will be time over the long weekend to get the rest of the field cut.

Thanks again everyone.