1949 or 50 8N Starting Problem

[mmeyr]

I have a 8N that was grandpas that I had re done from top to bottom. It was running great then one day just stop for some reason. I did keep it all 6V. Anyway now I have replace everything I can think of to make sure it wasn't that part. ( That I didn't need to )
So this is what I think know, it just clicks when trying to start it. It won't turn it inside to turn over, I did take it out to see if it spins and it did. Thinking now would I trying to push start it to make it turn or what would be my next step?

Yes, I have no clue but wanted to get this old girl going again to make grandpa smile and my dad to be able to use it when he wants.

 

[old]

I have a 8N that was grandpas that I had re done from top to bottom. It was running great then one day just stop for some reason. I did keep it all 6V. Anyway now I have replace everything I can think of to make sure it wasn't that part. ( That I didn't need to )
So this is what I think know, it just clicks when trying to start it. It won't turn it inside to turn over, I did take it out to see if it spins and it did. Thinking now would I trying to push start it to make it turn or what would be my next step?

Yes, I have no clue but wanted to get this old girl going again to make grandpa smile and my dad to be able to use it when he wants.

#1 replacing all sorts of parts never help you need to do simple trouble shooting. Can you turn the engine over by hand by grabbing the fan and try turning it over? If you can't then pull all the plugs out and try it again. Be sure you keep the plug in order so as to not mess up the firing order. If you still cannot turn it over that way pull the starter off and try to use a pry bar of some sort in the flywheel gear to turn it over some. If it doesn't turn then it has locked up for some reason

 

[mmeyr]

#1 replacing all sorts of parts never help you need to do simple trouble shooting. Can you turn the engine over by hand by grabbing the fan and try turning it over? If you can't then pull all the plugs out and try it again. Be sure you keep the plug in order so as to not mess up the firing order. If you still cannot turn it over that way pull the starter off and try to use a pry bar of some sort in the flywheel gear to turn it over some. If it doesn't turn then it has locked up for some reason

Will try, thanks

 

[JMOR]

I have a 8N that was grandpas that I had re done from top to bottom. It was running great then one day just stop for some reason. I did keep it all 6V. Anyway now I have replace everything I can think of to make sure it wasn't that part. ( That I didn't need to )
So this is what I think know, it just clicks when trying to start it. It won't turn it inside to turn over, I did take it out to see if it spins and it did. Thinking now would I trying to push start it to make it turn or what would be my next step?

Yes, I have no clue but wanted to get this old girl going again to make grandpa smile and my dad to be able to use it when he wants.

Was the tractor moving when it stopped?

 

[mmeyr]

Was the tractor moving when it stopped?

He was using it and then park it. Next time went out to use it that happen

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

I have a 8N that was grandpas that I had re done from top to bottom. It was running great then one day just stop for some reason. I did keep it all 6V. Anyway now I have replace everything I can think of to make sure it wasn't that part. ( That I didn't need to )
So this is what I think know, it just clicks when trying to start it. It won't turn it inside to turn over, I did take it out to see if it spins and it did. Thinking now would I trying to push start it to make it turn or what would be my next step?

Yes, I have no clue but wanted to get this old girl going again to make grandpa smile and my dad to be able to use it when he wants.

Test your battery. Take it to a local GEN/ALT shop on their machine under load. When your starter moto relay just click click clicks it is sure sign you have e weak or dead battery. The solution is to invest in float charger like the DELTRAN BATTERY TENDER JR for 6V to keep battery at full capacity so it ready to go when you are. Stop buying new parts and replacing. Have to you tested any first? Just because you have 6V battery does not mean the system is wired correctly for the 6V/POS GRN system. Model year is not important but if an early 8N, 47-50, with the front mount distributor or the later, 50-52 with the side mount distributor is important. Each is wired differently. While battery is out being tested, go thru entire wiring setup using PICTOGRANMS and manuals.

Your Mileage May Vary,
Tim Daley (MI)

 

[mmeyr]

Test your battery. Take it to a local GEN/ALT shop on their machine under load. When your starter moto relay just click click clicks it is sure sign you have e weak or dead battery. The solution is to invest in float charger like the DELTRAN BATTERY TENDER JR for 6V to keep battery at full capacity so it ready to go when you are. Stop buying new parts and replacing. Have to you tested any first? Just because you have 6V battery does not mean the system is wired correctly for the 6V/POS GRN system. Model year is not important but if an early 8N, 47-50, with the front mount distributor or the later, 50-52 with the side mount distributor is important. Each is wired differently. While battery is out being tested, go thru entire wiring setup using PICTOGRANMS and manuals.

Your Mileage May Vary,
Tim Daley (MI)

New Battery I just put in. For parts I replaced them to have new in it with most of them sitting for years. I did use the chart to make sure it was correct before new parts btw

thanks

 

[JMOR]

New Battery I just put in. For parts I replaced them to have new in it with most of them sitting for years. I did use the chart to make sure it was correct before new parts btw

thanks

Verify clean/tight connections, because a "click" my be result of enough current to try to pull in solenoid, but not enough current to turn starter, due to loose/dirty connections.

 

[leroy in ne]

1. Can you turn engine over with hand crank or by the fan blade? If not you may have what is called a hydro lock, fuel was left on and carb leaked to fill manifold and cylinder causing a locked condition. cure by removing spark plugs then turning over to force liquid out Ignition OFF and have a fire extinguisher handy for gas being sprayed all over. Engine oil will probably be contaminated with gas and require changing. when every thing is dried out treat it as a flooded engine when trying to start.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

New Battery I just put in. For parts I replaced them to have new in it with most of them sitting for years. I did use the chart to make sure it was correct before new parts btw

thanks

"NEW" batteries can be junk out the door. What is the date code on it? Bargain-house units are known for poor lifespans, 2 years on average. No matter, get it tested first and avoid guessing. FACT: 99.98% of all non-starting issues are due to incorrect wiring, regardless if 6V or 12V. Again I say, get the diagrams and go thru the entire wiring system. A VOM set to Continuity is required. Don't guess by wire colors. Disconnect light connection at the switch. Lights were never a factory-installed feature, always a dealer option, and many were/are wired wrong, especially on a 12V conversion. Again I say, replacing parts with new willy-nilly is not logical. It is rookie mistake #1. With no testing to be defective or not, you're just guessing and spending your money needlessly. If your 8N is an early model it has the front mount distributor. If so, does it have the Ballast Resistor? Is the GEN a 3-WIRE/3-BRUSH unit and has the Voltage Regulator? Starter Motor 3-WIRE Unit with a RELAY (SOLENOID)? We know: Tractor was running. Sat parked (for how long?) Went to start it and click click. then yanked parts off and replaced with new without any testing first. What all parts did you replace?

Tim Daley (MI)

 

[used red MN]

Hello mmeyer, welcome to YT! If Leroy’s recommendation doesn’t prove true I would suggest you purchase a multimeter so we can direct you where to test some voltages. This way you can learn some stuff about your tractor and how to diagnose the electrical system. First would be what voltage is shown holding the test leads on the round posts on the battery. Then what does it show when you activate the starter button to start the engine. Then repeat the test holding the leads on the battery post clamp terminals. Report back.

 

[used red MN]

"NEW" batteries can be junk out the door. What is the date code on it? Bargain-house units are known for poor lifespans, 2 years on average. No matter, get it tested first and avoid guessing. FACT: 99.98% of all non-starting issues are due to incorrect wiring, regardless if 6V or 12V. Again I say, get the diagrams and go thru the entire wiring system. A VOM set to Continuity is required. Don't guess by wire colors. Disconnect light connection at the switch. Lights were never a factory-installed feature, always a dealer option, and many were/are wired wrong, especially on a 12V conversion. Again I say, replacing parts with new willy-nilly is not logical. It is rookie mistake #1. With no testing to be defective or not, you're just guessing and spending your money needlessly. If your 8N is an early model it has the front mount distributor. If so, does it have the Ballast Resistor? Is the GEN a 3-WIRE/3-BRUSH unit and has the Voltage Regulator? Starter Motor 3-WIRE Unit with a RELAY (SOLENOID)? We know: Tractor was running. Sat parked (for how long?) Went to start it and click click. then yanked parts off and replaced with new without any testing first. What all parts did you replace?

Tim Daley (MI)

Tim, I take it this poster is a quite young individual who took some interest in Grandpas tractor. Okay it may have not been the wisest thing to throw a bunch of new parts at it. Tractors have been put through this before and lived to run another day. Let’s not stack so much on his head at once. I know you like to give a lot of info but you’re burying the poor guy! Sorry,
just my opinion.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Will try, thanks

mmeyr,
Old is right you need to do a little trouble shooting. First starting with the battery.
Most people here can write a novel about what is wrong.
Very few have test equipment. No mention of measuring voltages in their novel.
Many things can be wrong, without measuring battery voltage, voltage when the starter is making a clicking sound, and cranking voltage all you are doing is guessing and throwing parts at the problem.

My Neighbor said I have a dead battery, Will you jump my truck.
The Battery was fine, Terminals needed cleaned.
Auto Stores can test batteries for FREE!
This is my to go bag when I'm trouble shooting any electrical problem.

I think the 8n is 6v was positive ground.
If so, take a jumper wire attached to the negative terminal of the battery and to the starter terminal.
That will bypass everything and apply 6v to the starter.
If you have a good starter and a good battery it should not click, just turn over the engine.
This is a good place to start.

 

[Jim.ME]

mmeyr,
Old is right you need to do a little trouble shooting. First starting with the battery.
Most people here can write a novel about what is wrong.
Very few have test equipment. No mention of measuring voltages in their novel.
Many things can be wrong, without measuring battery voltage, voltage when the starter is making a clicking sound, and cranking voltage all you are doing is guessing and throwing parts at the problem.

My Neighbor said I have a dead battery, Will you jump my truck.
The Battery was fine, Terminals needed cleaned.
Auto Stores can test batteries for FREE!
This is my to go bag when I'm trouble shooting any electrical problem.

I think the 8n is 6v was positive ground.
If so, take a jumper wire attached to the negative terminal of the battery and to the starter terminal.
That will bypass everything and apply 6v to the starter.
If you have a good starter and a good battery it should not click, just turn over the engine.
This is a good place to start.

Safety first. Please be certain, and double check, that the tractor transmission is in neutral if you are using any method to crank the engine over. be especially sure when using a method where you are not sitting in the seat, such as a jumper cable from the battery to the starter. Such methods have led to damage, injury, and even death. Take care.

 

[Tgrasher]

Clean your cable ends to where they shine, on the starter and at the battery. Put a light coat of oil on them to preserve your work and I think you will solve the problem. Can't count the times it's happened to me.

 

[showcrop]

I agree with Tgrasher, JMOR, and Geo. Don't go looking for complicated unusual problems like a mysterious engine lock-up, start with the simple most common cause of a starter solenoid click: coated terminals. clean both battery terminals, the ground terminal and the starter terminal.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

Tim, I take it this poster is a quite young individual who took some interest in Grandpas tractor. Okay it may have not been the wisest thing to throw a bunch of new parts at it. Tractors have been put through this before and lived to run another day. Let’s not stack so much on his head at once. I know you like to give a lot of info but you’re burying the poor guy! Sorry,
just my opinion.

Red = noted.

 

[550Doug]

When my 49 8N had a similar problem a few years ago, I took the starter off and discovered significant rust on the starter surface that mounts to the frame. I cleaned both surfaces till they shone, as well as all connections. That cleared up my problem so I placed some silicon over that joint to keep moisture out. It is still working fine.

 

[mmeyr]

It's been a few that I could check all of this out.

Testing things all seem to be working. What’s not it won't turn by hand crank meaning it wont budge at all. Lock up!

 

[dbNga]

How long did it sit between running and won't turn over?