3000 running rough

[PLZ1000]

I have a 1966 Ford 3000. I am having trouble keeping it running. It starts when cool and will run great for about 2 minutes, then starts to spit and sputter and eventually dies. If I let cool off for a few minutes it will start but runs very rough and dies. I put a new Zenith carburetor but it does the same thing. I’m beginning to think something heat related. Maybe a coil or condenser? Does anyone have any suggestions before I start throwing parts at it?
Thanks,
Philip

 

[Tree Man]

Throw a coil at it. Could be the coil is breaking down as the engine heats.

 

[3000OH]

And you"ve checked all of the fuel filterS? Yep, more than one filter (4 of "em). Check the archives for the locations.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Start it and run it till it dies. Then quick check for spark at one of the plugs. If you have no spark post back for further direction. If you have good spark then you likely have a fuel delivery issue. As 3000OH says there are 4 fuel filters on that model.
Thay are not complicated machines.

 

[PLZ1000]

Thanks for the reply. I hooked an electric fuel pump just before the carburetor and still got the same results. Now it is spitting and sputtering almost from the start. I took the #2 plug out and checked for a spark. It was very weak and inconsistent. The distributor was replaced a couple of years ago and still looks almost new, which seems to point to the coil. Any idea what the resistance should be or other thoughts?
Thanks,

Philip

 

[Anonymous-0]

points will close up as run and wear

 

[Ultradog MN]

The first thing I'd do with weak or yellow spark is to have a look at the points. Gap should be .024 - .026 Have heard lots of reports of crappy china made points that the rubbing block wears out after just a few hours. If you need them get new ones from Napa or the Dealer.
Setting points on that model is SO much easier if you completely remove the dist cap OUT of the tractor. Leave the other ends hooked to the plugs and coil. Fireing order is 1 2 3
Dist turns counter clockwise. Cap IS marked for #1 which is nipple closest to 4 or 5 oclock. Easiest engine to time of any I've ever known. If new points don't come with that little pill of grease add just a dab to the point cam. Also add a few drops of engine oil to the little flip top lube pipe on the back side of the dist itself while your're in there. Check the little black wire that goes from the points to the coil. See if it is chaffing or rubbing anywhere along its route - where it goes thru the side of the dist housing etc.
Dunno how much or little you know here. Just throwing out thoughts as they come. What I would do to mine.
I kind of cringe at the thought of an electric fuel pump for some reason. Maybe it's all of them rubber hoses...
Keep posting back with your findings. Start a new thread if this one goes off the front page.
You plus the vast knowledge that collectively resides on this board gan get it running ship shape again.

 

[PLZ1000]

Thanks for the help. I’ll try these this week as time permits. As for the electric pump, I hooked it up just to double check my fuel flow. It won’t be installed permanently. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.