3020 gas running rough

[Ranhil]

I am wondering if anyone can suggest a type of additive for the older gas engines. An older farmer friend suggested using an additive as the new unleaded gas is not the best for the older gas engines.

thanks

 

[MSS3020]

I run no more than 87 unleaded in mine. Use to once in a while throw some lead additive in it. But havent done that in long time. Are you thinking the rough running is gas realated??

 

[Anonymous-0]

Today's 87 octane is better than the fuel when the tractor was new and plenty fine. Your 3020 wants carburetor heat this time of year.

But there can be many problems related to having been around 50 years. The first one is running rich from the float needle and seat worn out from vibration. Replace them. Look at plug wires, carbon don't cut it. Make sure the choke is fully open, and there are no intake restrictions from a bowed down precleaner top or nests in the intake. Be sure the air cleaner is clean.

Modern Champion plugs do not tolerate rich running and do not clean. AC or Autolite work better.

See about draning the accumulated water from the gas tank, there is a valve under there for that.

Gerald J.

 

[Ranhil]

thanks for the replies guys. yes, I was hhoping the gas was part of the problem. was going to try new plugs today. Put new wires on last year. put a carb kit in last fall as well. carb heat could the major problem. any hints here?

thanks again,

 

[buickanddeere]

What brand and model of plugs? Odds are somebody sold you resistor carbon wires and resisitor plugs.
Solid core wires and Autolite 3116 plugs.
Is the advance working in the distributer?
Try a new cap and rotor, carbon tracking will cause phantom problems.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Carburetor heat is built it. There's a block between the two manifolds. If you see holds its set for cold. Turn it for hot. It should be marked. That's covered in the owner's manual.

Where your new wires carbon or copper? Copper works better on the tractor.

Gerald J.

 

[Ranhil]

Can only get platinum autolite plugs, what is your opinion? they are a level up from the 3116.

thanks for all the info.

 

[buickanddeere]

I'd trade resistor platinum plugs for a non resisitor 3116.
Test the wires and plugs with an ohm meter to be certain they are 1-2 ohms.
Any chance there are some leaking gaskets around the carb or manifold? A sniff of ether will find them.