850 quit

[Ed Hotaling]

I have a Ford 850 gas with a loader that I haven't been able to run at full throttle since I got it a couple of years ago. Since I mostly use it at low speed anyway, I haven't bothered to fix it.
Last week when I was using it to clear the driveway, it began stalling and finally wouldn't restart at all. I towed it back to the garage and hee-hawed it inside. The next day, when I tried it, it fired and idled rough for a minute or two then I shut it off. Since then, it will pop, the starter will disengage, and nothing. The only thing I have taken the time to check is that there is good fuel flow at the glass bowl on the side of the carb.
Where should I start looking for the problem? Is it more likely fuel or ignition?
This has been a very reliable, if cold-blooded tractor.
Thanks in advance,
Ed

 

[Ford850]

I"m not an expert, but I did rebuilt my 850 carb with great results. Even after the rebuild, until I got the carb adjusted just right, it coughed and sputtered at full throttle. It took a couple of adjustments, following the instructions in the operators manual (and posted on this site many times) and now it runs like a champ. Before the rebuilt mine gradually got worse with some of the same symptoms you described.

 

[old]

Pull the drain plug from the bottom of the carb and make sure it has a good steady flow of gas there. If it does then you may have a float problem and its flooding which will keep it from starting. If you don't have a good flow its still a float problem. Also check your spark and make sure its a good white/blue spark if its weak that will also cause the same problems
Hobby farm

 

[Ed Hotaling]

Thanks, guys. I thought it was probably a fuel problem. I'll check the spark first, though, because that's easier to fix. I'll try to let you know how it turns out.

 

[Anonymous-0]

It could also be an air leak after the carb. Intake manifold gasket or crack or something letting air in downstream of the carburator.

 

[souNdguy]

I agree with old.. gas "TO" the carb is good.. but you need gas "THRU" the carb as well.. check that flow.. then move on to points / electricals.

soundguy

 

[Ed Hotaling]

The spark doesn't look bad, but I think I'll tune it up anyway. I will definately do a carb rebuild. I've had my head in the sand on that one for too long any way. Thanks for the help.