Ford 860 Carburetor problem

[Homerville]

My for 860 has the following symptoms. 1) Runs way too rich - black smoke is coming out of the exhaust 2) if the fuel valve is not off, fuel drips at a pretty good pace out the bottom of the carb regardless if it is running or not 3) runs real raspy and loud 4) the throttle does not slow of speed the tractor (the only way to slow it is to close the fuel valve some).

I know the problem is with the carb, but I am frustrated. It acts like it is getting so much fuel it is choking on it. And the tractor is drinking gas like never before. Is there a way to check the float to see if it has a leak. If not does any one have a suggestion to start to trouble shoot. Thanks.

 

[RodinNS]

The needle valve in the carb is undoubtedly NOT closing. Pull the carb off and kit it. Make sure that the float is set at the correct height, and make sure that the float itself isn't full of gasoline or otherwise have a hole in it preventing it from floating. That will probably solve the problem or at least most of it.

Rod

 

[twopop]

also make sure the float is straight up and down on the sides.if it is it will hit the side of the bowl and will not move

 

[bjr]

Yes, I agree with the suggestions being made. We took our carburator to a local auto machine shop and the machninist rebuilt it. He had to drill out a removable seat that wouldn't remove properly. The old tractor started and ran great after that. We also had to remove and do through fuel tank cleaning. bjr

 

[richardp3]

I just fixed the exact problem on my 1955 860. The float had pin holes in both sides and had gas in the bulbs, which causes them not to float high enough to close the needle valve. Just take the float out and shake it, if it has gas in it, you will feel it and hear it.

You can purchase a new float for about $27. I repaired mine with solder.

 

[MarkB_MI]

To check to see if the float has a leak, just shake it. If you hear something sloshing around, it's leaking.

 

[GlenIdaho]

Just to add my 2 cents, to clean it be sure to get a cleaner with a tub that you can put your disassembled carb in and let soak overnight. Then scrub it and blow out all the fuel passageways.

It seems to be common on these old tractors that you must be thorough the first time you clean it as any speck of dirt can affect its operation. It's frustrating to have to clean it twice.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Easier way to check for float leaks (specially iff'n ya gotts BAD EARS) is to SINK the float in a clear jar full of HOTWATER. The heat will expand and pressurize the insides of the float and a tiny tiny stream of bubbles will leak from yer BAD float. Generally, unless yer EXPERT solderer, BUY a new float..........Dell

 

[Homerville]

OK I have rebuilt the carb, and replaced the float. It is not leaking anymore, but I still have no control over the throttle. If is possible that the plate on the carb is not spaced correctly?I have not idea what the spacing should be like.