Ford 861

[Btzj02]

I reread this thread and I may have missed it but did anyone suggest applying the choke when it is running "sluggish"? If you apply the choke is there a difference? If the application of the choke causes a change for the better than I would focus on the carburetor. In the past I have found the float bent so it would stick to the side of the bowl and not allow enough fuel to flow, the engine was starved of fuel. Last but not least I wouldn't be afraid to remove the carb and give it a good cleaning and verify all the small passages are clear.

 

[PatsTractor]

if ya solve the issue come back in and let us know what you found.