Rough Running 1951 Ford 8n

[ash-from-housewares]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

 

[abuelo]

I would disconnect the air cleaner pipe at the carb for a test.

 

[joeysmith]

Tap on the carburetor an see if it clears up

 

[old]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

Pull the plugs and see what they look like. Is it smoking black smoke?? If it is it is running rich.
By the way it is never good to throw parts at a problem it is better to trouble shoot then parts

 

[4wdtom]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

From your video it sounds like it isn't getting gas. Have you pulled the drain plug on the carb or disconnected the fuel line at the carb and checked for good fuel flow over 30 or so seconds? And did you make sure EVERY passage in the carb was clear and you know where each one went?

 

[Oregon Tractor Jack]

From your list of things done it states that you put a new gasket on carb. It that is all you did, you need to go back and completely disassemble the carb, clean it completely and rebuild it. If this tractor has been sitting for 10 years you can pretty well count on a carb rebuild. Also check the condition of the fuel tank, it could be full of rust.


OTJ

 

[Oregon Tractor Jack]

From your list of things done it states that you put a new gasket on carb. It that is all you did, you need to go back and completely disassemble the carb, clean it completely and rebuild it. If this tractor has been sitting for 10 years you can pretty well count on a carb rebuild. Also check the condition of the fuel tank, it could be full of rust.


OTJ

Oh I forgot, sometimes you have to clean the carb repeatedly to really get it clean. My personal best is four attempts before I finally got the carb completely clean.

OTJ

 

[Jim in LA]

If disconnecting the air pipe does no good, run a dollar bill between the points. Check that your spark plug wire firing order is correct,1-2-4-3., if no improvement then thoroughly clean the carburetor. Study videos on YouTube before tackling this job. An original carb that can be saved is worth much more than a not so good aftermarket one. You may also have to rotate the distributor a little to make it run smoothly, that’s what I had to do after rebuild and setting the timing to the flywheel. Take your time and don’t get discouraged. Get a set of manuals if you don’t already have them.

 

[47fivewindow]

It runs poorly then quits. You may very well be outrunning your fuel supply but I think it would run better at first. You need to check the firing order and direction of the rotor. 1 is closest to the front. My 9n runs like that when the point are burnt or set too closely. Condensers are known to cause engines to run like yours when they are not providing capacitance to the ignition, Also on this same site is a Ford N forum of extremely gifted Ford guys who would love to help.

 

[cole in mo]

Most likely the rough running is due to pitted valves and seats, also sticking valves.

 

[Mcrafty1]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

My Farmall C ran about the same way only it usually didn't stall, turns out the distributor was worn and the points wouldn't stay set, Id set them and usually it would run fine, shut it off and it would go back to running the way your tractor is, That would be one place to check.

 

[Duner Wi]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

Condenser will do exactly that. I would check firing order first as that is easier and costs less.

 

[Richard Nixon]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

You need the following: "Yesterday's Tractors 75 tips for Ford N owners." Written by Bruce (VA) Sorry, I'm unable tp post a link but by searching for it it will come right up.

 

[Richard Nixon]

Hey tractor gurus,

Quick Backstory:
My 9-year-old son has been in love with tractors ever since he was old enough to hold a toy one. I'm mechanically inclined, so I understand most of the general concepts here, but am FAR from a gearhead. Regardless, when my son asks, "Daddy, do you think we can fix up the Ford that's in nini and papas machine shed?" of course I said, "Sure! Let's give it a shot!"

When we replaced the battery, it ran reasonably well considering that it hadn't moved in roughly 10 years. So we pulled it into a garage with more space to work.

Here's what we've done so far:

• Replaced Battery
• Replaced oil
• Replaced oil filter (or rather, added one...)
• Replaced oil plug (previous was missing a filter screen)
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced spark plug wires
• Replaced distributor cap
• Replaced radiator fluid
• Replaced gasoline
• Replaced gas bowl gasket
• Replaced air cleaner media
• Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor (new gasket)

At this point, it won't stay running for terribly long anymore. I'm scratching my head as to what might be wrong...

Some things I've noticed/troubleshooting:

• When adding an oil filter, it was absolutely caked with sludge. I spent a good hour or so getting all of that out of there.
• When draining the oil, the oil was FAR thicker than what we added. Is it possible I need a thicker oil?
• Part of the reason we rebuilt the carburetor was because it wasn't running really well, but it doesn't appear to have helped.
• I tried swapping the distributor cap with the original without a noticeable difference.
• I tried pulling spark plugs one-by-one without noticeable difference. (almost like they're firing randomly?!)
• We did NOT replace the points and maybe should?

Here's a 40 second video of it starting, running, and ultimately dying. If anybody has any thoughts or clarifying questions, I'd love any assistance. My parents are an hour away, so it might take me a little while to try things out.

Here's a picture of Dell(WA). Dell Golightly was a world class expert on a lot of things, Ford N tractors included. Is there any way to bring up some of his old posts? He had a solution to every problem a Ford N could have.

 

[Jim.ME]

Here's a picture of Dell(WA). Dell Golightly was a world class expert on a lot of things, Ford N tractors included. Is there any way to bring up some of his old posts? He had a solution to every problem a Ford N could have.

Web search: Dell(WA) Yesterday's Tractors.