Runs rough and stalls

[SPIDERSMOM]

Ford 8N fully rebuilt 4 years ago. Ran great. Neighbour borrrowed to dig several deep post holes. When I went to retrieve tractor, low power, and when I use front loader, or try harrow the thing stalls. Everyone and his mother has worked on this tractor and no one seems to be able to bring old "Geoffrey" back to what he was. I am not mechanically minded but am willing, with a bit of guidance to try anything anyone can suggest.
Should I start with plugs, points, twiddle around with the idle screw on the carb?

HELP !!!!

 

[Jim L WA]

First of all, you said, "Everyone and his mother has worked on this tractor and no one seems to be able to bring old "Geoffrey" back to what he was." Then you ask should you start with plugs, points, etc. or mess with the main jet on the carburetor. What did those other folks do?
The first thing I would do is see if all four spark plugs are firing. Pull each plug out and see if its fouled, then lay it on the head, with the wire attached and with the key on spin the tractor over and watch for a spark at that plug (you may need a helper). Repeat for each one. Then make sure the firing order is correct. 1,2,4,3 by tracing the plug wires back to the distributor.
When you get that done and if you didn't find anything, post back and we can go from there.

 

[Jerry9N]

Did the neighbor add fuel? Old or contaminated fuel could
cause lots of problems. I would turn off the gas, remove the
plug from the bottom of the carburetor, then turn on the gas
and verify a steady stream of gas flows out.

 

[jd2cylman]

(quoted from post at 11:36:13 09/07/20) Did the neighbor add fuel? Old or contaminated fuel could
cause lots of problems. I would turn off the gas, remove the
plug from the bottom of the carburetor, then turn on the gas
and verify a steady stream of gas flows out.

Or did the neighbor add diesel fuel??? Best bet is to check the tank.

 

[J Hamilton]

A service manual would be very beneficial
for trouble shooting and repairs too

 

[HarryVanderpool]

(quoted from post at 07:58:38 09/07/20) Neighbour borrrowed to dig several deep post holes.

Everyone and his mother has worked on this tractor ....

Should I ....... twiddle around with the idle screw on the carb?

WOW!!
I like to help, but won't touch this with a ten foot pole.
:-(