TO-30

[Dave G]

I am having trouble with my 30 Ferguson, it will only run poorly when it does start and wont start at other times, it has new Zenith Carb and new ignition system all test out well gas runs into carb from gasoline. please help gas tank has been flushed Thanks much perplexed in Iowa

 

[Jeff-oh]

What do you mean by it rund poorly. Back firing, sputtering, surging, missing, etc.

Have you checked the compression?
Timing?

These issuse have been worked out often here. The group is quite knowlegible. Though engine diagonistics are not my strong suit.

 

[phil(va)]

First thing is to check the spark. You said the ignition system tested out well, so I"m assuming you have good spark. I"m not very familiar with Zenith, but if it has a plug n the bottom, pull it and see if gas flows out strong and for indefinite period (catch it in a clean can). Sometimes it will flow strong only until bowl empties and then it is slow to refill the bowl, indicating a blockage somewhere upstream. If both of those check out, look at the ignition timing. Maybe it is way out of time. If not, do a compression test. As Jeff said, give us a little more info and maybe we can help more.

 

[Dave G]

Thie timing is right and the compression is great, just overhauled last year and has not been run since last summer, has new distributor and good spark, it runs like it is starving for gas, need to pull the choke to keep it running, do u think there is something in the jet or something, the tank was cleaned when it was last worked on and the carb is brand new could not get the stock one to work on it thanks for the replies guys I appreciate the help Dave

 

[john[mo]]

did u check the screen at the inlet to the carb? my ferguson did not have one there but it seems that most do.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Define a good spark? Is it FAT, AND BLUISH-WHITE? If it isn"t then you need to find out why.
Make sure the timing is correct and the plug wires are connected correcttly, The firing order is 1-3-4-2and the distributor turns counterclockwise.
If the choke is required for running it"s usually a weak spark or an airleak downstream of the carb metering section. The throttle shaft seals are a place where air leakage frequently occurs. Next is the gasket at the connect flange and finnaly a cracked intake manifold or a leakey intake manifold gasket. SPray carb cleaner around these areas and when you get a response from the engine that will be where the leak is at.

 

[dfitch]

Have you experimented with adjusting the carb and
do both adjustments have an effect. I put a new Zenith on my TO 30 and it would idle good but if
I tried to give it gas it would die. The front adjustment (T Bar) had no effect. I removed the adjusting screw and the piece that it seats into and found it had not been machined correctly. There was a metal burr in the hole where the adjusting screw seats. I was able to remove the burr by running a wire down the tube and broke the burr off. Where in Iowa are you? I was born in Burt

 

[Anonymous-0]

My two cents worth: I had the same symptoms except that with the choke out it would still die. In my wisdom I added an inline gas filter between the tank and the carburetor and it just had too much resistance for the half-psi or so gravity system. It would refill the bowl and start and idle for a long time but as soon as I moved the throttle it died. By the time I checked the bowl drain it would be full again. Only when I let it drain into a bucket did I see that the flow dropped to a dribble. Filter out, problem gone.

 

[R . l . HULL]

You say it has good compression . You say it will run when you hold the choke out . Try running a line from some kind of temporary gas container . Will leave the type up to you . Be carefull . Don't burn tractor or shop down .Run the line straight to the carb . This will eliminate the possibility of a blockage between the tank and the carb .
Next , you may have a vaccuum leak caused by a bad intake gasket or a bad carb. casket between carb and manifold or a cracked intake manifold .Spray carb cleaner or either along gaskets at block and carb . Go easy with the ether . How the devil do you spell either ?
Good luck .