Farmall M running rough

oppie_25 · May 12, 2009

Question for you guys. I just bought a M that was supposed to just need carb work. Well come to find out it might be more to it. We did get it running enough to drive it on the trailer but wow it runs rough. Its not the carb because I put a kit in it and didnt change and even took the carb off my good running M and out on there and still nothing. I checked the timming and made sure the firing order was right. It does pop and spit and sputter but wont stay running. Gas shoots out the bottom of the carb once in a while and comes out black. Another thing I did was took the plug out of the intake manifold to see if it was sucking and squirted wd45 while it was trying to start. Thinking maybe intake was bad or gasket. Seems to have good suction. I have checked spark but it seems to have goofy spark. I am thinking about throwing a mag on there from my other M to see what that does. But here is a question.... What about the govenor? Could something be goofy with that where its not opening the butterfly in the carb? Anything else I should be checking? Anything you guys could tell me would be great. Thanks

oppie_25 · May 12, 2009

Forgot to mention I did put new plugs and wires in to. Cleaned points and checked gaps on plugs and points. The story the guy told me was he was using the tractor to seed with a drill this spring and ran it out of gas. After putting gas in it wouldnt run right again. I even took the tank off a cleaned it along with bowl and line. Something isnt adding up. Not sure if I was told a story or what.

Bob M · May 12, 2009

First you can forget about the governor. If the gov was acting up the engine would still run smoothly - it simply would not respond to throttle handle inputs (ie. it will just idle or perhaps race).

When you say the ignition is "goofy" tell us more? Apparent weak or intermittant spark, spark timing jumping around or ???. Swapping in a known good magneto (and timing it correctly!) will quickly confirm or eliminate an ignition problem.

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Assuming it's NOT the ignition then I'd be looking at the valves. Gas running out of a known good carb can mean an intake valve is stuck open or clearance set WAY too tight (ie. valve not closing fully).

Could also be the cam drive gear hub has broken so valve/igniton timing are off (happens frequently when a live hydraulic pump is installed).

If that's the problem a compression check on all 4 cylinders will quickly find it.

Anonymous-0 · May 12, 2009

do the mag swap first to get that out of the way, as i have seen them do goofy things.then you can check out your valve train next if its still goofy.

oppie_25 · May 12, 2009

Goofy spark I mean.... intermittant spark, spark timing jumping around. I did get it to run for a minute nong enough for me to put the timming light on and it was jumping around alot in reference to the timming mark. I think I am going to start with the mag and then do a copression check on each cylinder. Thanks for clearing me up on the governor. I am pretty new at this.

Roy Ward · May 12, 2009

I think the guy told you a white lye about the gas but he's got your money. Sometimes after the sale you can ask about the condition again and get the right story.

Fixer · May 12, 2009

Opie If you haven't got the dist off yet, a quick check use wd40 spray the dist cap inside and out. Put cap back on wet. If its the problem that'll fix it for a short time. Luck Bernie Steffen

Dr. Bert · May 12, 2009

oppie 25: If installing a different magneto doesn't help, consider checking your manifold. Your problem sounds exactly like the one I had with my M. After trying all the things you have, I pulled the manifold and found a dime sized hole between the intake and exhaust sides. Replaced the offender and now it runs like an M should.

oppie_25 · May 12, 2009

Well I did it!!!! I took off the distributor and coil and slaped on the mag from my other M and it fired right up and purred like a kitten. I was so happy I yelled. What a relief! Now I will just order new points and condensor and take it all apart and clean it up and make sure there is no moisture in there. I want to thank everyone for the help. The guy I bought it from called me tonight to see how I did so I am thinking he is a straight shooter and it was just a fluke thing. Thanks again

Farmall M running rough

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