230 Farmall starts then dies

MarkinMo1 · Mar 29, 2011

O. K. here goes. I have a good 230, that used to run well. I couldn"t get it started last month, so I fiddled with it a while and got it to start and run about 10 seconds, then just die. Well I tried starting it again the next day, wouldn"t start, then finally it started up and ran about 10 seconds, and then just die, like you pushed the switch in. and wouldn"t restart. Well I put a new coil on, then put new plugs in, and new points,put new battery cables on 2-0 wire made sure everything was tight. It started right up, then died about 10 seconds later, just like it has done before. I have done everything but new plug wires, and that will be next, can anyone help? What am I missing? Thanks

Rob in Ore · Mar 29, 2011

Sounds just like my old B.
Fuel system? Rust in the tank? Plugged filter or screen? Pull the fuel line from the carb intake. See if it drains the tanks at a good rate.

SouthernFarmall · Mar 29, 2011

I don't know too much about 230s, but your problem could be a bad condensor. It normally isn't too hard to replace.
Your problem may also be bad fuel flow. Take the fuel line off the carburetor and turn the gas on at the sediment bowl. If you get a full stream coming out of the line, your problem isn't above the carburetor. If, however, a weak stream appears, take the line off and blow it out. If that doesn't work, take the sediment bowl off and check the screen. Also run a wire into the gas tank to loosen any trash that may be plugging the hole.
If nothing so far has worked, proceed with the plug wires (don't forget to number them - I know from experience!) before entering your carburetor and checking it out. Maybe someone who has worked on 230s chime in and help you out.
Good luck, SF

MK in Ontario · Mar 29, 2011

Have you checked fuel flow to the carb. That is the next thing you should do. Odds are great that is your problem. Check that it flows out of the tank at the fuel bowl first, then if good there, take off line at carb and check there, and if good there I'd take the plug out of the carb and see if it runs good there. We just had a freshly rebuilt carb do that to us. Turns out the float was bottoming out on the casting and not letting the needle drop far enough to flow properly. That won't be your problem, but you could have crud in the system. Check the inlet screen in the elbow to the carb is clean, if there is one. Markus

Harold Evans · Mar 29, 2011

Sounds like a fuel problem to me. I would guess a semi clogged fuel filter or rust in the bottom of the tank. I had a similar problem and discovered that cleaning out the fuel tank and lining it with Red Kote solved the problem once and for all. I had another tractor that did the same and discovered a dried out paper fuel filter that had become partially impervious to fuel. Take the gas line off near the carb and see if you have strong flow. I doubt you do.

Handyman · Mar 29, 2011

drain your sediment bowl and carburator and try starting it again with fresh fuel in it.

SouthernFarmall · Mar 29, 2011

Do you have an inline fuel filter? If those aren't changed very regularly they will clog. Try running some SEA-FOAM through the fuel system. They sell it at NAPA. It has worked really well for me. It has increased the fuel mileage on our vehicles 4 MPG, not to mention causing much smoother running on our tractors. It is supposed to free sticky lifters and rings, dissolve gunk, bind with water and allow it to burn, and a whole pile of other stuff.
SF

gene bender · Mar 29, 2011

Its running out of gas if you didnt have fire it wouldnt even start check you gas supply its plugged just lets a small amount of gas flow and thats why it stops. Take the plug out of the carb and you wont get a good flow so go from there.

Jg20601 · Mar 29, 2011

I agree with checking the fuel system over. My 140 has a fuel tank problem that I will finish in the fall, causes the tractor to run and cut off like that. Will stay running only with the choke on full.. but also check the fuel inlet at the carb, that was my problem once. The fuel inlet had a screen that was clogged.

Tom Fleming · Mar 30, 2011

ditto on the fuel flow. check sediment bowl (ie, remove from tank and clean inlet and bowl. Take fuel line off and check for blockage. take bowl off carb and clean out. reassemble without bowl on carb and turn gas on, see if you have a good flow.

I think you will find you have either a stuck float or clogged fuel supply along the way.........

El Toro · Mar 30, 2011

You need to make sure you have battery voltage to your coil when it quits. With the points open you should have battery voltage on both small terminals on the coil. You need the ignition switch in the on "position". You may want to remove the screen behind the fitting where your gas line connects if you're getting good flow from the tank. The screen could be blocking the flow to your carb from rust and dirt. Are you using a ballast resistor? It could cause that if you have one. Hal

230 Farmall starts then dies

MarkinMo1

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Rob in Ore

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SouthernFarmall

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MK in Ontario

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Harold Evans

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Handyman

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SouthernFarmall

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gene bender

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Jg20601

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Tom Fleming

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El Toro

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