I have a 1946 Model M that I use to plow snow. During the lates cold snap, it would not start and I noticed fuel leaking from the carb. I shut off the fuel, cleaned the spark plugs (they were fouled), and checked the air breather. It turns over, trys to start, backfires, and ultimately won't start. I need to get this tractor going as a storm is approaching. Looking for some guidance.
- Thread starter blohr
- Start date
Could be the engine is flooded. When you had the plugs out if you let it sit for a while the pistons will dry out. I've used a propane torch to ignite the gas in cylinders before to get rid of it. It will shoot fire out plug hole if you do that so you have to be careful. Concerning gas from the carb, those tractors when cranked a bit but don't start will always leak gas from the carb.On you're spark plugs you may want run a hotter plug.You may also need to do tune up with points and condenser or at least file the points.
Janicholson
Well-known Member
I agree with the other posts. I will add that when plugs get flooded they become fouled they might even look OK, but they won't fire. To fix them, put them on a concrete block or metal surface and heat them on the business end with a (propane only) torch till they burn off the electrode fouling. 20 seconds of direct flame each will not destroy them.
Put them in the tractor while warm! (I use a rubber tube that fits the insulator and start them in the hole with that (too hot to touch!)
If you have spark, we know you have fuel, it will run. Always shut off the fuel at the tank as a matter of policy, when the tractor is not running. This prevents flooding and possible dangerous leaking on the floor if the needle valve leaks. The fuel in a gravity feed tractor is always trying to get into the carb, as though a fuel pump was left on! (it was!,we can't shut off gravity) Jim
Put them in the tractor while warm! (I use a rubber tube that fits the insulator and start them in the hole with that (too hot to touch!)
If you have spark, we know you have fuel, it will run. Always shut off the fuel at the tank as a matter of policy, when the tractor is not running. This prevents flooding and possible dangerous leaking on the floor if the needle valve leaks. The fuel in a gravity feed tractor is always trying to get into the carb, as though a fuel pump was left on! (it was!,we can't shut off gravity) Jim
James Williams
Well-known Member
Look for moister in the distributer cap,and look for any cracks
i have a farmall A that every time it gets rained on it does pretty much the same thing , has a magneto that dont like the moister, i agree dry out the cap & points , mag. or dist., same problem by the sound of it. also if the wires are cracked anywhere , on a damp day they will arc & not fire the plug , it will always find the shortest route to ground
Brian in MO
Member
I'm not a mechanic but it sounds to me like a stuck float or needle valve has something in it. That would cause the carb to leak fuel which would also cause the flooding problem (too much fuel).
Thank you for all the suggestions. I did most of them and even used a propane torch on the plugs. It wouldn't fire. I then took the carb apart and there was no needle in the carb to shut off the fuel! Nothing there. Had a rebuild kit and put a needle in. By then the plugs were fouled again. I removed all the plugs and I'm going to let it air out over night and pick up some new plugs tonight. In the meantime, 8 inches of new snow in Southwest Michigan!
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
don't use chanpion plugs. ever///////.
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