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Farmerhr 08-09-2012 12:36:59 108.224.0.124 Report to Moderator	I have a 1948 8N with front mount disributor that has been converted to 12 volts. The tractor has an alternator. While mowing yesterday at about three hours the 8N lost power. It seemed to be running abot 1/4 to 1/2 speed and had little power. When the trottle was moved up and down, the engine speed did not change I drove the tractor to the barn and checked fuel availablity by removing the drain plug in the carburator. I got a steady flow about 1/4 inch in diameter for as long as I held a bottle to catch the fuel. I drained it for abot 3/4 of a minute. It showed no sighs of slowing. Next I checked the pre filter on the air induction system. It was clean. Took the oil cup off the bottom of ,the air cleaner. The oil was a littte discolored but there was no sludge or anything. Next I hooked up a spark plug with a 3/16 inch gap. When I turned the engine over, the spark jumped the gap and the engine started. It did run rough. The plugs were removed next. # 2 showed oil considerable on the tip but there was no build up of firing products. One was black with no buildup,three and four were fine. #one was black but did not have any buildup. I put a new set of plugs in and the engine started fine and ran well. I could move the speed up and down and the speed responded properly. Could any one help me with what is going on ? What should i check next ? Thank You ! [Reply]   [No Email]
NOXJohn 08-10-2012 04:32:14 184.5.164.213 Report to Moderator	Re: Loss of power on an 8n in reply to Farmerhr, 08-09-2012 12:36:59   Also check the points, cap and rotor to make sure they are in good condition and the points are adjusted to 0.015". Bad points etc. could cause a weak spark that is allowing your plugs to foul. If you need a points set don't get the TISCO junk. Get Blue Streak from this site or Echlin from NAPA. The arc across a spark plug should be a good blue arc not an orange arc. [Reply]  [No Email]
soundguy 08-09-2012 16:19:10 107.41.71.236 Report to Moderator	Re: Loss of power on an 8n in reply to Farmerhr, 08-09-2012 12:36:59   ditto what the others said. so far you repalced an ignition componet and it cured it in your test. that tells me either fouled plugs.. or damaged plug insulators. both possible. you could clean the plugs in an abrasive cleaner then a carb dip till they look new then swap them in. cracked ones won't heael.. fouled ones should be ok. at this point.. do nothing to the machine.. [Reply]  [No Email]
Jim.UT 08-09-2012 14:45:52 70.89.244.178 Report to Moderator	Re: Loss of power on an 8n in reply to Farmerhr, 08-09-2012 12:36:59   I agree with Bruce. Wait until it's time to mow again. See if it goes past the 3 hour mark without a problem. If it does, you fixed it. If it does the same thing again, post back and we'll explore further. No need in installing more parts while it's running fine. No way to tell if the part you replace was causing a problem or not. [Reply]  [No Email]
Bruce (VA) 08-09-2012 12:59:28 24.125.80.178 Report to Moderator	Re: Loss of power on an 8n in reply to Farmerhr, 08-09-2012 12:36:59   " What should i check next ? " Well, if it ".....started fine and ran well" I think I'd check the refrigerator for a cold one. Sounds to me like the job is complete. 50 Tips [Reply]  [No Email]