8N floods on first cold start

Anonymous-0 · Apr 18, 2012

My 1951 8N Ford acts like it is flooded the first time it is started when it has been setting for more than 24 hours. If I keep cranking it will eventually hit and sputter for a bit before it clears out and then it runs fine. After the first start to start it again all I have to do is bump the starter and it takes off just fine. It has a 12 volt system and this problem just started. Nothing has been done to the tractor other than fresh gas and oil change. I use the tractor to mow my lawn. Could a shrub or tree limb have hit the carb and knocked it out of adjustment? Thanks for any advice.

Ultradog MN · Apr 18, 2012

Always, always check your spark first.
Pull a plug wire on the plug end and VERIFY that you have a bright bluish white spark that will jump a good 3/8". Requires no tools.
Short or yellowish spark wont do.
Only then go on to possible fuel problems.

BCnT · Apr 18, 2012

pull the air cleaner hose off carb and see if its wet with gas in the morning...chances are your main needle valve under float has some trash or just isnt seating...easy temp fix is turn your gas off when not using tractor.

Roger in Iowa · Apr 18, 2012

Shut the gas off when not using it for a long period of time. Very common problem.

Inno · Apr 18, 2012

Yup, what Roger said. I used to leave mine on but occasionally the float will stick or something will get wedged in the seat and prevent the needle from shutting off the fuel. I think it's just a good habit to get into especially with the price of gas, you can't afford to just pour it out the carburetor!

And as regards checking for spark, the last thing you want is open spark or flame when there is extra gas in places where it's not supposed to be. I would look for gas coming out the air intake of the carb before checking spark. Heck, even a backfire could light 'er up!

Tom in TN · Apr 18, 2012

Bluejeans,

I have a 1973 Ford 2000 that is sensitive the first time I start it in the morning. I have found that three things really help:

1. I always turn off the fuel valve at the tank when I park the tractor and then turn it back on just before I start it in the morning,

2. I leave the throttle completely down until the engine starts and then I "feather" it up until the engine is running smoothly,

3. When starting the engine, I don't just crank, crank. crank it. I hit the starter for a second or two and then let it off. I hit the starter again, and the engine virtually always starts on that second hit.

Your 8N might respond differently, but this procedure has worked for me for many years on my 2000.

Good luck,

Tom in TN

oldtanker · Apr 18, 2012

Mine did that last week, 1st time I started it this spring, fuel had been drained, I left the valve open and did colse it before putting gas in the tank. I think the float stuck open.

Rick

old · Apr 18, 2012

#1 do you turn the gas off when you park it?? #2 when was the last time you serviced the air cleaner?? #3 is your spark a nice blue/white and will jump a 1/4 inch gap?? If you have and do all that is said and it keeps giving you problems post back for more help

Anonymous-0 · Apr 18, 2012

I turn the gas off each time and it has a nice blue spark. The oil bath air cleaner was serviced last fall but maybe a wasp has built a home in it sionce then. I will check it tonight. I am thinking that a small piece of dirt has gotten into the carb. Hopefully if that is the case, dirt will come out on it's own. I will know more tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions.

old · Apr 18, 2012

An easy way to help clean dirt/rust/water out of the carb is this. Turn the gas off, then pull the carb drain plug out of the bottom of the carb. Set a pan or some other such thing under the carb to catch the gas then turn the gas on and let it flow for a couple minutes. By doing that you will clean out most of any dirt that may have gotten in the carb and also be able to check for it in the gas you catch. The filter the gas and use it

cole in mo. · Apr 18, 2012

My F-20 will do that too, I turn the gas off at the tank, let the engine run for about one minute, then kill it. When I go to start it days later, I turn the gas on, count to 10, turn it back off and start the engine. Then turn the gas back on, havn't had a problem doing it this way for over 2 years.

Paul from MI · Apr 18, 2012

I always turn off the fuel & let the engine run for 30 seconds or so, then shut off the ignition. I do this on all my tractors(John Deere, IHC, & Allis). Object is to allow the float to drop a bit in the carb so it doesn't stick as easy when you restart. Then turn on gas and start as normal. Works for me.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 23, 2012

I think I may have found the problem. First, "old" posted about cleaning the carb by pulling the drain plug on the carb and then running some gas through it. I did this and found that the fuel shut-off was not shutting off completely thus letting the carb fill up between uses. Paul from MI suggested turning off the fuel and let the tractor run for 30 seconds to keep the float from sticking. I have replaced the fuel shut-off and have let the tractor run for a bit after shutting the fuel off. The last two starts have been no problem. Thanks to everyone for all the advice and taking the time to reply.

8N floods on first cold start

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Ultradog MN

Well-known Member

BCnT

Well-known Member

Roger in Iowa

Well-known Member

Inno

Well-known Member

Tom in TN

Well-known Member

oldtanker

Well-known Member

old

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

old

Well-known Member

cole in mo.

Well-known Member

Paul from MI

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Similar threads