Ford 8N sputter funk

Hi folks - Tractor starts up fine. Runs well for a minute or few. Then sputters and will die if I don't choke it, but still lurches before quitting. Let it sit for a bit and the routine continues as such. Thinking it's a gas flow problem, gravity fed, I clean the float bowl and fuel filter; gas runs fine, although the float bowl does leak somewhat. (have a replacement)



But wonder if, when heated up, there might be an electrical problem, such as cracked plug or wire or somesuch. But if the latter is true, why would it start and run fine without hiccups for a bit? Hate replacing the float bowl since must drain the gas tank - which is new and was replaced over winter, among other things.



Carb issue? Can probably take it off and have cleaned/rebuilt, but, again, pain in arse. Yer thoughts, wrench?

It does sound like fuel problems.

But just to say you did, check the point gap and condition, check side play in the distributor shaft. If any play, the points will not stay set and it will do strange things.

Be ready to catch it in the act, have a spark checker (a spark plug with the electrode broken off, spark should jump from the center to the grounded case), a hot 1/4" spark. If spark is weak or no spark, check the rest of the ignition components, wires, coil, cap and rotor, ignition switch and wiring.

If that checks good, get a clean glass, engine off, fuel valve open, pull the drain plug on the bottom of the carb. Catch the flow in the glass. It should have a full flow, slow to a smaller stream as the bowl empties. If it slows to a drip, or stops, there is not enough fuel making it to the bowl. Some have a screen in the inlet fitting at the carb, could be a restriction at the needle/seat. The carb is simple, don't be sfraid to open it up. If you're careful it will usually come apart without tearing the gasket.

Look at what was caught, if it is dirty or has water in the bottom, that will also be in the tank and carb bowl.

Also be sure the cap is vented.

Have you tried running it with the gas cap loose?

Mine does that sometimes. Seems more when the tank is full. I changed the fuel cap and put a 3-16 hole in it to ensure a vent. Hasn't done it in quite a while.

Stan

I just went through the same thing with my 8N. The key is that it'll run ok with the choke out. That means, lean mixture under load.

Check the fuel flow to the carb. If that's ok, you'll need to take your carb off, and clean it completely. There are air emulsion holes in the metering jet and they are very small. I think they get clogged easily and need cleaning. Also, try running it with the gas cap loose, and if it runs better you have a clogged vent at the tank.

After cleaning the carb, and tuning the main mixture needle carefully, mine was back in full power mode, and I went out and brush hogged some 5 foot high stuff. Felt goooooooooood.