Fuel problem Farmall H

I have a fuel problem on my Farmall H and would like some ideas. I have a stock fuel system except for a new inline Napa filter. When running the tractor I can see via the clear fuel filter that the tractor is slowly being starved of fuel and after 20 to 30 minutes the tractor will die. I have emptied the sediment bowl of fuel and then after turning on the gas noticed no fuel or a trickle flowing into the bowl. When I loosen the strainer bowel the fuel immediately pours into the bowl indicating to me the problem is downstream. I even removed the entire fuel strainer from the tank and blew it out with carb cleaner. I also blew out the fuel line with compressed air and removed the old filter inside the carb and blew that out with carb cleaner. It looks really old but doesn't seem clogged with debris. I removed the carb and took off the float and noticed the float needle was sticking closed. I sprayed some cleaner into that area and reassembled. I still have reduced gas flow and starvation. What do you guys think?? What should I do next?

Some will say take off that inline filter and toss it, which may or may not solve your problem. There is a filter where
the fuel line enters the carb. which may be clogged.

The issue may be the new filter. A gravity based supply must be absolutely free flow. The screens put in place by the
sediment bowl/screen and the small screen at the carburetor inlet fitting are all that is needed. Almost all clear filters
are intended for fuel pump pressure to push fuel through them at 4 to 7psi. gravity is not even going to move the needle on
a pressure gauge. So replace the filter with a NAPA (or other) filter designed for gravity systems, or put a hose where the
filter was. Copper fittings are also OK to reconnect the system. 20 minutes is also about right for a vacuum to be created
in the tnk if the vent in the cap is plugged. The filter cn look perfectly clean, but be plugged with micron sized particles
that would pass through the carb easily. Make sure to check the filter in the fitting at the carb inlet. Jim

If it runs 20-30 minutes before the problem occurs...

That sounds like either the tank is developing a vacuum, as in the cap is not vented or the vent is clogged.

Or it is vapor locking due to the fuel line to close to exhaust heat. Look the line over, move it as far from the manifold as practical, wrap with insulation or install heat shields. If it has a copper line, replace it with steel, it is less heat conductive. Also check the point gap, the centrifugal advance, the initial timing. Retarded ignition timing causes higher exhaust manifold temps.

If none of these things we have suggested work, the next time you have the issue, feel the ignition coil. If it is hot hot
hot. Replace it. Jim

The brass fitting between the fuel line and carb is a screen. It is probably plugged. Takes a 5/8 box end wrench to remove.You can remove it with the carb on the tractor.I disagree with the others about inline filters. I've used em for years. Never had the issue others report. .currently have several'old' tractors with them I use NaPa 3031;3032;3033.However,I let the filter fill before hooking up the discharge end to prevent airlock.Try to hold the filter with the discharge end straight up to push all the air out.Lastly,if it is still starving for gas,there may be a piece of rust/'crap' stuck in the needle/seat. BTDT.Remove the carb drain plug and let gas drain for 2-4 min. make sure there is a full consistent flow of gas after the carb is drained. Catch the gas in a bucket.

(quoted from post at 06:05:40 04/15/20) Some will say take off that inline filter and toss it, which may or may not solve your problem. There is a filter where
the fuel line enters the carb. which may be clogged.

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Thanks I will check that.

I'll order a new in carb filter and try running with the NAPA filter off. Thank you.

(quoted from post at 06:26:39 04/15/20) The brass fitting between the fuel line and carb is a screen. It is probably plugged. Takes a 5/8 box end wrench to remove.You can remove it with the carb on the tractor.I disagree with the others about inline filters. I've used em for years. Never had the issue others report. .currently have several'old' tractors with them I use NaPa 3031;3032;3033.However,I let the filter fill before hooking up the discharge end to prevent airlock.Try to hold the filter with the discharge end straight up to push all the air out.Lastly,if it is still starving for gas,there may be a piece of rust/'crap' stuck in the needle/seat. BTDT.Remove the carb drain plug and let gas drain for 2-4 min. make sure there is a full consistent flow of gas after the carb is drained. Catch the gas in a bucket.

Click to expand...

Great ideas. You guys are awesome.

No need to order a new screen. Just clean it,slosh it out with some gas.

There is no "in carb " filter. it is a screen that is actually contained (soldered) into the fitting. it is ~an inch long,
and is easily cleaned by back flushing ot (off the tractor) with spray carb cleaner. Many have been removed in frustration
when the screen in the sediment bowl is gone/removed, and the little one is catching all the particles of rust/?? Jim

(quoted from post at 06:42:48 04/15/20) There is no "in carb " filter. it is a screen that is actually contained (soldered) into the fitting. it is ~an inch long,
and is easily cleaned by back flushing ot (off the tractor) with spray carb cleaner. Many have been removed in frustration
when the screen in the sediment bowl is gone/removed, and the little one is catching all the particles of rust/?? Jim

Click to expand...

Jim I removed that and I tried to backflush it. Regarding that screen, mine has no end in it. It's open at the end. Is that normal?

I chased a problem like yours for a year off and on. (two different times) Use a 1/16 drill bit and ream out the vent hole in your gas cap. Keep it cleaned
out. Second time I had a piece of floating crud in my gas tank. It looked like a piece of inner tube about the size of a nickel. When the gas would get low
it would locate itself over the intake hole and shut off the gas. I got it out with a grabber like thing for picking up small parts. Two more things to
easily check. Ellis

Yes,it supposed to be open ended.

I've never had any luck with an inline filter on a gravity flow fuel system. First thing I'd do is eliminate that and see what happens.

If you have rubber fuel line replace with steel.

(quoted from post at 07:16:20 04/15/20) I've never had any luck with an inline filter on a gravity flow fuel system. First thing I'd do is eliminate that and see what happens.

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Does anyone think the float needle could be the continuing problem? The tractor runs great besides the fuel starvation....

Its mostly steel with about 4 inches near the fuel filter. What would be the problem with a rubber fuel line?

Like said below do away with the inline as they are NOT for gravity systems . If the fine mesh screen that should be at the top of the sediment bowl is MISSING then replace it or the whole sediment bowl assembly , Next pull the inlet fitting out of the carb and see if the screen that is suppose to be on it is plugged , if the inlet screen is missing then it is possible that a small piece of dirt is blocking the needle and seat , Then if ya still have a fuel flow problem you may have something floating in the tank . Over the years you can not believe what i have found in the bottom of fuel tanks . Many years back while playen coal bucket driver the guy i worked for bought two repoed Macks one was a v8 Maxi Dyne and one was a V8 318 Detroit , i drove the 318 . After going all over these two trucks or so i thought we put them on the road . First couple days went well but on the forth day miles from the barn while hauling a BIG load of coal from down by Cadiz Ohio way out to Toledo Ohio for us that was long distance super trucking my truck started to loose power and just died . It had stopped sucking fuel out of the tanks . And we all know what a bear it is to get a diesel to pick up prime . After an hour of messing around and batterys getting weak my buddy got his truck up close and we hooked up the air hose ton his that we carried to air up tire with and i plumed it in at the filters and blew air back thru the lines to the tanks , maybe not such a good idea to blow 120 PSI straight air but when i did first we heard a sudden THUD insing the draw tank and the next was a truck wash in diesel . But i was now able to get her back running and finished hauling the load and had no more problems for a couple days then it did it again and again . Drained the tanks and found someone had shredded either paper towels or T/P into the tanks , on tractors i have found sticks, stones , and even BUGS blocking the outlet.

I just ordered a new fuel striner because the screen is missing and a new in carb screen w/ brass fitting (or filter). I figure that stuff needs replacing anyways. I will try what others have suggested too and get back to you. Thanks for the input.

(reply to post at 08:21:32 04/15/20)

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Update: I took out the carb drain plug and made note of the fuel flow coming out. It was really just a trickle. Then I removed the NAPA filter and replaced it with a 5 inch rubber hose. I then removed the carb drain plug to compare fuel flow and the flow was significantly higher! I would say a normal fuel flow.... I don't want to run the tractor too much right now because the strainer does not have a screen in it yet (I have one ordered) but it seems like that may have been the issue. Thanks to everyone who gave me ideas. This forum is a great resource. You guys really helped me problem solve this morning. Stay healthy everyone

I'll tell you the trouble; mice or rats. I had them chew a big hole in my rubber reinforced fuel line, on the H, and filled the garage floor with gasoline. Luckily next morning I smelled it before I hit the light switch. I replaced it with all-steel line.

(quoted from post at 09:16:41 04/15/20) I'll tell you the trouble; mice or rats. I had them chew a big hole in my rubber reinforced fuel line, on the H, and filled the garage floor with gasoline. Luckily next morning I smelled it before I hit the light switch. I replaced it with all-steel line.

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Yikes. Those mice were trying to kill you. I had mice try to kill me when they chewed my anchor line for my boat just enough that it would break under stress. I hate those things

NAPA does sell a nice inline filter for gravity flow. It has fundamental free flow, and could replce the filter you now
have. It can create peace of mind. Jim

Those filters airlock. I have to fill mine
with a shringe. After it is full, hook it
up and it will work fine.