Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Discussion Forum
:

How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking?

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
mkirsch

03-18-2008 05:45:28




Report to Moderator

When I start my Super H for the first time of the day, it'll idle about 2-3 minutes, then die of fuel starvation. If I tap on the carb body a few times it'll start right back up and run like a top from the rest of the day.
We've had the carb apart half a dozen times now. It's got to be a sticking float or needle, but everything works PERFECTLY when the carb is apart. There are no scrape marks on the float from hitting the bowl, and the pivot is clean and smooth.

It's probably the %$#@ rubber-tipped needle, but we've got no choice in the matter. You can't get anything else and the original needle won't seal anymore.

We tried the seating trick, by putting the needle in the seat and tapping it with a hammer. That left an imprint on the needle tip, and we thought we had the problem licked. Tractor started right up next day and ran for 20 minutes straight. Then it sat for a few weeks. Problem's back.

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
sgt bull

03-19-2008 06:02:50




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
I think 504-2 had the right answer. I just worked over a M/S carb off of a D-15 Allis that had the same problem. Took the needle and very lightly dressed each of the three corners on the sides with an emery board. (my wife will never miss it, I hope.) Worked perfectly after that.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
bc

03-18-2008 11:41:05




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
I've been through similar problems. I adjusted the float by pushing on the viton needle into the seat and it began to stick. Tried some anti-seize on the tip and that didn't help. Finally got a new needle and seat from cnh. Seems like I've seen the all brass needle valves in the kits at TSC. Maybe NAPA has them but I never checked.

They are finicky. They either stick closed or stay open and don't shut off flow.

I had a slight indention in the float where the needle rode all the time. That kept the needle from seating and it flowed all the time and out the carb intake until it started. I took an 1/8" off the float setting which left the float a little high and then it began to work.

Also after finding it lower on gas than I left it every time, I began using the fuel shut off valve and ran it till it quit. The new sediment bowl shut off still allowed a drip out the carb when the needle wouldn't seat so I put a ball valve shut off in there which I now use. So far so good.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
GordoSD

03-18-2008 08:45:49




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
There is another possibility. You have to visualize that needle in there pointing up, being pushed up into the seat, shutting off fuel, when the float rises. When the fuel is used (running) and the float drops, the needle is SUPPOSED to drop, allowing fuel in. Your needle isn't dropping. It could be that the float level is set wrong allowing it to close the needle with the bowl at a very low level. Try adjusting the float to get a little later shutoff. (Higher fuel level in bowl).

Gordo

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Corcoran

03-18-2008 08:41:22




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
Had same trouble ,so put 1/2 pint of GM transmission fluid in tank of gas and so far fave not had problem ,tractor not used mushand sits a lot, your opinion???



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Bob M

03-18-2008 07:16:22




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
A couple things to do:

1 - Replace the needle! But this time if the new one has a Viton (rubber) tip DO NOT "seat" it like you did the last one. (Once you put a mark in the soft tip it'll be prone to sticking. Only the solid metal needles ever need seating...never a Viton tipped)

2 - When shutting down the tractor first close the shutoff valve at the sediment bulb. Then let the engine run 30 seconds so before hitting the ignition switch. This lowers the fuel level in the carb bowl so after shutdown the needle valve is left open.

Then next time you wish to start it will refill the bowl the instant you open the fuel shutoff valve.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Janicholson

03-18-2008 08:51:28




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to Bob M, 03-18-2008 07:16:22  
I second Bob M's idea of allowing a lowered fuel level. And as always it is necessary to shut off the fuel at the tank when not running the tractor. It is a habit that is easy to get into if you fill up the engine and crancase with gasoline one time, or spread 15 gallons of gasoline onto the garage floor when a frozen sediment bowl thaws. JimN



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
rustyfarmall

03-18-2008 06:19:37




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  

mkirsch said: (quoted from post at 05:45:28 03/18/08) When I start my Super H for the first time of the day, it'll idle about 2-3 minutes, then die of fuel starvation. If I tap on the carb body a few times it'll start right back up and run like a top from the rest of the day.
We've had the carb apart half a dozen times now. It's got to be a sticking float or needle, but everything works PERFECTLY when the carb is apart. There are no scrape marks on the float from hitting the bowl, and the pivot is clean and smooth.

It's probably the %$#@ rubber-tipped needle, but we've got no choice in the matter. You can't get anything else and the original needle won't seal anymore.

We tried the seating trick, by putting the needle in the seat and tapping it with a hammer. That left an imprint on the needle tip, and we thought we had the problem licked. Tractor started right up next day and ran for 20 minutes straight. Then it sat for a few weeks. Problem's back.


Time for a new needle and seat. This time, take a can of spray carb cleaner and thoroughly drench both the needle, and then the seat, and then blow them dry with compressed air. I have found that there is a residue on those parts, left over from the manufacturing process, and when it comes in contact with gasoline, becomes very sticky. You'd think the gasoline would eventually wash it off, but it doesn't seem to.
For what it's worth, I've never had any luck with seating trick. It only destroys the rubber tipped needle.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Allan In NE

03-18-2008 06:05:52




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
I'd be for replacing that N/Seat.

Allan



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
old

03-18-2008 06:04:52




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to mkirsch, 03-18-2008 05:45:28  
Well every rubber tipped needle I have ever had also had a little spring clip that hooked to it and the float. With out that clip it will do just as yours is doing. Sounds like some one left that part out and because of that you have a problem



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
rustyfarmall

03-18-2008 07:14:49




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to old, 03-18-2008 06:04:52  
Rich, The IH carbs do not use that little spring. Never did.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
old

03-18-2008 09:00:21




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to rustyfarmall, 03-18-2008 07:14:49  
Guess I get extra special kits then because the last one I did, on a 450 had that spring in the kit. I know that they didn't come out that way but the kits I use have them



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
John T

03-18-2008 07:10:46




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to old, 03-18-2008 06:04:52  
Rich, and those lil teeny tiny springys are difficult to even see let alone attach properly under the float tab and also to the needle grrrrr rrrrr r

John T



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
old

03-18-2008 09:01:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to John T, 03-18-2008 07:10:46  
Yep and theres been time I wished I had my glasses on when I was working on a carb. But I hate my glasses so I don't take them to the shop when I go out there



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
504-2

03-18-2008 18:36:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: How to fix sticking float or needle that isn't sticking? in reply to old, 03-18-2008 09:01:56  
Guys the answer is the clearance between the needle and the seat. The three sided needle needs to be filed down with a fine file to polish the three pointed sides and you wont have any more trouble. The newer kits are worse than the old stuff. I can not take credit for this fix, I learned it from a guy that only rebuilds carburetors



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy