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My First Tractor is a Red Belly

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Rick in Tenness

11-08-2002 08:47:17




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I just got my first tractor and it is the Red Belly that my Dad had for years. He passed away last year and instead of letting this tractor be sold, I decided to try and keep it in the family. He was not a collector but used the tractor to work his vegeable farm. As long as I can remember (30 years or so) he aways had a red belly around. I would like to get this tractor running, but without his help I do not know where to start. The first thing I did, yesterday, was to but a new battery in the tractor, clean the spark plugs, and crank it. It cranked put did not start. My brother said that Dad had told him the tractor was going to need a new starter. What I think is the starter, looks like a generator attached to the left side of the motor, was smoking a little as I cranked to unit, and when I pulled the plugs out there was no gas on the plugs. Are there any ideas on what might be my next step in trying to get this tractor running?

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Jim.UT

11-08-2002 09:50:18




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 Re: My First Tractor is a Red Belly in reply to Rick in Tennessee, 11-08-2002 08:47:17  
First I have to say you've come to the right place. Second, it's kind of important to post more details. BG has sent you to a good source of help if your tractor is an 8N. Some of the later Fords were also called Red Bellies. If your tractor is one of those (Jubilee, NAA, Hundred series) you might get some help at this other site. Come back here with questions.

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SteveB(wi)

11-08-2002 09:47:33




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 Re: My First Tractor is a Red Belly in reply to Rick in Tennessee, 11-08-2002 08:47:17  
Also be aware there is a fuel shut off valve on the bottom of the tank, left side. Most turn this off after every use.



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DavidO

11-08-2002 09:44:07




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 Re: My First Tractor is a Red Belly in reply to Rick in Tennessee, 11-08-2002 08:47:17  
Rick, Anytime you are going to start an engine that has been sitting for a long time, there are some mandatory items that have to be taken care of. First, change the oil and oil filter. Second, flush the fuel system and clean the filters and carb. Then check out the air filter and service as needed. Flush the cooling system as best you can without the engine running and put in fresh coolant.(Also,drain the transmission/hydraulic fluid and replace with fresh fluid.)Check the electrical wiring. Look for broken or skinned wires that might be shorting against the frame. Then, you can try to crank it. You are probably going to need new plugs, points, and condensor, possibly plug wires, maybe a coil, generator, etc. As BG said "get a manual", read it and ask questions here about the things that you don't understand. Good Luck with it. Let us know how you are doing.

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Phil (VA)

11-08-2002 09:30:14




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 Re: My First Tractor is a Red Belly in reply to Rick in Tennessee, 11-08-2002 08:47:17  
One quick note that you may not know: If your tractor is still 6 volts, it will be positive ground, not negative ground like an automobile. You did not say if it was still 6 volts or not. If the battery was previously removed and maybe you put another one in, I'm just guessing here, did you install it as positive ground? On the other hand if it has been converted to 12 volts it usually would have an alternator instead of a generator and in that case it would be negative ground. You may know all that, but in case you didn't, that's something very important to be aware of right away.

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ED-IL

11-08-2002 09:11:30




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 Re: My First Tractor is a Red Belly in reply to Rick in Tennessee, 11-08-2002 08:47:17  
Try a little better ID of the tractor model. There are distinct and subtle differences between them when it comes to ignition systems.

Off-hand, a started should not smoke. Whether or not that will draw voltage away from the coil and distributor is a good question.

You might start by checking for a spark. Remove a plug, and lay it on top of the block, with wire connected. When you crank the engine, you should see a big bright blue spark. Anything yellow or orange and new points and coil might be in order.

Good advice is to get yourself an I&T FO-4 manual. This manual covers troubleshooting and repair for the entire tractor, 9/2/8N series. They are less than $30.00 and the new ones come with a parts manual in the back. They are available on line and at tractor repair stores.

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bg

11-08-2002 09:09:30




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 Re: My First Tractor is a Red Belly in reply to Rick in Tennessee, 11-08-2002 08:47:17  
When was the tractor last run? If it's been a while, you probably need to clean the carburetor and fuel filters and add fresh gas.
You also need to check the oil and coolant before trying to start. If the oil is black and nasty, it might be advisable to change it. Straight 30 weight is a good choice.

An I&T FO-4 manual will provide service information. It may be helpful to enlist the aid of a mechanic or other N-owner to help you. There is a plethora of things that can affect starting, and unless you have a modicum of experience in things mechanical, the explanations can be elusive.

Having said all of that, you need 3 things:
fuel in the proper quantity
spark at the right time
air

Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to each system in turn. If all the systems are correct the tractor should start.

Post some pertinent details, like the year of your tractor, what you've done and specific symptoms and the folks here will be able to help with specific questions as you proceed.

You might want to visit John Smith's site for a wealth of good info.

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