TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

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

Ford 9N, 2N & 8N Discussion Forum

Can't get my tractor started!

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

Darrin Toppin

09-17-2005 17:32:03

Report to Moderator

I can't get my tractor to start. It smells like it flooded, but when I pull the plugs they are compleatly dry. The neighbor borrowed it. He said when it wouldn't start. He put gas on the spark plugs, and it started up for him. I've don that. Still nothing. Any Ideas? In laymens terms?

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

( Pic ) Ken N Tx

09-18-2005 00:12:06

Report to Moderator

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION in reply to Darrin Toppin, 09-17-2005 17:32:03

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dodgtech

09-17-2005 19:38:36

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin Toppin, 09-17-2005 17:32:03

I hope this situation gets solved because I just aquired an 8n and I can't get it to start either. At least not reliably. Usually too much fuel for me. Spark seems weak but I'm an auto mechanic and I'm used to hot spark.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Darrin's Wife

09-17-2005 19:29:31

Report to Moderator

Re: Serial Number Pictures in reply to Darrin Toppin, 09-17-2005 17:32:03

OK, I found the plate, got the gunk and paint off. There are scratches and gouges on the plate, no numbers. Although if I stare hard enough, I think I can make out a 2.
We made a quickie website with pics of the tractor:
http://www.geocities.com/keeperofthehorses/yeoldetractor.html

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bruce (VA)

09-17-2005 19:12:09

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin Toppin, 09-17-2005 17:32:03

OK, you have a 2N or 9N, frontmount distributor & probably 6v, but go count the battery caps & check back. If the gas is running out of the carb, you have a bad float, a bad needle valve or seat, or trash in the carb..... maybe all three. Plan on a carb rebuild; it's easy, kit is about $30 & lots of info in the archives. And, like the others said, it will not start if it is flooded. And, it is really hard to get one to start if the plugs got wet. As it is a new-to-you tractor, plan on getting a tune up kit (points, plugs, condenser & rotor) While you're at it, get copper core plug wires & a new distributor cap. What you will end up with is the primary ignition circuit & the carb rebuilt for well under $100.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Darrin

09-17-2005 19:20:03

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Bruce (VA), 09-17-2005 19:12:09

Thank you all for your help. I think a whole tune up is in order. It seems like a basic engine set up, so I'm hopeing it won't be too hard. Thanks again, and I'll let you know how it goes. Who knows. I might be back asking what I screwed up!
Darrin

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bruce (VA)

09-17-2005 17:44:48

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin Toppin, 09-17-2005 17:32:03

What kind of tractor do you have? 2N, 9N, 8N? 6v or 12v, front or side distributor? Give us more info & you will get lots of help.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Darrin's Wife

09-17-2005 18:05:52

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Bruce (VA), 09-17-2005 17:44:48

I tried to respond once, but got an "oops". Sorry if this ends up being a duplicate. I'm typing this for Darrin.
We went out and scraped off some of the crud, took some pictures and looked at the 8N/9N comparison chart. I think we may have a hybrid of a few tractors. :)
Serial # is 8N6050A
It has a front mount distributor, 6 blade fan, 3 forward speeds, brakes on the left and right. We don't yet know the voltage. This tractor is fairly new to us via a trade.
Thanks!
Suzanne

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dell (WA)

09-17-2005 18:50:41

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin's Wife, 09-17-2005 18:05:52

Suzanne..... ...8N6050A is the part number for the cylinder head. And that means your tractor has had its flathead replaced because it warped and blew the headgasket. Don't worry about it, happens all the time.

Howsomevers; look just under the cylinderhead gasket seam on the lefthand side of the block, aft of yer oil filter bracket and you'll find yer engine's serial number weakly handstamped on a smooth 1x4" space. It will most likely start with 9N. (altho it could start with 8N because the whole engine could have been replaced) And then check on the lefthand sidebar "Research & Info" and click on the entry "Serial Numbers".

Howsomevers; a 3-speed tranny is indicative of eather a 1939-1942 9N or more likely a 1942-1947 2N. It will have a 4-nipple squarecan ignition coil frontmount distributor. It can have eather a 6-blade or 4-blade radiator fan. It will have straddle brake pedals which can help stop spinning wheels when yer stuck.

As for wheather yer tractor electrics is 6-volt positive grounded or 12-volt negative grounded, go out and count the water caps. 3-caps = 6-volts and a 1-terminal 3rd brush genny; 6-caps = 12-volts and an aluminum colored alternator..... ....HTH, Dell

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Darrin

09-17-2005 19:08:14

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Dell (WA), 09-17-2005 18:50:41

Ok. Darrin here. Please forgive my typing I'm preddy slow!! It is a six volt. We haven't found the serial # just yet but I think it might be full of paint! Here is something I learned about it today from the previous owner. When he had trouble starting it. He said "that if he tapped on the carberator a little bit. Then it would start up!!" Did that to...Nothing. I took the carberator off today and it looks fine. The jets are clean, and the valves open and close just fine.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

KSTEPP

09-17-2005 19:24:34

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin, 09-17-2005 19:08:14

I'm no expert and this may seem like a dumb question but was the bowl on the bottam full of gas? If so I had the same problem once and the coil was bad.If it had little or no gas the line may be cloged. Did you ground the plug and check for spark?

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bruce (VA)

09-17-2005 19:17:50

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin, 09-17-2005 19:08:14

The tapping on the bowl was to unseat the needle valve, which means the needle or the seat is bad causing it to stick closed. Now, if gas is running out of the carb, it is stuck open. Rebuild time..... .

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Larry 8N75381

09-17-2005 18:34:09

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin's Wife, 09-17-2005 18:05:52

You said, "3 forward speeds, brakes on the left and right" so that says you have a 9N/2N transmission and rear end. The front mount distributor came on all 9N/2Ns AND the 8Ns until '50. The number 8N6050A is the part number for the head. Serial # is stamped on the left side of the block near the oil filter.

You said, "We don't yet know the voltage." All 6V batteries will have three caps on the top. 12 V batteries usually have two rectangular "pry out" caps that cover three fill holes each. I hope someone didn't put an 8V battery in or a 12V when it should be a 6V or vise versa. Starter won't care, but you can fry a 6V coil with a 12V battery, if it is not done right. If the tractor has an alternator - 12V. A generator, solid round, no air vents - 6V. HTH

Regards,
Larry

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Stickler

09-17-2005 18:25:35

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin's Wife, 09-17-2005 18:05:52

3 spd and brakes on each side means 9N or 2N. I think they all had 9N serial numbers, so that motor is newer. Same thing though. An engine needs 4 things to run, air, fuel, compression and spark. I would check for spark first since it's the easiest, then for fuel. If the plugs are coming up dry, it sounds more like fuel. Hate to sound stupid, but make sure the gas is on! On the stock sediment bowl type gas tap, there is also a reserve position when you screw the knob all the way out. Pull the plug on the bottom of the float bowl and see if you are actually getting gas. If not, there are 3 screens. One inside the tank on top of the sediment bowl, one inside the sediment bowl, and one at the elbow going into the carb.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Darrin's Wife

09-17-2005 18:33:42

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Stickler, 09-17-2005 18:25:35

Darrin says that he's turned the gas off because it's still filling up the carburator, even in the off position. He says that the bowl on the bottom of the carb is full of gas, he says 'loads of gas'. He says 'Where the glass bowl, where the on/off knob is, is off, gas is still running to carb and the carb is still filling up with gas. He says it seems like it's not getting the gas up to the spark plugs. And the choke leaks when he pulls the choke to start it.
Hope this makes sense, he's dictating to me and I'm doing the typing.
He says he's new at this tractor stuff (we both are, but he knows a far bit more than I do).
We are working right now on uploading some pictures of the ol gal.
Thanks,
Suzanne & Darrin

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Stickler

09-17-2005 18:56:32

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin's Wife, 09-17-2005 18:33:42

the gas tap should be able to shut the gas flow off. That's one problem. Float needle may not be seating, or float level may not be right. if plugs are still dry, could be a plugged passage or jet in the carb. Too much use of the choke when trying to start it may be another. These engines normally are started by cranking first with no choke, then just pull the choke out until the engine catches and let it go. They shouldn't need choke to run after the first few seconds. Mine starts best at about 1/3 to 1/2 throttle.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Larry 8N75381

09-17-2005 18:38:56

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin's Wife, 09-17-2005 18:33:42

NO point in trying to start the engine with the carb FULL of gas. It has to be left to dry out. These old flat head engines flood real easy and have to sit a while to let the gas evaporate.

Soundl like you have several problems with the fuel system. First is to get the gas to stop comming out of the tank! Then we can work on the rest. Your husband might as well stop for the day. He will never get it started until the fuel system is fixed.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Darrin

09-17-2005 19:12:43

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Larry 8N75381, 09-17-2005 18:38:56

I've decided to stop for the day! The evenings here in Idaho are starting to get a little chilli. The problem is getting the wife to stop!!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jim.UT

09-18-2005 18:21:51

Report to Moderator

Re: Can't get my tractor started! in reply to Darrin, 09-17-2005 19:12:43

Where in Idaho? My mom grew up in the Rupert area and I still have relatives there. Also my brother is in the Boise area. Oh yeah and an aunt who recently moved out of Boise to Challis.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

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