Restarting problem

I read all the instructions I could find since I'd never done it before, took everything apart, guessed at the timing setting and put all the pieces back together. I thought I'd bump the starter to turn the engine a little bit and see what fell off that I'd forgotten to tighten down. (Hey, I know this is simple for most of y'all, but...) I nearly fell off the tractor when it started with just that tap on the starter switch.

Its been running great with much improved power this fall and winter. One of these days I might even hook up a timing light to set it correctly, but if it ain't broke...

When I was fixing it up to sell it, and trying to track down a annoying intermittent "sput" out of the back of the exhaust, I discovered that if I retarded the timing a bit - it would start MUCH better when it was hot. I wasn't looking to fix that problem, but it was a pleasant find after dealing with my hard starting problem when hot for over a year. Too bad I discovered it right before I sold the tractor :-)

Might want to give it a try.

Good luck,
Dan

I don"t have a quick and easy answer for you except to make sure your ignition (tune-up) is good order.

If it is any consolation to you, my 49 8N was hard to start when warm/hot for many years. After a rebuild, it starts like a champ every time hot or cold. HTH. Rick

Then, check again, after it has cooled down.

Likely, the spark is weak or missing, due to a heat sensitive component, most likely the coil.

Likely, it has enough spark to keep running, but lacks enough spark to start.

While cranking, the voltage to the primary ignition circuit will be WAY less than it is while running, with the charging system working, and the starter NOT drawing current, so the weak ignition system realy shows up.