Diagnose my ford 8n

[CHerlihey]

Its been like this a few years, can't do much with it, A few years ago it was overheating when bush-hogging, and its been kinda just started and moved here and there while I think of how to fix it over the past couple years. Thought it might be wires, changed them, made it better but still an issue. Can get it into 4th gear if going down slight incline, otherwise its too gutless to get into 4th. Wondering if there are any experts out there that can tell me whether it needs motor work or, say a new water pump, from hearing and seeing a couple things here in the video. Thanks!

 

[bcp]

Welcome to TBN.

A compression test might be useful.

Bruce

 

[jaxs]

Welcome to TBN.

A compression test might be useful.

I second the motion and would run a few other tests as well. The amount of blowby and smoke isn't near as sever as I've seen so I don't think rebuilding engine is necessary. It sounds like there's a miss fire so check and double check to be certain plug wires are on correct plugs in correct order. After that pull one plug wire at a time with engine idling slow as it cam maintain. If all except one wire makes engine speed slow,check or replace that wire and plug. Next run compression test as Bruce suggested. If the fault isn't revealed,make sure ignition timing is within specs. Out of timing could account for overheating AND gutless power. That should keep you busy for a while then you can report back on what you find.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Timing too retarded, oops, I mean mentally challenged. Side distributor? Very well could be timing. Slow timing means low power, overheat, sluggish running.

 

[John0829]

A compression test would be the place to start, sounds to me like it just needs some TLC such as a good tune up since it has a dead miss. Your engine does have blow-by but I have seen worse on working tractors.

 

[Egon]

Pull the head. Then do the necessary motor rebuild work.

Might be a gasket problem???

 

[5030]

Ever bother to adjust the valves? Very noisy.

 

[Williy]

Wear a glove when you pull a plug wire or you may get your
battery charged??????

willy

 

[jaxs]

Pull the head. Then do the necessary motor rebuild work.

Might be a gasket problem???

On the other hand it might be something else but if you don't have experience and take it apart you will have plenty by the time you get back together. Rebuild the motor! ROTFL

 

[John0829]

Do NOT tear the engine apart until you have spent time diagnosing the problem.

 

[Egon]

Do NOT tear the engine apart until you have spent time diagnosing the problem.

Pulling the head is no big deal
. It will let you see if there is a gasket or crack problem and the condition of the cylinder bores.

 

[John0829]

Pulling the head is no big deal
. It will let you see if there is a gasket or crack problem and the condition of the cylinder bores.

Pulling the head is no big deal once the hood is off. It is a pain to pull the hood and gas tank since they must come off together and need to come off to be able have a good view of the cylinders. A compression test an is easy diagnostic test to do and will give a very good indication of the condition of the engine. IMHO, I see no need to start dismantling something before doing diagnostics on it to determined it is necessary to do so.

 

[Egon]

Pulling the head is no big deal once the hood is off. It is a pain to pull the hood and gas tank since they must come off together and need to come off to be able have a good view of the cylinders. A compression test an is easy diagnostic test to do and will give a very good indication of the condition of the engine. IMHO, I see no need to start dismantling something before doing diagnostics on it to determined it is necessary to do so.

Okay, do the compression test and then pull the head!

 

[CHerlihey]

Thank you all . I had called around but everyone is too busy to look at a small motor job on an 8n. I really like the idea that it might be a timing issue, so i'm going to try that. And get a compression tester. I will let you know how it goes!

 

[jaxs]

Thank you all . I had called around but everyone is too busy to look at a small motor job on an 8n. I really like the idea that it might be a timing issue, so i'm going to try that. And get a compression tester. I will let you know how it goes!

Many auto part stores lend or rent timing lights and compression gauges. Tractor Supply Company sells a basic repair manual you will find helpful in maintaining the tractor. Have you confirmed plug wires are in correct sequence? I keep stressing that because if wires aren't in proper position and sequence on cap and plugs it will make it impossible to move distributor far enough to bring it in time. For those like myself who remain a student, we benefit by knowing a little history. How long you've owned it,did it ever run right since you've owned it and if this came about suddenly. I intended to ask earlier because that information goes a long way in diagnosis but the conversation was side tracked by suggestion of exploratory surgery.

 

[John0829]

I really don't believe it is a timing issue, once these old engines are set they will not (as a rule) change unless someone changes them. I am going stand by what I said earlier, the problem is the tractor needs a tune up.

 

[somanytractors]

Thank you all . I had called around but everyone is too busy to look at a small motor job on an 8n. I really like the idea that it might be a timing issue, so i'm going to try that. And get a compression tester. I will let you know how it goes!

If you want to get it diagnosed, you don't need a tractor shop. You need a shade tree mechanic that works on lawn mowers. They'll be able to fix this tractor. Most towns have a few people that work on lawnmowers. Check facebook marketplace or post there even.
However, if this needs more then a head gasket it's probably going to be more then you're going to want to spend. If the cylinders are worn they will need to pull the motor and take it to a machine shop and etc, etc. It gets expensive even for a small tractor. A cylinder is a cylinder. Regardless of it's size it cost close to the same to fix them.
The smoking isn't usually as big an issue as it looks. I have a to30 that's been smoking bad for years. I just change the plugs and keep oil in it. It works just fine.
The lack of power is probably more related to an ignition timing or carburation issue. Either of those will also cause overheating. Not enough fuel or timing out either way will cause overheating. Also, how big is the bush hog? It will overheat if you push it too hard. You might want to check the fan belt too I've seen plenty of tractor with fan belts loose enough to cause over heating.

Good luck with it.
John