Ford 850 starting problems

[chrishamm850ford]

So today its about 30 degrees and my Ford was difficult to start. Choke or no choke finally get it started and I put my quick hitch on and start grading my driveway. The thing cuts out when I put it under load . I finally get it restarted and back up the hill to the garage and it doesn't even want to start warm. It does put out a puff of blue smoke when I first start her. HELP!

 

[Roadworthy]

Check the air cleaner - it HAS to get air. Check the fuel supply - the needle on the float may sometimes stick. Perhaps you've got a bad rotor or a cracked distributor cap. Maybe the gap on the points is a bit off. you have a number of points of potential failure but if you get fuel, air, and spark it should go.