ford 860 -- trying to figure out what is normal ...

   / ford 860 -- trying to figure out what is normal ... #1  

cbrake

Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2014
Messages
27
Location
Marshallville
Tractor
Ford 860, JD 214
Hi, bought a ford 860 last winter. Have not used it a lot other than some snow plowing, grading, and pulling logs for firewood. When I got it, it was running rich as evidenced by the soot from exhaust:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...393416914-8n-vs-jd950-img_20140225_173629-jpg

Some observations since I've had it:

1. when I first got it, it would sputter when I revved up engine

2. cleaning the air cleaner seemed to help with the rev-up some

3. someone told me to spray carb cleaner into the air intake while running, so I did that -- did not notice any huge changes after that.

4. at some point, I was doing some heavy grading on a hot day, and the tractor started to backfire, and would not run unless I had the choke out. That has not happened since, but I've probably not run it that hard since. I've also installed a temp gauge since then.

5. perhaps in early summer, its started running rougher

6. checked the spark plugs -- the front one (by the way, is that #1??), and it was oily. The rest were somewhat black with some carbon buildup, but dry. I cleaned all the plugs with a brass wire brush, and it runs much better now -- very smooth, and a lot more power than before I cleaned the plugs.

7. checked compression the next day -- ran it until it was warmed up good, pulled all the plugs. Compression was around 147 lbs on every cylinder -- the readings were very consistent -- I could not tell any difference between the cylinders. Front plug looked about like the others, but it might have been slightly wetter -- could have been my imagination.

8. when engine is cold, it blows a little black smoke when I rev the engine, but it revs decently. When its warm, and I rev the engine, I notice a very small amount of light colored smoke. Under moderate load (run in higher gear while pressing the brakes), it runs good and I don't notice smoke.

Questions:

1. what is normal operating temp for a ford 860? I installed a ABC081 - Water Temperature Gauge With B and it seems to operate about 1/3 into the green.

2. Is the black smoke on rev normal when its cold?

3. is a little lighter colored smoke on rev normal when warm?

4. does compression of 147lbs sound about right?

As the plugs are getting fouled, it seems like I still have some work to do, so appreciate any suggestions on the next steps. Thus far, I've refrained from messing with the carb adjustments, until I get through the other basics.

Thanks,

Cliff
 
   / ford 860 -- trying to figure out what is normal ... #2  
   / ford 860 -- trying to figure out what is normal ... #3  
First, the compression is good at 147.
Next, the variation in spark plug carbon/oil is normal for mine, too.
(I'm done with autolite, by the way. Those spark plugs you can get at TSC foul out too easily.)
Next, my temp gauge will often push toward the upper ranges of green, though I do have power steering and sometimes a loader.
Lastly, the carb... I've had mine expertly rebuilt this past winter... I'm just now dialing it in. What happens is you can adjust the jets where you think all is well at idle and full throttle, but then when you put a good load on it (like running a bush hog), you might find that you have a bit more adjustment to go.

One little hint on that carb adjustment (from my experience)...
When you're too lean, it'll spit, sputter and stall when operating the tractor with a load.
When you're too rich, the throttle will seem touchy, almost like you can't raise the throttle from idle without it over-revving.


p.s. There is a nice 2-piece exhaust pipe that is made for our model tractor that spills the exhaust out of the rear of the tractor.... I'd definitely get one if I were you. There is also a pipe for going straight up, but you end up spitting condensate all over the hood.
 
   / ford 860 -- trying to figure out what is normal ... #4  
Your 860 is a nice tractor.

2x on the 2-piece exhaust pipe. Black was always the color of ours. I would consider getting an OEM gas line to the carb is you have an OEM gas tank. That is the one tractor that I could consider buying with no burning need to own due the having the FIL 265 MF because they are one of the best deals going for $3K+/- in our area and will do the work of a tractor costing 10x more new and will last as long as many of the new ones. :)

They were the first Ford with the weight and HP to do some real farming. The double clutch was such an improvement when picking corn or combining with one. Today that is a plus when running a bush hog. If you can find one of the One Arm FEL loaders built for them it makes a nice set up for light loader work but not for digging stumps, etc. Because they only mount on one side removing and installing it is simple.
 
   / ford 860 -- trying to figure out what is normal ... #5  
wow... this thread looks very, very very similar!
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2018 INTERNATIONAL LT625 TANDEM AXLE DAY CAB (A51219)
2018 INTERNATIONAL...
2021 FORD F-150 XL EXT CAB TRUCK (A51406)
2021 FORD F-150 XL...
71067 (A49346)
71067 (A49346)
2012 PETERBILT 388 SLEEPER TRUCK (A51222)
2012 PETERBILT 388...
LOT LOCATIONS (A51222)
LOT LOCATIONS (A51222)
1989 SHOPBUILT THREE AXLE LOWBOY TRAILER (A50854)
1989 SHOPBUILT...
 
Top