Ford 8n won't start

Mueller · Nov 12, 2017

Hi everyone, my dad has a ford 8n (12 volt conversion) that stopped running about 2 years ago and I cant get it running. I dont have details on how it was running before it stopped. It cranks over but wont even pop. I've been trouble shooting and cant seem to find the problem.
It has good blue spark to all 4 plugs when laid on the block, I put new autolite 437 plugs in and also tested the spark with an inline spark tester which I think showed good spark. I "belive" the issue could be no gas getting to the plugs as the plugs are not wet nor does it smell like gas when trying to start it. I soaked the carb in cleaner over night, sprayed all the holes with carb cleaner, blew them out with compressed air, and then rebuilt with new carb kit. I turned both the gas and air mixture screws out 1.5 turns. I drained the gas tank and put fresh gas in.
I have gas to the carb bowl, and when I remove the plug from the bottom of the carb, I get good steady flow. I removed the air filter hose and put my hand over the carb intake and there is vacuum. I've also put my hand over the exhaust while someone cranks and there is vacuum there as well. I dumped some ATF down each cylinder which was a recommendation from someone on a similar forum. I cant even get the tractor to pop. What are your thoughts? Thanks

ultrarunner · Nov 12, 2017

A quick and dirty method to zero in on a fuel problem is a shot of starting fluid... if it pops chances are it is fuel related.

Pretty much has to be one of 3 things... fuel, spark or mechanical... anything from timing to bad/stuck valves.

Had on old Ford block that wouldn't run and when I checked compression it had none... delved into it and found all the valves stuck open... never seen anything like it... freed up the valves and it ran OK...

If anything... tenacity will prevail.

cfb · Nov 13, 2017

Rachel at Steiner Tractor has several youtube videos. One I think is even called 8N won't start. I don't recall all the sequencing I went through once with a friend, but we had spark and fuel. He adjusted the points for me, then it ended up being the ignition switch. I think I read on the conversions, mine is still 6v, there is a ballast piece off the ignition. I don't recall if you have spark at the plugs if that means everything else if fine along the way. I did not have to do it yet, but some say to check the compression at each plug. I just put my finger over it. It should such you in as well as expel I believe. I need to buy one. I'm facing similar issues now with fuel and having to replace the entire fuel system and rebuild the carb. Good luck. I feel your pain and wish I could be more help, but guys here are great.