Massey Harris 50 problem...

[R F]

I'm trying to troubleshoot a problem with this tractor.

Symptoms:
Engine starts; runs for 30sec-1min. then shuts down and will not start.
After 40 minutes to 1 hour the machine will start again but only run for 30sec-1min.

It sounds like the engine runs out of fuel, but there is gas in the tank and in the small glass reservoir on the side of the tank. For the minute it does run there are no odd noises and it does not idle rough.

I'm not a mechanic but I can fix things if I know where to start.

I can't figure if this is:
1) a fuel supply problem
2) carb problem
3) ??

If there are any suggestions as to how I can troubleshoot this problem they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Ryan

 

[rjmack]

try taking the fuel line off the carburetor and running fuel into a can... see how long it runs. if the delivery system to the carb is in good working order and doesn't go dry, then look at the carb.

also, if you check for spark after it dies, that would eliminate/raise ignition questions.

 

[R F]

thanks mack will try your advice.

r

 

[azvidpro]

I have an old 1957 Ferguson 35 Deluxe gas tractor which I believe has pretty much the same engine as your 50. Every year or two I encounter a problem similar to yours. My remedy (which has worked several times - so far) is to loosen the fuel line from the tank to the sediment bowl (at the bowl) and use my compressor to blow some air thru the line. The tractor is old, and no doubt has some foreign material in the tank. It plugs the line enough so the tractor will not run long, but is not completely clogged so a little gas will trickle through the line when the tractor is not running. This little trickle will fill the bowl and allow the tractor to start, but not run very long. The air blast unclogs the line and the tractor runs great until some more dirt gets into the line. (Guess I really ought to clean the tank - but that sounds like work.) Hope this helps.

 

[R F]

So I checked the fuel line at the carb and found almost no flow.

I removed fuel line coming out of reservoir and removed the gizmo with the glass reservoir that goes into the fuel tank and did my best to clean it. There are 2 tubes that come out of the top and go into the tank - one short one long. The long one was clear but the short one was clogged. I tried for some time to clear it but only managed minimal flow.

When fuel tank is low engine runs for about a minute and a half and then shuts off. After adding about 10L of fuel engine seems to run fine.

I guess I can limp along from here.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[R F]

I also looked for spark and it seemed to check out fine.

 

[banjodunn]

G'day there should be two positions on your fuel tap similar to a m/bike one for normal tank (long tube) and one a reserve (short pipe) if you can't bet the short pipe to unblock then the answer as you found out is to keep the fuel tank full. I would perserver on unblocking the short pipe as it can be a long walk home without that reserve operating



Jon