Problem: Tractor does not turn over.
Possible cause(s): dead battery, dirty battery cables, starter switch failure, bad starter
Solutions: Clean the battery cables, check the starter switch and the starter to be sure you have good current/proper voltage running through them.
Problem: Tractor turns over but won't start.
Possible cause(s): no fuel, no fuel to the carburetor, no fire at the distributor, no fire at the plugs
Solutions: Be sure fuel is clean and fresh. Make sure the sediment bowl is free of dirt, rust and leaks. Check the points. Check the switch
Problem: Starter does not stay engaged
Possible cause: Bad Starter Drive (bendix)
Solution: Replace the drive.
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Problem: Carburetor leaking gas.
Possible cause(s): Bad float, bad needle & seat, rust in the carburetor
Solutions: Check the float and the needle & seat. Replace if necessary. If carbueretor still leaks, carefully check the sediment bowl, carburetor and tank for signs of rust and clean thoroughly.
Problem: Tractor has good brake pedal height but won't stop.
Possible cause(s): Check for oil on the brake shoes and/or worn shoes.
Solutions: If there is oil on the shoes clean them thoroughly and repair the oil leak. If the shoes are worn, replace as needed.
Problem: The brakes on the tractor make a high pitched scrapping sound.
Possible cause(s): The brake shoes or hub are worn or the hub is hitting a spring on the shoe.
Solution: Check to be sure the springs are on right if they are, check the shoes and hub. Replace if needed.
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Problem: Three-point won't stay up and drops as soon as the engine is shut off.
Possible cause(s): Relief valve, o-rings on lift cylinder piston
Solutions: Check the relief valve for signs of fluid leakage. If you discover leaks replace the relief valve. Replace the o-rings on the lift cylinder
Problem: Three-point doesn't raise as high as it used to.
Possible cause(s): Lift cover out of adjustment
Solution: Make sure the lift cover is properly adjusted.
Problem: When clutch pedal is depressed tractor continues to travel.
Possible cause: Oil on clutch
Solution: Find and repair oil leak and clean off clutch.
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Problem: Sometimes after it's been sitting for a day or two my tractor is hard to start. Once I get it started though it seems to run fine.
Possible cause(s): Check for low compression or weak valves
Solution: Repair as needed.
Problem: My N Series tractor has developed a knocking sound at the front of the engine.
Possible cause(s): This problem is particular to the N Series tractors which had a fiber cam gear that can come loose from the retainer.
Solution: Replace the cam gear.
Problem: The oil gauge on my N Series tractor jumps when the tractor is running.
Possible Cause(s): Check to make sure that the proper fitting has been installed on the oil gauge.
Solution: Install the proper fitting if needed.
Problem: My radiator has oil in it.
Possible cause(s): Blown head gasket, cracked block, warped head
Solutions: Start by checking to be sure your head gasket is in good condition then check the head and block for cracks or signs of warping and repair if needed.
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Problem: Tractor misses out
Possible cause(s): Burnt points, weak coil, bad plugs
Solution(s): Replace as needed.
Problem: Tractor missing out, has good fire but plugs are very brown.
Possible cause(s): Plugs may be the wrong temperature range.
Solution: Today's unleaded gas requires hotter plugs. We recommend the Autolite 437 for all 8N, 9N and 2N tractors.
Problem: I get a "clunk" sound in all gears.
Possible cause: A broken tooth on the countershaft or pinion.
Solution: Replace
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Problem: My tractor runs OK at full throttle but sounds like it's missing when it idles
Possible cause(s): This can be caused by several problems, a bad air/fuel mix in the carburetor, bad points or plugs, or weak/improperly adjusted valve springs
Solutions: Replace the points and plugs and see if you still have a problem. If you do drain the fuel, clean the carb and check the valve springs. repair as needed.
Problem: 8N gets stuck in gear.
Cause: Detent spring broken or shift plate worn
Solution: Replace
Problem: The starter/ignition button on my 9N or 2N Ford won't always push down.
Cause: Nuetral safety plate is broken
Solution: Replace or repair the switch.
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Problem: The lift on a 640 Ford tractor refuses to lift after sitting for extended periods of time.
Possible cause: The unloading valve is stuck due to a bad o-ring
Solution: Replace the o-ring on the unloading valve
Problem: The pedal on an 841 Ford tractor is difficult to push down and tends to stick
Possible Cause: A bad brake lever rod or
Solution: Free up
Problem: Transmission/Hydraulic fluid in tractor looks milky.
Cause: Water in the fluid
Solution: Drain and refill with the appropriate fluid. As an added precaution to prevent future problems be sure to check all gaskets and seals for a good tight fit.
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Problem: Tractor's starter kicks in and out when cold.
Cause: Bad starter drive (bendix)
Solution: Replace the starter drive
