Farmall M Timing, Carb, or govorner trouble

Nick Roepke · Mar 12, 2012

ok i have a 51 farmall m and the motor just aint running right the distributor is a bit off and i am not sure how to time it just right it seems to intermidently miss at hi and low rpm's. and i don't mean it spudders every once in a while like those old tractors do it compleatly misses and the motors rpm's seam to flote around could this be a problem with the carb not getting enough fuel from the tank? or could i have trouble with the govorner? and when i turn the distributer clockwise the motor will bi*ch and sound like it's under load and if i turn it counterclockwise the motor will slow down and sound like it is running "sloppy" with setting should it be closest to? should it run loosy or almost bi*chy?

rustred · Mar 12, 2012

it should run so quiet and smooth at idle 450 rpm that u wouldnt even hear it running a short distance away, thats with a muffler.i think better look at giving it the total workover starting with compression chk. plugs, pionts ect. then check the timing and time to the first mark. give it a carb job also, and adjustment to specs. sounds like nothing has been done to it as they need attention like a woman. best is to get a manual cause could be typing pages here.

DeltaRed · Mar 12, 2012

Plug wires.My SM did that once.I tried every 'remedy',nothing worked till I replaced the silicone carbon fiber resister wires with a good set of steel/copper plug wires.It now runs smooth as glass and hasn't missed a lick since!

Janicholson · Mar 13, 2012

Timing is TDC at zero RPM just turning it to set the timing, not running. Put a test light on the terminal going to the distributor (wires connected)
with the coil wire grounded and plugs out dist. cap off,(safety) turn the engine with the crank or fan blade. The rotor should point to the #1 plug position just as the light comes on, and just as the timing mark gets to the pointer on the front pulley.
This is static timing. Put it together and with a timing light, check to see the running timing (probably close to 22 to 25 degrees. If no advance, or very erratic flashing, the distributor needs to be rebuilt, New springs, and rebushed, then checked for proper advance. Jim

Farmall M Timing, Carb, or govorner trouble

Nick Roepke

New User

rustred

Well-known Member

DeltaRed

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

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