Ford 8N Tractor will not start in cold weather

marler724 · Dec 30, 2009

I have a ford 8n tractor that I had the carb rebuilt on ,new points,plugs,condensor and battery but for some reason it will not start in cold weather. It starts fine in warm weather 30 degrees and up. The carb always floods every time I try to start it in cold weather for some reason. Any help would be appreciated.

jbp · Dec 30, 2009

Have had the same thing with a 640 this fall. Its been on electronic ignition, six volts, for several years but would only start if it kicked over one more time after releasing the starter button. Voltage was dropping to under 4 volts while cranking so I jumpted across the switch and it started immediately. Replaced the ignition switch and it now starts on the first turn. The switch contacts get corroded and don't make good connection.
Joe

Bob · Dec 30, 2009

Flathead engines AREN'T known as the best cold-weather starters.

A GOOD, fully-charged battery and HEAVY battery cables with all connections CLEAN BRIGHT and TIGHT will help, as well to make sure the ignition system get enough voltage for a HOT spark while the starter is pulling power from the battery.

Install a lower radiator hose heater and plug it in for a couple of hours before you need to start it. (I'd prefer a BLOCK heater, but AFAIK there's none on the market that will fit this application.)

Another trick is to use a heat gun/hair dryer and warm up the intake manifold for better fuel atomization before cranking it.

(Probably a good idea to have a fire extinguisher at hand.)

old · Dec 30, 2009

Things that help us help you is to tell us if it is a front or side mount distributor and if it is 6 or 12 volts. I have never had much problem with the 8Ns I have in cold weather but they are both side mount distributor and are 12 volts.
One thing you can do to help the flooding problem is to turn the gas on count to 60 then turn it back off. Try to start it then. If it starts turn the gas on fast

Anonymous-0 · Dec 30, 2009

The 8N I had was poor at starting. So I had the starter rebuilt with new bushings and brushes. Then it started anytime I wanted to run it. The old bushings were worn enough the armature was dragging on the field poles while trying to start and that slowed it down.

That was probably 30 years ago. Your starter may have even more wear.

Gerald J.

Pitch · Dec 30, 2009

How long have you had this tractor? I have a '49 and I am the only one that can start it when it is real cold,they all have their own quirks. Mine I set about quarter throttle turn it over a couple of revs, then turn on the key while feathering the choke,it grumbles a groans but will fire up every time. Took me about 3 years to find the right combo.

Dave 2N · Dec 31, 2009

Refer to what "pitch" says below. Might or might not work for you. Try it. If not, you have to find the right procedure for your own Ford.

I like my Fords but they are the most uniquely ndividualistic tractors in their starting habits of any I"ve ever come across.

Also--the starter itself, the cables, clean connections--as others have said below--all factor in.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Dec 31, 2009

If you have a torpedo heater, they warm things up in a hurry. I used to use one on a 1450 Cub Cadet I have to get it started in cold weather. A few minutes through the grille and it started like it was summer. I have used it to warm up my CA Allis to get it started in extreme cold.
Like the others have said, ensure you aren't lacking anywhere electrically or otherwise. With the below 0 temps here I have had several vehicles towed in that wouldn't start simply due to being long overdue for tune up, or corroded cables, just dumb things.

Ford 8N Tractor will not start in cold weather

marler724

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