8 replies to this topic

[MARCOPOLO]

Hello All,
My name is Marco Olivo, and I'm new to this site. A neighbor of mine rebuilt a 1946 Farmall H & sold it to me about 8 years ago. Last year this neighbor divorced his wife and moved out of state. I had always planned on learning how to work on my tractor, but never really did because a.) I never had any issues & b.) my expert tractor mechanic neighbor was always around if I needed help. Now that he's gone, my tractor won't work & I'm in a jam. I suspect my problem is with the fuel system, perhaps the carburetor. The tractor was putting out black smoke, and then cut out & wouldn't start anymore. That was in the fall, and I've waited until spring because I was too busy at work to mess with the tractor, and I don't have a shop so I have to work outdoors. Now the time has come to get busy on my H, and I am very excited. I don't know much about mechanics, so things are pretty scary. I have the service manual & owners manual & a few books on tractor restoration. Other than that, I'm on my own... So my question is where do I begin ? I do know a guy that has some experience working on tractors, but he's been laid up with physical problems, and he may not be able to do much. He told me to purchase a carburetor kit. We both think the problem is in the fuel system, but we haven't really begun troubleshooting. I still won't have any "free" time for a couple weeks, but I want to get ready. Looking for some friendly, practical advice. Thanks in advance.
Marco Olivo
Berthoud, Colorado

[redgreen]

Welcome aboard!

Black smoke means the engine is trying to burn excess fuel. If the choke were left on this is how a gas engine will act. Other causes include the float in the carburetor may be stuck in the open position or the fuel level too high. It would not be impossible for the float to temporarily flood the engine and then work properly after awhile. Fresh fuel and regular use are your friends when it comes to old fuel systems on antique tractors! The carb kit might be a good investment in the long term.

The 'rich' fuel condition likes to foul spark plugs so that is a good place to begin if the engine will not start with fresh fuel in the tank and carburetor bowel. There is a thumb screw on the carburetor of your "H" to drain the bowel, your manuals may illustrate this.

You will get more ideas from members soon.

[Matt Kirsch]

Black smoke, then quit = flooded.

Probably a stuck float.

Happened to Dad's W400 when we were plowing a couple years ago. Quit, and gas pouring out of the carb. Dragged it home on a chain. The rough ride must've knocked the float loose again, because by the time we got home it would start and ran fine.

[Red Kiwi]

I agree with redgreen. It's obviously over fueling. It also could be a simple thing like a stuck needle valve. (A sharp rap on the carbie with fuel in the tank and in the carbie sometimes will cure it.

[660 driver]

I agree with redgreen. It's obviously over fueling. It also could be a simple thing like a stuck needle valve. (A sharp rap on the carbie with fuel in the tank and in the carbie sometimes will cure it.

Just bear in mind that the carb is somewhat fragile if you get too nuts hitting with too large of a hammer. You wanna tap on the lower "bowl" portion on the bottom. Welcome!

[Scott!]

I agree with redgreen. It's obviously over fueling. It also could be a simple thing like a stuck needle valve. (A sharp rap on the carbie with fuel in the tank and in the carbie sometimes will cure it.

Just bear in mind that the carb is somewhat fragile if you get too nuts hitting with too large of a hammer. You wanna tap on the lower "bowl" portion on the bottom. Welcome!

I usually tap it with the wooden handle of the hammer NOT the metal end.

[busman7]

Tap it with the wrench you're going to take it off with, might just scare it into starting.

[rsscott]

Just worked on a 3688 and it would not run.. So obvious that I missed it, but the air filter was completely stopped up.. Smoked like a coal engine and kept cutting off. Not my tractor and I just could not imagine anyone running it in the ground like this. It was so bad that it ruined the oil and it had to be changed.

[Red Kiwi]

I agree with redgreen. It's obviously over fueling. It also could be a simple thing like a stuck needle valve. (A sharp rap on the carbie with fuel in the tank and in the carbie sometimes will cure it.

Just bear in mind that the carb is somewhat fragile if you get too nuts hitting with too large of a hammer. You wanna tap on the lower "bowl" portion on the bottom. Welcome!

I did say a sharp 'rap, not run amok with a hammer. I use a 10" crescent.( I was always doing it to 2 of my A's, the other A was as good as gold).