Well.
The 8n is running again. Yes! The new parts came in and even fit. A cleaning of the long-unused carburetor from the parts tractor was necessary, which took a bit of time and a can of carb cleaner. The main jet was plugged and would not let any gasoline mix with air. After cleaning everything, reassembling the carb, and bolting the manifold back onto the tractor using new gaskets, studs, and brass washers and nuts, the tractor started right up. Now that all the exhaust gasses are actually going out the muffler, the tractor sounds pretty good.
As a recap, here is what I have done to the tractor so far:
2 used rear rims, 1 new rear tire, one used front tire and rim, both left and right rear brakes and seals replaced, new exhaust system, new spark plugs, new transmission dipstick, used oil breather cap, replaced the manifold gaskets, replaced the right-side running board, replaced various linkages and levers, replaced the box that holds the battery in place, and generally cleaned up the poor machine.
Ford 8N tractor, right side, showing replacment parts
Note the red and silver replacement parts: brake pedal (to left), running board, exhaust system, battery box (upper center) and original intake/exhaust manifold (right). Both rear brakes, independently controlled, now work.
I have a new oil filter on hand and plan to change the oil shortly. I picked up some new gaskets and will be replacing some of the old ones in an attempt to stop some of the fluid leaks that drip hydraulic oil on my parking space. There are many other projects to tackle, but having a running tractor with brakes and a muffler is certainly a big step forward.
Now onto more interesting topics.
Pam and I finished putting up our Christmas lights and decorations. We expanded this year’s batch by adding our outside tree (cut from our lot) and adding a few more outside lights and decorations. We don’t go overboard, but we do think the place looks OK.
Our outside tree, cut from our lot
Inside decorations are limited to a small (imitation) tree in our bedroom and some decorations hung where the cats can’t get at them — we hope.
Our inside tree
It does not yet feel like Christmas, as we are getting record or near-record high temperatures. Mostly they have been in the upper 50 degree range with some parts of the state hitting mid-60 degree temps. Generally it feels more like late Fall rather than December, at least at the moment.
There is not much else to report on for this week, so I will close.
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
It appears that you’re going with a “Patriotic look” on your tractor, though it could use a bit more white/silver! I imagine at some point painting is in the picture.
Definitely a sense of accomplishment to have a running & usable machine — are you having fun yet?
Decorations, especially outside, look good. With just the two of you, doesn’t pay to go overboard (unless you go completely over-the-top).
Good luck with the cats & decorations — they always seem to get to them, even through closed doors…
Purred like a kitten, huh Jer? Seriously, it must feel great to hear it run smooth after all the work you’ve done on it.
I was thinking paint too – wondering if you’d paint the whole thing eventually (???) Probably the last thing on your mind right now.
I am getting a Christmas tree this weekend. Fa la la la la!
Paint…maybe someday after the other work is done. When new, tracotr was red and grey, Ford colors at the time. That is why the replacment parts are red for the most part. Now Ford colors are blue and grey. That is the paint the tractor had when Dad bought it (repainted by the previous owner, I guess) so I would stick to blue and grey. That’s the way I, my family, and all the grandkids remember that tractor.
Thanks for the comments!