Tractor Repair: forf 2000 tractor gasoline engine, vacuum leaks, gasoline engine

Question
engine is hard to start.must choke to crank .must very very slowly rev engine  engine easily chokes down. must rev engine slowly till engine warms up.will pop and misfire until engine is warm. will crank and idle at very low rpm but will sputter and backfire when try to rev.

Answer
Hello,

  First make sure the engine is tuned up well with new points, condenser, plugs, and whatever else is necessary.  Also, it sounds like it could be running too lean.  Make sure the carburetor is clean and the float is adjusted properly, and check the manifold nuts or bolts to make sure they are all tight to prevent vacuum leaks.  If the gas in the tank is old, it would be wise to drain it and put in fresh gas.  Gas doesn't stay fresh more than about 4 or 5 months.