Tractor Repair: tractor does not want to stay running first when started., 8n ford tractor, carburetor overhaul

Question
I have a 1948 8n ford tractor that when i start it up it kind of spuders for a while like it does not want to run but eventually it gets to running good, i was wondering if maybe it might have stuff settled in the gas tank or something like that. or what would you suggest. The weird thing is when i get it running it stays running good so i dont think it is too serious.

Answer
  Hello,

  They do have a habit of getting rust in the gas tank, but if it starts to run good after awhile, it's probably running too lean until it warms up.  If leaving the choke part way out helps make it run better, then it's too lean.  Make sure the carburetor and manifold mounting bolts are tight so there's no vacuum leaks, make sure the ignition system is tuned up, and adjust the carburetor.  Also make sure there's good fresh gas in the tank, not more than 6 months old.  Gas deteriorates fast.  If it smokes black while it's running rough, then it's too rich, and maybe it has to run for awhile to clear out excess gas that leaked in while it was not running.  In that case, it would need a carburetor overhaul.

                                  Arnie