QuestionI have a 1962 Ford Tractor 851, and it was running fine, and I went out to start it up about 2 weeks later, and now it won't start. There is a brand new carb on it so I know I'm getting gas, but I'm not getting any spark to the plugs. I have installed (3) new sets of points and condenser, plus I installed a new coil, and still no spark. I am stumped, and don't know what to do next. Anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong, and why it's not getting any spark. I would sure appreciate any help I can get. Thanks, Bob L.
Answer General information: Manufacturer:Ford
Model:851
Series:801 Powermaster
Years produced:1957 - 1961
Total built: Factory:Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Original price:$3,206 (1957)
Power: Drawbar (rated):31.8 hp [23.7 kW]
PTO (rated):42.68 hp [31.8 kW]
Variants: 811:Select-O-Speed, no PTO
821:Four-speed, no PTO or 3-point
841:Four-speed
851:Five-speed
861:Five speed, live PTO
871:Select-O-Speed
881:Select-O-Speed, live PTO
Engine: Manufacturer:Ford
Fuel:gasoline
Cylinders:4
Bore/Stroke:3.90x3.60 inches [99 x 91 mm]
Displacement:172 ci [2.8 L]
Compression:7.5:1
Rated RPMs:2000
Cooling:liquid
Torque: Firing order:1-2-4-3
Oil capacity:5 qts [4 L]
Sparkplug gap:0.027
Point gap:0.025
Engine: Manufacturer:Ford
Fuel:LP gas
Cylinders:4
Bore/Stroke:3.90x3.60 inches [99 x 91 mm]
Displacement:172 ci [2.8 L]
Compression:8.65:1
Rated RPMs:2200
Cooling:liquid
Torque: Firing order:1-2-4-3
Sparkplug gap:0.027
Point gap:0.025
Engine: Manufacturer:Ford
Fuel:diesel
Cylinders:4
Bore/Stroke:3.90x3.60 inches [99 x 91 mm]
Displacement:172 ci [2.8 L]
Compression:16.8:1
Rated RPMs:2200
Cooling:liquid
Torque: Firing order:1-2-4-3
Transmission: Type:gear
Forward:5
I have a 1962 Ford Tractor 851, and it was running fine, and I went out to start it up about 2 weeks later, and now it won't start. There is a brand new carb on it so I know I'm getting gas, but I'm not getting any spark to the plugs. I have installed (3) new sets of points and condenser, plus I installed a new coil, and still no spark. I am stumped, and don't know what to do next. Anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong, and why it's not getting any spark. I would sure appreciate any help I can get. Thanks, Bob L.
Hi bob.
The following is an answer I gave to some one with same problems on an 8n. -
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Well That’s a good question it seems that you have tried all the main points and have been very thorough.
So lets go back to basics—What are the plugs like don’t assume they are working test each! Or replace.
Turn the distributor cap over and do the pick up points look the same are any loose!
When fitting the new dist cap did it have new/different HT leads or did you re-use the old ones? If not try new ones and check that they are making good contact at each end cap. Inc the one to the coil. Test each with a continuity meter. You know the one that rings a bell or buzzer when contact is made.
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Also is the engine turning over fast enough? ???
Some details I got from the manual are printed above –what gap did you set the points to??
Have you checked for damp in all departments, you will have used WD40 of course?
Having tried to start it in the normal way take a plug out and test it for wetness.
Did you do the plug test by holding one up against the block and turning the engine over, don’t forget to switch the ignition on! Its ok if you hold the insulator!
Some of these things may seem a bit obvious but it’s easy to forget to do an elementary thing when you’re getting annoyed with it.
Martin.
