How to Rebuild the Carburetor in a Ford Tractor

A carburetor is a mechanical device that combines air and fuel in an internal combustion engine. The carburetor controls the flow of air into an engine. The speed of the air entering the engine determines the amount of air pressure in the engine. The air pressure affects the amount of fuel being drawn into the jet stream and ultimately entering the engine. A tractor's carburetor ensures that the tractor's engine is performing optimally and not wasting fuel. Carburetors occasionally need to be rebuilt, particularly in older tractors, to ensure the tractor continues to run smoothly. Rebuilding a carburetor is a relatively cheap way to extend the useful life of an older Ford tractor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carburetor air filter
• Flathead screwdriver
• Filled oilcan
• Wire scrub brush
• 8 inch steel swivel screw
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Dry cloth
• 6 inch steel bolt

1. Remove the air filter from the top of the carburetor by prying it loose with the flathead screwdriver. Check the air filter attachment area for loose debris.

2. Clean the air filter's attachment area with the wire brush and snap the new air filter into place.

3. Remove the choke valve by unscrewing it with the Phillips head screwdriver. Discard the old screw.

4. Oil the choke valve in its attachment area and refasten the choke valve to the inside of the carburetor using the new swivel screw. Modulate the choke valve a few times to make sure that it swings loosely.

5. Remove the tractor's metering rod from the fuel delivery compartment of the carburetor. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the bolt holding the metering rod to the mechanical linkage.

6. Clean the metering rod thoroughly using the dry cloth to remove corrosion and rust. If needed, apply some WD-40 to the metering rod.

7. Oil the mechanical linkage that attaches to the top of the metering rod. Make sure that the mechanical linkage moves freely by tapping it a few times.

8. Bolt the top of the metering rod to the mechanical linkage using the new 6 inch steel bolt and the adjustable wrench.

9. Remove the carburetor's float valve using the adjustable wrench. Check the float valve for corrosion and replace if necessary. Otherwise, scrub the float valve thoroughly with the dry cloth.

10. Scrub the inside of the fuel nozzle with the wire brush to ensure that the nozzle's pathway to the air intake area is clear. Also scrub the inside of the float chamber using the wire brush. Re-attach the float valve to the inside of the float chamber using the adjustable wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Order the carburetor's replacement parts from a specialty tractor parts supplier. There are a large number of such suppliers online. You can also order the replacement parts from a Ford tractor dealer.
• Always wear appropriate clothing when working with engine parts. Long pants, gloves, closed-toe shoes and eye protection should be worn at all times.

References

• Ford Tractor Carburetor Adjustments

Resources

• Ford Tractor Parts