Troubleshooting Tips for 1940 Farmall A

[Aarjan]

I just bought an old 1940 Farmall A and I am trying to get it running. The crank start works but it is hit and miss whether the tractor will start when you crank it. When it does start, it runs for a few seconds (with the choke fully open) and then quits like it isn’t getting gas. I took the carburetor apart and cleaned it and there seems to be enough gas going through it. Any suggestions on what else I could try? Seems like a gas issue but not sure what else to try.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[w30bob]

Hi Aarjan,

If the carb is freshly rebuilt (and the float level is set properly) then look upstream. Check the screen in the sediment bowl, which is usually full of crap, and also check the inlet to the sediment bowl itself (the part that stick up into the tank). Also look in the tank in that area to make sure the tank isn't full of crud. If all that is good check the actual fuel line itself to make sure it's clear. Now if you don't want to do all that the poor man's version is to drop the bottom of the carb, let the float hang so the needle valve is wide open, and turn the fuel on at the sediment bowl. If you get a rush of fuel coming out the needle valve you're good. A slow stream, trickle or drip and you found your problem.

regards,
bob

[Aarjan]

Thanks, I will give this a shot.