getting my 400 to run right

Leeroy1

New User
I recently got my 400 to start good. I have developed a few new problems though.
Problem 1- The tractor idles pretty high. It does rev up some still but there is not much range between high and low rev. I tried adjusting the idle screw on the carb but it did not have any affect on the idle. I have not done tried anything else other then the idle screw. I am running a carb bowl off of a Farmall M because the one off my 400 had a crack, is these my issue? Could I not have my governor hooked up to the carb right?

Problem 2- When I am running the tractor not under any load, it seems to get hot quickly, as in you can see the heat coming off the sides of the exhaust. My guess is the thermostat is either stuck or bad. Could it be something else?

Problem 3- when idling and driving the tractor is blows some(not much) black smoke out the exhaust. Could this be a valve or gasket issue?

Thanks
This is a new to me tractor and my first running Farmall.
 
If you took the carb off the tractor, when you go to put it back on you have to make sure the tab is aligned with the notch where the tube connects from the governor to the carb. That is a common mistake people make.

Exhaust is hot. The manifold will get hot. Unless you have cyborg implants for eyes, you can't tell how hot by looking at it. What you need to do is find out how hot the engine is getting. Replace the engine temperature gauge if it does not work now. Just get a generic one from the auto parts store if you need to work on this "today" otherwise you can order the "correct" one online. They are the same except for the color of the needle and the lettering on the face.

If the tractor is actually overheating it could be many different things. Having the timing off by too much causes the engine to labor and get hot quickly, and is a common problem when someone who isn't familiar with tractors adjusts the timing. Then maybe the thermostat. Don't remove it, replace it. Could be the water pump, but those usually leak when they are shot. Could also be a head gasket or some more serious engine problem.

Black smoke is too much fuel. Adjust the load screw on the carburetor.
 
Thanks for all the great information. On the 400 do you turn the distributor if I turn the distributor clockwise what does it do?
 
you will retard the timing. to advance timing distributor has to be turned oppositte of dist running direction.
the main load adjustment is at bottom of carb, start at 2 1/2-3 turns out from closed position. note where it currantly is. make sure timing is set first before carb adjustment. i find the idle mixture is usually set 3/4-1 turn out. the small screw on the tube is the idle screw. set at about 400 rpm to prevent dieseling or run on when ignition is turned off.
good idea to have a look at points and make sure they are good and set correctly , .020. before timing adjustment. if you want to go all out set the valves also at .017 hot.
 
check the compression look at plugs it will give you indications and firing order if its missing. 1 3 4 2 clockwise.
 
You need to get a shop manual like the I-T manual. Any time you mess wit ha carb you need to adjust the gov to the carb for things to work right and it is a 2 page set of instructions on how to do the adjustments.
 
pull the carb and check the butterfly slot to make sure its mated with its tab on the governor tube.
 
If the engine is over heating you might want to pull the water jacket cover plate. The plate is behind the manifold. The water jackets can get really plugged up over time. The plate can be a bear to get off and might be rusted to the point it will need to be replaced. If you buy one, bight the bullet and order it from IH. It is more expensive than what you find on the internet, but it is worth it.

OTJ
 

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