Archive for June 2018

These brake springs are hefty and are under a lot of tension. Don’t fight it.

Rear axle seals leaking gear lube onto the rear brake shoes and onto the wheel rim is very common on 8Ns, especially the early models before the added inner seal.

“Do I have to use non-detergent engine oil in my 8N?” No. Todays motor oils are far superior to what the manufacturers suggested 50 years ago.

Where can I get a 8N Wiring Diagram?

People seem to have a terrible time getting the rocker pins or sleeves out, but I’ve never found it to be that difficult. The right tools make all the difference.

The relief valve spring is designed to hold the poppet on the seat until oil pressure is 35-45 psi (Yes, the poppet IS supposed to have that flat spot on it). The relief valve only sets the maximum pressure attainable and has no effect on raising a lower pressure unless the spring is weak or broken.

The tie rod or “draglink” ends on the N tractors have a tapered stud that goes in to the steering arm and hold them tightly in place even after the nut is removed. It takes some mechanical force to pop the stud loose from the taper.

The early (’47-’48) 8N steering box had a 1/4″ pipe plug on the upper right side of the box. It could also be filled by removing the nut that holds the steering wheel on and pouring the oil down the hollow steering shaft where it flowed out a cross drilled hole and over the upper bearing (very slow process).

Originally, the 8N used 90w (GL-1) gear oil for the transmission, rear gears and hydraulics common sump. Capacity is 5 gallons. Many people today recommend using Ford 134 oil.

The 8N hydraulic system is simple yet elegant and works great when properly adjusted and maintained.