Maintenance and Repairs

How do I convert my 8N to a 12 volt system?

One of the complaints we hear about now and then is a 4 speed transmission that “locked up” when it was shifted from one gear to another.

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

“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.

Why does my 8N run for a few minutes and then die?

Why is water leaking out of my rear tires?

The front mount distributor engine has no external timing marks. Instead, the timing is set mechanically with the distributor out on the bench.

How do I remove the front axle kingpin?

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.

Do I need to add a lead substitute to my gas?

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.

There are numerous methods for removing and replacing the sleeves. Obviously, the easiest and safest way is to use a commercial sleeve puller set.

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.

Due to their usefulness by adding several more gear selections, the popularity and demand for Sherman combination transmissions remain high among Ford “N” tractor owners.

Due to their usefulness by adding several more gear selections, the popularity and demand for Sherman transmissions remain high among Ford “N” tractor owners.

Question: “How do I remove bolts from 8N and Jubilee Brake Drums?” Answer: 1. Hit the heads of the bolts using a punch that covers almost the full head of…

One of the most common failures with the Select-O-Speed transmission is the splines on the input shaft and drive clutch disk.

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.

Sometimes there are issues with Ford Select-O-Speed transmission, here are some troubleshooting methods.

Split the tractor. Remove the clutch fork and shaft. Remove the brake shaft. Remove the transmission input shaft and tube. If you’ve had a Sherman Step-Up installed before, you will…

Split the tractor between the engine and transmission. Once separated, remove the left brake pedal and the brake cross shaft. Use the diagram below to locate the spot to drill…

Can I upgrade my ’48 to use the newer style 8N steering box?

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).

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.

Where can I get a 8N Wiring Diagram?