12/07/2025
Hi, I'm mechanically inclined but new to tractors. I'd love to get this Ford 2000 running for mowing grass and maybe evening out the driveway.
What I know- The former owner said it was a 6v positive ground system, but you have to jump w/ a 12v. (?!) It's a gas 4 cylinder. I swapped spark plugs, cleaned the only small fuel filter I could find, fresh gas, air filter is an oil bath type (didn't touch it).
With only 6v it turns over Very slow. Using a 12v w/ a bit of starting fluid it actually started and ran enough for me to drive it a bit over 1 day. Holy Cow! Restarted same day 3-4 times w/ the 12v.
The next week, it turned over fine w/ the 12v but never fired up. Thought I probably flooded it, didn't have much time, so I quit.
Same week but later, I tried 2 different fully charged 12v batts and they both barely got the motor to turn over. I pulled 1 spark plug, looks dry, same thing- dead slow. One batt was on a running truck, so low V is not the issue. Air filter tube was disconnected so carb had open air access.
Also, the starter button used to at least Try to turn the engine over, but now not at all. Former owner said it was intermittent. I think it's actually the starter solenoid but that doesn't matter as I've been jumping direct to starter lug and a ground bolt.
SO, what is adding a huge load to the engine turning over, OR is the starter motor on its last leg from using 12v?
I could be missing something, like I checked to be sure the implement raise/lower arm was pushed down in case that was an added load (?) Is there a hydraulic bleed off or something that needs to happen? Secondly, this thing is goofy! The shifter on the side I assume is a high/low lever but it also reverses Some of the gears? Is that normal? The centralized shifter is labeled 1-4 but one is them is reverse. None of the manuals I've found online even show a 4 cyl gas version so no help there.
Take your best shot friends, and thanks in advance!
