What To Look For When Buying An 8N Ford

[@clipclop7962]

"Worked hard and put away wet" is an old horseman's saying. It means to work a horse into a hard sweat and put it in the barn for the night still wet (without letting it cool down or spraying the horse down with water to bathe it). Thank you for a great video!

[@aerospot2]

"Worked hard and put away wet" is a reference to farm horses. That is to say, pulling in the summer heat, sweated up horse not wiped down after the work is done.

[@AindriasHirt]

It should be "Ridden hard and put away wet."

[@bamaboy1212]

My dad said people would work their horse or mule to a lather or sweat and then put them away wet.

[@User0000000000000004]

It's a reference to banging chicks! Geez!

[@lewerim]

@@AindriasHirt not if they are work horses. I.e. plowing, etc. Which makes sense in reference to tractors.

[@OleNavy]

When starting a Ford 8N you set the throttle about a quarter to third, turn the key on, make sure it is in neutral, press the starter button, and rapidly pull the choke out then back in. One or two times of that cycle with the choke, they will usually start. The right rear tire. Newer looking but it was mounted either backward or it was meant to go on the left side. When pulling, the cleats on the tire have to push the dirt or mud toward the outside edges of the tire. As mounted they pull the dirt or mud toward the center of the tire allowing it to spin more

[@Hound427]

Yep, noticed also the tire mounted backwards.

[@thelittlehouseinthecountry7089]

Your video actually helped me with my experience in getting my 8N tractor. I have a few videos with this antique hard worker around the house. Thank You for your hard work of sharing your knowledge.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I had to laugh when you mentioned leaking seals. If I bought ANYTHING that was 70 years old, even if it had been well maintained, I'd expect a few leaks. Hell, I'm only 51 years old and have a few leaks myself now and then lol!

[@bobbg9041]

I just turned 60, it get worse. Or you might even have a water presure problem.

[@mikematthews8573]

Oh yeah screw brakes who gonna break 5or 10 mph in gear!!😊

[@tomrobards7753]

Those rear axle seals were a notorious for those little two in eighty in a 90 and Ford tractors

[@jhitt79]

I’m 43 and been known to leak fluids and gasses.

[@jameslcoble248]

I believe I would still have a 8n Ford over a sub compact tractor. They are excellent tractors. I'd buy multiple 8Ns over these new tractors. I'd have plenty of spare parts.

[@anthonyparker8519]

I'll take the old Ford N8 any day over anything new it's nice to have the new hydraulic system I understand all that but when everything breaks down in your new tractor it's going to be costly the N8 is easy to fix and almost anyone can use it they will be around to the end of time I promise you this I've seen these things do some amazing stuff yes these new tractors are stronger can haul more and can definitely lift more but the test of time will tell that

[@bungalobill7941]

@@anthonyparker8519 My old man for several years back in the day farmed a quarter section of land with an N8 before he purchased a Farmall.

[@americanjoe5486]

RODE HARD,AND PUT AWAY WET! Is a reference to HORSES ! They sweat when worked hard,and if not attended to can cause ill for the horse.

[@jchlawncare5730]

I use mine to haul firewood

[@kylebass4635]

Great video!!!!! I like the 52 8N because the distributor is on the side. I also run them and see how much blow by is coming out of the oil fill spout. I used to have a 52 and it was a great tractor except for the dead lift. I was mowing with it before and the deck turning actually pushed me through the neighbors fence 🤣😅😂

[@hillybeaner9689]

An overturning clutch can fix that for you.

[@richeverson1052]

All the 80 years old Fords have been worked hard. They are awesome.

[@mikechiacchiero3064]

Before trying to start the tractor be sure to check to see if the gas is turned on. I alway disengage the clutch when starting and it is also best to be seated as you could get run over if it should start in gear.

[@SawmillerSmith]

Rust in the gas tank is another common problem. And wore brake shoes, leaking rear axle seals.

[@michaelduttry182]

I have 1939 9n. Most of the electric and engine parts can found at Napa.

[@backwoods6050]

I had no problem replacing my '48 8Ns distributor without removing sheet metal or the radiator. That said, you overlooked what, in my opinion, is a key thing to look at when buying one of these, the rear wheels. The wheels are prone to rotting from the inside out. If you see rust around the bead, be suspicious. Replacement wheels aren't hard to find, or even that expensive, but swapping tires can be a bear of a job. If the tires still have life in them, breaking their beads from an old rim can be an awful job.

[@blackhat517]

Picked up an 8N with a starred 9N serial number for $1000. Has been sitting for 7 years. Replacing the tank, fuel bowl, fuel cap and front tires. I think I got a good deal.

[@jameschainey2343]

Looks like to me, the right rear tire is backwards?maybe iam wrong 😕. Isn't there a adjustment to tighten up the steering to tighten it up? Please respond to my questions.

[@drjeniusqwaq6502]

My Grandpa had one. He had a big Maddy and an International I think too. When anything needed done on the farm the little Ford was his go to. I think the Massy could move the world if you could get it hooked up but he just used t 8N for everything. Never seen him work on it.

[@andr0373]

OMG - it was so close to starting...you're leaving us with tractor blue balls here. Great stuff - thanks for sharing.

[@CrazyDEquipment]

LOL tractor blue balls I've never heard that before I like it that's funny

[@jeremyc3431]

He could have still tested the lift. Engage the pto , move the lift handle to the up position and engage the starter. The lift will raise.

[@marklikeinthebible]

@@jeremyc3431 yeah I wanted to see crazy D stand on it. It probably do a wheelie if it dont leak down love the video Crazy D

[@ronaldlopez3741]

I bought 9N with 12 volt conversion which wasn't charging the battery as indicated on the ammeter. An experienced tractor mechanic gave me the fix which I could not find on You Tube. He had a 1964 Chevy alternator wire connector wire he plugged in to the alternator and alligator clipped it to the battery wire. The ammeter shot up indicating a charging condition. I purchased the connector at Autozone and wired it in with an on/off switch I installed on the dash which needs to be switched on before starting (this energizes - adapts the alternator to the proper voltage output to the battery) then the ammeter should show charging. You then switch it to the off position. The ammeter should continue to indicate charging during operation.

[@MartinColson-f1q]

Always pull off the PTO cap and look to see if it leaks when engaged. I still bought mine but the guy knocked off $100 since the replacement part was $84.00. Also, most PTO's need to be changed anyway to fit the newer Bush-Hogs. 1-3/8" 6 spline is what is needed PLUS, you need an overrun clutch!!!

[@MrDrewsto]

You do not have to remove the hood or the radiator to get at the distributor on a front mount. It’s simple as pulling the two bolts out and removing the whole distributor and taking it to the work bench. The distributor can only fit back one way so nothing to worry about with timing and whatnot.

[@CrazyDEquipment]

You can do it without removing the hood or the radiator it's just easier to remove the hood it just gives you a lot more room to work

[@cowboycody8094]

Worked hard and put away wet is a reference to when you work a horse hard and put it up in the barn still sweaty and wet with out warming down.

[@tomr3074]

Good video, buying my second N tractor this weekend and tires are 30% ... I'm throwing on a set of homemade feild chains and running it.

[@kennethdegruchy5503]

I loved your video as I recently became the proud owner of a 1952 Worthington (Mower Co.) G-4, golf course and landscaping tractor. This mower uses the Ford 8N motor and power train and F1 pickup parts. I hope to restore it to operation.

[@boatbuilder1954]

Great Video and Tips on purchasing an 8N I am in Michigan and just started looking for one. I took notes.Thanks

[@AmericanTradesmen]

Great video, I know it will help a lot of folks. Also on 8n’s and Jubilee’s the rear axle hubs are prone to wear which in turn causes leakage at the hub seals. There will be gear oil present on the outside of the rear rim if that’s the case. I’ve found the front mount distributors are easiest to work on if taken off. Much easier to remove two bolts than sheet metal, but that’s my $0.02...Maybe we could see a video like this on a Farmall H and/or M...I’ve never owned or worked on one but I plan to have one or both in my collection, they’ve always been some of my favorites. Keep up the great content!

[@bungalobill7941]

Worked hard and put away wet is a reference to plow mules that would be covered in sweat. Can also apply to horses.

[@WhenTheManComesAround]

Yes please, a video on replacing the rear seal would be great!

[@kevinbaker6168]

Worked hard and put away wet is an old horse saying. Horses will sweat and lather up when they get hot from hard labor. Before a horse in this condition is stabled or turned onto pasture they should be cooler off by walking, given a bath and a rub down. This to prevent issues caused from a build up of fluid in the muscles and lungs. That is why you also want to keep a hot horse from drinking it's fill when hot. If you do they can get colic or other intestinal discomfort issues.

[@nanoreaper5002]

I have an 8N because it was my grandpa's and I still use it

[@johnbirman5840]

“Worked Hard, put away wet” Has to do with “wiping down a horse” after working it hard. Don’t expect - for long - to abuse a horse - or a 70 plus year or younger piece of machinery, to keep too excited to see you the next day, or months later, if you don’t give it any “love”

[@jo_nathan_nation6544]

Thanks old top. Young’n here looking to buy and this will be helpful.

[@larrymattox2471]

Not sure if anyone mention this but look at the foot peddles. You can tell how much use a tractor has had by the wear on these peddles. The more dimples showing means less use.

[@garyacker7388]

It was the first machine that I drove, my Dad taught me on the farm in Iowa where it was used for everything. They even put chains on it for in the mud in the feed lot for cattle and some pigs.

[@williambrown238]

Looks like someone put the right tyre on backwards

[@gobig1416]

When it comes to tractor videos on KZbin it doesn't get much better than crazy D

[@vernonvest9927]

The rear end check from Side to Side also.

[@ethics1017]

Are one of those tires on backwards? I know nothing about tractors.

[@JerryWick]

You would be correct sir

[@cpcoark]

Road hard and put away wet. I believe it was referring to hourses that were worked hard and then put away in the barn without taking care of it. I see Doctorfloc said it better than I :-)

[@johngoldsberry3976]

Look at the rear axle seals look at the nut on the axle see if any of that is loose or leaking

[@duanebolen543]

On some of them Ford's you have to open throttle a quarter of the way then while you're cranky pull the choke out and it should start because the choke will not stay out because they're made that way

[@robertparker7240]

I have s 1939 9N and it works just fine. It cleared off our property.

[@tonyborello3826]

I believe the tire on right rear is mounted going wrong direction

[@johnnylawson69]

If you had horses, you would understand "rode hard and put away wet" Good video. I like the information. Ford 8n is great.

[@doctorfloc]

Work hard and put away wet is from the day of the horse or mule doing the work. They would be wet from sweat, and putting them back in the barn before letting them cool off, and drying them off was abuse. Great way to for them to get sick.

[@CrazyDEquipment]

Thank you for that I've always thought that it had something to do with working horses but I wasn't for sure

[@tangydiesel1886]

Beat me to it.

[@born2soon]

I just bought a 1951 8N (12 speed Sherman transmission) that looks like it was used a lot. The bushings everywhere are shot, front to rear. Are these available as a kit? Looking through 8N catalogs, I'm not finding just the bushings.

[@CrazyDEquipment]

Check yesterday's tractors also I believe all American AG has a kit

[@born2soon]

@@CrazyDEquipment Thank you! I really enjoy your videos. I'm a subscriber now.

[@CrazyDEquipment]

Well welcome to the channel I hope you enjoy all the videos that we have and the new ones coming out I hope you find the parts you need for that n-series Ford of yours

[@terryhiggins9700]

Dennis carpenter. Steiner tractor. Just 8n's. Are just three well known ones. There are more which just escape my mind right now.

[@born2soon]

@@terryhiggins9700 Thank you for the reply, I hit all three for parts and a Ford buff friend tore my tractor down and replaced all kinds of bushings, bearings, tires, and exhaust. She's a parade queen, but I had a ball digging potatoes at a tractor show a year ago.

[@marlonparsons634]

This is just standard car stuff ( dry rotted tires, milky stuff in the radiator) i was really hoping for N series spastic stuff that would actually help me a bit more.

[@buddyhirshfield5970]

Every 8n tractor I’ve ever had had a tickle the choke to get It started

[@laryhall1442]

Those back tires allow traction in forward and reverse equally.

[@raymondswilson2012]

Great video. Please do a video showing your shop and workspace. I would love to see that.

[@highway445]

To change the points on my 8n I don't remove the hood. I remove the coil, then distributor cap, then remove distributor. Then you can work on the points on your work bench.

[@brucemorris6319]

I had new back tires put on my 52 8n last summer it cost about 700 for both tires and they put them on for no charge.

[@CrazyDEquipment]

That's a good deal

[@alexreifschneider4332]

Thanks been looking for an 8N. 928 back there!

[@Kookamungawerewolf]

Leaking rear hub/ axle seals are common also.

[@jeremyc3431]

Not so much on the 8ns as it was the 9's and 2's

[@majorpayne608]

It's rode hard and put away wet. It's in reference to horse riding. Usually working horses. Horses need to be cooled down and brushed out to help them regulate their body temp after hard use. No different than people after exercising.

[@jameschainey2343]

One of the first thing I noticed is the right rear tire is mounted on the wheel backwards😮

[@georgepruitt637]

"Rode/worked hard and put up wet" refers to using horses. Also , if there is play/wear in throttle shaft-should move in rotary motion-not up and down. Also the 3 pt rocker shaft- no vertical /up and down movement. And last,but not least, atempt to move the rear wheels,like you did the front ones.

[@fredclay39]

Hey CRAZY (D), I've got a 1950 & 54 8n, both need a going over. The 1950 runs well , but the 54 needs a cluth. I'm in the st.louis /Wentzville area & would like to have them serviced, are you nearby???

[@tylerrsmith443]

I started at the front and worked back on my 1940 9n. I'm scared about the pump as it has zero lift on the arms. I assume i need to rebuild or replace the pump assembly??

[@carltonhebert2026]

Old timers used horses and Mules, that is where the saying came from. worked hard put away wet/ sweaty.

[@peacetruth3074]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@bobbg9041]

Value, in the 1970s my landlord was paying between 250 to 650 for them he kept them for a few years then sold them and went and bought differnt ones. Ive seen them on cl for as much at 5k with some implements and or rebuilt. So the price is honestly all over the place. A neighbor was moving to a farm I told him to buy one to mow and clear his long driveway, he did he found one for 500 but he had to replace the back and frt tires and it had leaks comming out of every seal and gasket over the whole tractor. To bring that one up to par im thinking he spent way too much for it as it needed its origanl cost in replacement parts. 1400 bucks beside the tires.

[@gregorycalzada5264]

GO CRAZY-D GO..... LOVE THE P.T BARNUM DEAL 😎😎😎

[@stevefarms7494]

I bought a Ford 8N and drove it home 6 miles .. when I went to look at it. It had a new battery and it had tire chains and the bar on the 3 point arms and that was new and a new alternator .. but I was able to start it up and drive it before I bought it.. he even put 5 gallon of gas in it .. and I paid $800 for it the only work I have to do is breaks on it

[@jonrobert3228]

We’ll done sir, I consider your video to be a resource. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your tractor videos. Would be interested in hearing your thoughts on purchasing and fixing a classic with and without attachments vs. purchasing one of the newer model compacts.

[@jaymontange8260]

We have a tractor. 🌠9N 222xxx🌠. 8N wheels , front distributor , 4 spd , both brakes right side. Looks to they may have moved starter button to dash from next to shifter. Need help to identify. Also need lead on oval 2 bolt steering box. Thanks in advance.

[@lukebecker1959]

I found an 8n Ford for sale in between Dodge city and Cimarron Kansas and it looks like it has overdrive and decent tires its has a speedometer ( i call it a speedometer because I don't know what else to call it) and it has been converted to 12 volt and needs a new starter and i was wondering how much it would be worth if i decided to buy it because the people that are selling it are asking $1600

[@CrazyDEquipment]

1600 not a bad price

[@juangarcia-rk8qe]

Worked hard and put away wet it’sa reference to the horse days. From what I’ve read proper horsemanship says you’re supposed to cool off a tired sweaty horse before putting it up in its stall. Interesting how this saying has lingered.

[@richardrubert1359]

"Rode hard and put away wet" is a reference to horses. If you ride them hard and put them away wet, it is bad for the horse. They can get sick or sores. It is so bad that if someone does it they are careless and don't care about their mounts.

[@KDuboutdoors19]

I just bought a 1950 for $800, came with a 4 foot brush hog. New rear tires, converted to 12 volt, rolls over fine, good spark, all fluids look good. Sat for 5 years after his dad died. He said that it ran when parked. I'm thinking fuel problem. Going to work on it on my next day off.

[@cdogg1787]

How did the tractor turn out? sounds like a steal!

[@jameschainey2343]

You do not mention the right tire on the rear is mounted backwards😮

[@chrisrhoads8256]

I was saying in my last comment these tractors are Classics yes they're old but they're not stylish like today's tractors but I think they are work tractors and if you just pull them around the house or something I think they're good I understand everything you say some people want to put money in them some of them don't I mean I got one it's rough but it runs and does what I like it to do I'm not going out and spend high dollar Machinery especially these days when I got this old one yeah I didn't do what today's does but it does what I like it to do you take care

[@Kristian_Saile]

Love my 8n, 70 years of being worked har and it still goes and does what I need. Btw, is this the Car Wizards shop?? Looks like some of Hoovie’s cars in the background.

[@ianglover7473]

Yes, same garage. Hoovie had him on his show once.👍🏾

[@nancydenisebratcher7758]

How do u take out that stem on the rear end that pulls on a for 9n

[@jamesrice6096]

Like with the horse comment... A problem you run into is is you're looking for one for work. The perspective of many is from the collector point of view, or as if you're inspecting a current used piece, versus a WW2 era relic that is still in use, useable, and effective. Understand: Even the very senior oldsters in your community probably never farmed or used one of these. Their parents probably had one that they drove when they were a kid. Good advice and facts on maintenance or operation may be sketchy or only partially true. Lastly, buy the tractor, not the story.

[@mr.paladin8721]

"rode hard and put away wet". It's about riding a horse

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

If the rears are more than an inch or two different in actual measured outside diameter you can kiss your differential gears goodbye.ESPECIALLY if you ever drive the tractor on a hard surface.

[@jjuggernaut3218]

When I look under the hood I really hope to see a bad battery and maybe some shoddy electrical work!!! Easy fixes are a GOOD thing to find!

[@banjocantrell838]

I do like your page a lot. I have subscribed to your channel. as for the old saying,""rode hard and put up or away wet " ,refereed to a sweaty horse not being combed and cared for .. I have been out on horses & mules as a young boy.We did ride forever,playing tag among other games. I am going tomorrow to buy a 1949 2 N. Thanks for the info. God Bless .

[@mack_titan]

The rear tire is mounted the wrong way ;(

[@billbrown5853]

Sometimes you have to back up. Lol.

[@walliehart5975]

Don't you flip them to extend the track? Massy Ferguson have spin out wheels. Old Ford's wheels just flip around to make the rear track one wheel wider per side I believe.

[@Mike--K]

Yes. The right rear tire is not mounted correctly. The rear wheels were designed so they could be reversed on the hub and extend the track as needed, but when you did this, you would put the wheels on the opposite side so the treads still worked correctly.

[@jlawlar]

good video, i want to see more ford tractors vdeos

[@cgmakery9650]

thanks for taking the time to go over this, it is good info

[@stephaneracicot791]

hey guys is it me or that tire in the begining the rear tire is it up side down.good video anyways thanks

[@andrewseamans1419]

The new tractors are much nicer and more capable in a lot of ways. But for plowing,disking, etc, seems the 8n would be the better choice.

[@robcrissinger776]

And about $30000 less

[@mountainbikelife2526]

My dad is getting his restored 8n Ford repainted the engine has been restored just needs a 8n Ford i had a 8n Ford at one time

[@BrySch5303]

Love to buy one of them brush hogs . Don't know where your located.

[@Edmund_Squid]

Amazon has 2 new rear tire package deal for $229.00 And a front tire package for $199.00. Ive been looking up parts for the 8n they have just about everything you can think of for one of these tractors and all of it is pretty reasonable. I think I need to buy one.

[@Quickened1]

Are you sure it was two rear tires for $229? I can't even find one for that price!

[@MrCorynick]

I don't believe that

[@Edmund_Squid]

@@MrCorynick Your right, I was wrong. The tires I found were for a smaller lawn tractor, and not the full-size ford 8N. I thought I had added a correction to my comment. Guess I was wrong about that too. 😃

[@backwoods6050]

Here in northern Vermont, I use my old 8N for everything from skidding logs to plowing, to maintaining my steep, long driveway. Together with a heavy duty block and tackle, she's also pulled her share of stumps. The 6V system has never failed to start her right up, regardless of whether is 90 deg in the summer, or -20 deg in the winter. I bought her in '97, and never regretted my decision.

[@terrycarl8923]

I'm going to look at a 1949 8n the guy said it needs points how do I know if it's a front or side mount?

[@dwschep]

I’m told only the 1952 (last year in production) has the easier distributor access( side mount)

[@JuarezDerrick]

If you ever have to replace a radiator on one of these old tractors just go to your local junkyard and get a 20 or $30 radiator from a small car like a Honda Civic. They wanted $400 for my Kubota radiator and I got a Honda Civic radiator for $30!

[@rev1955]

Worked hard put up wet went back to horses days. You could make one die if put up wet with sweat!

[@robertfakler8564]

Wonder why one tire is mounted backwards.

[@stewfield5385]

It came off the left side of another 8n

[@donaldshidal851]

does the carb have a screen door spring?

[@royanderson8268]

How can i see your inventory?

[@wesdailey9964]

Might add does it have a Sherman , just bought a cherry 8n and to my surprise when I picked it up it had a cable operated Sherman which of course the cables froze up that's my next project hoping I don't have to split the tractor to replace it it good video by the way!!

[@mauriciomarianocarneiro]

Hey Crazy D! So now trying to be on "Chorus Line"?

[@Chickennss]

Rode hard and put away wet is a horse reference.

[@yogibeer9319]

Where’s me gold! ☘️ The top hat 😂Awesome video!

[@earlmilam1754]

What about the smoking when it's running? Is that a red flag??

[@cdogg1787]

smokin out the tail pipe she either burnin oil or suckin coolant

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

The reason craz doesn't understand "worked hard put away wet" is because his older relatives were closer to horse drawn plowing. Horses actually needed care after working hard all day. Like rubbed down to remove sweat so rest would be more beneficial than standing in the stall wet and crusty. Horses dont need baths. They need rubbed down with brushes which at the end of the week will tell the tale if you are caring for the animal doing all the work. Doesn't mean anything to a tractor EXCEPT: check the oil and water. Transmission oil and air cleaner oil. That is the put away wet designation which you do if a poor farmer and want to run all day working before starting machine.

[@billbrown5853]

You can check the gas if you want to but it won't hurt it to run without gas.

[@williambrown238]

Worked Hard and put away Wet refers to Horses. It means that they weren't taken very good care of.

[@bobbg9041]

Seriously if I can buy one for a few 100 bucks that needs work, I'd buy it. These were built to be worked on at the farm by the farmer or his wife or one of the kids. Its about as simple as you can get. Ill bet 90% of the problems can be fixed with a Bobby pin. Or bubble gum. Serious 70 years old. Come on, its not going to be new. Why not buy an old one and rebuild it? Thats 1/2 the fun. And these were built to store outside year round. Its just a little tougher in dead winter to start one, but if you have to plow the driveway it beats the shit out of trying to use a garden tractor or lawn tractor.