Ford N Tractor

fixer1958 · #1 01/14/12, 07:42 AM

A friend of mine wants me to work over his old Ford but I need to figure out what it is first. It's either a 2N or a 9N. I can't find the ID numbers. It has 2N stamped on the front of the right axle tube. He says it's a 9N. As far as I can tell using an internet search the numbers should be on the left side of the block somewhere.

It belonged to his grand dad and there is alot of sentimental attachment. He just wants to get it running so it can sit some more in his barn.

I worked on a Ferguson TO-35 last summer for a guy and the 2 are similar but the Ferguson was a decade or more newer.
I'm more Allis oriented but these old dogs are pretty easy to work on and parts are readily available.
Any suggestions.

elevenpoint · #2 01/14/12, 08:31 AM

Look on the left side of the block below the head gasket towards the rear....behind the oil filter. There should be a machined pad that you may have to scrape and sand a bit, it still may be hard to see the numbers. It may not make a difference between a 9N or 2N for the most part as most parts are interchangeable....does it have a pressureized radiator?

fixer1958 · #3 01/14/12, 09:05 AM

I have stared at and scraped that pad several times and there are no numbers there.
I'm pretty sure it's a 2N, vertical grill bars, freeze plugs in the block, oil line to the govenor, larger generator etc.
Yes it does have a pressure radiator cap. So it has a 2N radiator in it anyway.
http://www.oldfordtractors.com/idhistory.htm

**alleyyooper** · #4 01/14/12, 09:26 AM

Years ago I read in Antique Power Magizine the only real difference between a 2N and A 9N was the 2N was a war year tractor. Only came with steel wheels no electric starter or generator. the story said that after the war many were converted over to 9N type tractors when rubber and copper could be had.
90% of N tractor parts can be bought today from a Ford Tractor dealer.

Al

elevenpoint · #5 01/14/12, 09:44 AM

I would just tear into it....these parts are available all over the internet, Ford dealers, even the auto parts store and farm supply here have a good supply of parts. A wealth of repair info on the internet also.

agmantoo · #6 01/14/12, 11:27 AM

Does this tractor have true "running boards" or does it only have "spikes" to rest your feet on while sitting in the seat?

fixer1958 · #7 01/14/12, 12:25 PM

It has running boards and they look OE.

He wanted me to do a 12 volt conversion because he has trouble starting it and doesn't have a 6 volt battery charger. I know............. don't ask. He is about a mechanically inclined as a rabbit.
That's what he wants so that is what he will get.

The more I look into, it there really aren't alot of major differences. Nothing that can't be worked around if there is.
I just wanted to know exactly what I had before I proceeded.

agmantoo · #8 01/14/12, 12:56 PM

With running boards I believe it to be a 9n. here is a site that will let you know for certain.
http://www.oldfordtractors.com/idhistory.htm
I have converted a number of tractors from 6V to 12V. If you want a neat conversion there is a small compact General Motors car that has a very small alternator with internal regulator that will fit up close to the engine and not protrude from under the hood. Getting the pulleys accurately aligned is key to a good installation. I advise not to us a single wire alternator as with the infrequent use of a tractor it will slowly discharge the tractor battery. http://www.myfordtractors.com/12volt02.shtml Personally for a tractor that you will use I like the 12 volt system. It is very reliable and 12 volt batteries are readily available and are cheaper.

rancher1913 · #9 01/14/12, 09:34 PM

what allyyooper said. the 2n came about because ford could produce more during the war if it was a "new" model, ford changed the model number a viola a new model. most of the time the number on the block is wrong because the motors were swapped in and out and mixed and matched over the years, use the axle to identify it, in this case its a 2n. need to add that the production years were 1942--1947 hence the 2 in the 2n model number.

andyd2023 · #10 01/15/12, 09:45 PM

Hey Fixer1958:
Ford 9N and 2N are similar in many ways. 2N is a updated 9N and a lot of small things were changed between the two, but major assemblies are the same.
( We have both a 47,2N & a 50 8N tractor) The N series is not hard to work on.
The question is, What does he want you to do to the tractor?
You should be able to handle the minor issues with little trouble.
a 12 volt conversion is pretty easy to do. You can put the parts together yourself or buy a 12 volt conversion kit with everything you will need.
Some of the major stuff can be tricky, IE: Axle seals, engine sleeves, or carb rebuilds.

Check out " http://ntractorclub.com/index.htm " Lots of good info here and you can ask any questions you want. I lurk and post there a lot.
Andrew.