Replacing 8N starter motor

http://www.ntractorclub.com/

The link above is just one of a dozen or more very helpful websites for Ford 8n tractors.
The original 8n tractor had a six volt battery with positive ground (this is different than most automobiles that have a negative ground). The starter solenoid is energized via the ignition switch and the large starter button in front of the gear shift, the small wires going to the solenoid energize a coil which "pulls in" and completes a circuit that then provides 6 volts directly to the starter motor through a large, heavy gauge wire. The smaller wires connect to the two terminals on the top of the solenoid and the heavy wire goes to the larger post on the solenoid and originates from the negative post of the battery... Hope this helps. There are many, many schematics and pictures available on the "net" The Ford 8n community is very large and extremely helpful....Good Luck

Bad brushes it is not making contact with the brushes.

The starter is bolted to the bell housing where the engine and transmission are connected.

ignition key faulty
no power circuit to the coil while in the start position
check wiring in that circuit
check for all safety micro switches are operational as they are all connected to that circuit

I have the same problem as Derek. I pulled the casing off the starter and the armature along with the Bendix stayed stuck in the bell housing. I tried tried putting the tractor in gear and rocking it back and forth with hopes that the bendix would pul away from the flywheel. No luck. I think I'm going to have to pull the thing apart.

Starter motor spins, but does not engage

1. Check the starter motor for a seized or binding pinion gear.
2. Remove the flywheel inspection plate and check for a damaged ring gear.

You likely need to replace the starter solenoid switch,if it just clicks then one of the contacts has worn out.If the starter is a delco,order one for a Chev half ton 1980, and it will be about $30 cheaper and do the same job.

Hi..my name is Keith..and i restore 9N's,2N's and 8N's....and to replace the ring gear..you split it there at the back of the engine..and its kind of a big job..so i would check the starter 1st..to make sure its not a starter problem..i hope this helps..if not please write back..i love tractor problems

This is everything that i know that will make an 8N run hot...a stopped up radiator(inside)..a radiator that is filled with debris in the cooling fins..a bad thermostat(located in the upper radiator hose..if it has one).....a stopped up block..bent fan blades...fan shroud missing..a bad water pump..the fan belt slipping on the water pump ..a blown head gasket..low coolant..i hope this will help and one of them should fix it ..if not...please write me back