I just recently bought an 8N (I think the serial number is 352713 - which would put it around a '51). But, I don't have a proofmeter nor a hole for it. When did they start including proofmeters in the 8N's? Should I have had one?

Hi Dennis. Here's a 1950 Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to Ford tractor dealers regarding the "new" proofmeters:

Hope this helps............Ed
'52 8N475798

Hey Dennis

Like John said according to your serial number you should have one .

Check to see if the governor has a threaded port on the back side.

That is where the proofmeter cable would hook to and then to the proofmeter .

You could also have a newer block, I have a 52 block in my 49 N and it is just like a 49 in regards to the engine.

Sometimes the bloack is replaced with a older or newer block ???

Someone could have replced the governor with a older model if you dan't have a threaded port on the back of yours.

Do you have a front or side mount distributor ???

Just some food fo thought :)>!!!

Keep us posted :)>!!!

Have a Great Tractor Day Always

Gary & Sarge

Actually, when I went back and sanded down the serial number plate, I found no leading number in front of the 52713 so now I am assuming that's a correct number which would put this model as a 1949 and -- as far as I know, they did not include proofmeters in that model. So, unless I do a retrofit, I am stuck without one.

I bought a late model dash, gov, and proofmeter off ebay and updated my 49

The Proofmeter was added in 1950 at serial number 290271

John.....Please let me add,thats when the proofmeter was installed on production tractors.There were proofmeter retrofit kits available around 270xxx.Folks liked them so well,they made them standard equipment at 290xxx. don b