WD-45 coil distributor wiring question

[Alan_IA]

I have a 1957 WD-45 that I just noticed has the pos(+) terminal from the coil as the distributor lead. Checked the battery with voltmeter, it is 12 volt negative ground. Runs with a generator, not alternator. Has a key switch. I hate to fix something that isn't broke, as it runs as is, but could I change the coil terminals? Would the coil still operate? Would I possibly burn something out? Every diagram I see that has a neg(-) ground battery has the coil neg(-) connected to the distributor points terminal. I don't know what might be going on here. Been running that way last 5 years since I acquired it. tia
 

[old]

Well if your running it - ground then yep the coil should also have the - side going to the distributor. Yes it will work both ways but you will have a tad hotter spark if you have it wired so the ground is the same as tractor ground
 

[Alan_IA]

Will swap the leads tonight and try it. thanks Old. I have another tractor with another problem but will open another post when I am ready. thanks!
 

[Dick W.]

If you could put it on an ignition scope you would see the difference it makes with the wire both ways. The scope pattern would be upside down the way it is now. The spark will be stronger the other/proper way. Switch it,no problems. Check the coil wire and plug wires for corrosion at both ends. They need to be clean, clean, clean.
 

[Alan_IA]

Can't wait to try it. It has been a stubborn starter at times, usually when cold I sometimes need starting fluid. I wonder if it has been this way since it got converted from positive to negative ground way back when.