tuneup-john deere MC

[Barry Dodier]

I own a nice '52 JD MC,can someone give me advice on a magmeto + ground ignition system tuneup,just had a supposedly friend/mechanic do 2500 dollars worth of work to get it in good running condition,ran a total of 6 hrs. or less and now it won't start,spins over fine just pops thru exhaust but won't start,plenty of gas-gravity fed,6 volt,new regulator,spark at plugs,any honest help greatly appreciated,uncle knew tractors and repair buut he is gone now..thanx
 

[teddy52food]

I think I would be talking to your friend.
 

[M-MAN]

It isn't a mag, it's a Delco distributer. Need a little more info. Did she quit running or just won't start after sitting a while? If the latter - how long? Did you drain the carb and fuel bowl to check for water? Fresh gas? Checked and cleaned the points? If they are burnt replace them. If not fold a dollar bill and drag it through them to clean them. Should be gapped at 19 to 21 thou. Put in 2 fresh Autolite 216 plugs gapped at 25. If you can post a pic of the distributer from straight beside it I can tell you if the timing is close enough.
 

[Hotflashjr]

Well shoot there's you're problem you got a magneto on a tractor that needs a distributor!

Just kidding with ya. My MT had this issue. Turned out I had a few issues but the major one was the condensor was shot and the points were burnt. Once I replaced those she fired right back up for me. Take a test light or multimeter and poke around under the cap with the ignition on, but tractor not running and see where you are, or are not, getting juice and that should help you rule a fe things out.