8N won't start

mrjim · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:20 pm Post subject: 8N won't start

I"m back. I"ve had this same problem off and on for a couple of years now. Was running fine when I put it in the shed a couple of months ago. Got some snow the other night now it won"t start again. I found one problem. Plugs are not firing the 1/4" gap (more like 1/ Cool

. I have 6 volts across the points open switch on. Where should I start and what should I do. By the way, gas flows fine out of bottom of carb. Thanks for your help in advance.

jackinok · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:31 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

wont start after a snow or rain? new coil, GASKETS,and wires. maybe even a cracked dist cap.

Bruce (VA) · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:31 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

front or side distributor?

mrjim · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

Side mount. Thanks for the reply. You helped me with this before. How do I check to see if that insulator is shorting out?

mrjim · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:37 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

The tractor has been in the shed. Didn't get wet.

Dell (WA) · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:47 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

mrjim........first thing to do is "polish" the INVISIBLE corrosion from between yer points. Clamp a clean $1-bill between the points and PULL. Iff'n yer really cheap, tear a strip from HEAVY brown paper grocery sack and use that.

BTW; yes, you should have 6-volts across the points when OPEN and ignition switch is ON. ........Dell, yer self-appointed sparkie-meister

mrjim · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

Thanks Dell, I'll try that. It's just a cheap set of points that came in a tune up kit from my Ford dealer. They don't even carry the points seperate any more. Do you think the Blue Streak points are worth the extra bucks?

Royse · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 1:03 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

"Do you think the Blue Streak points are worth the extra bucks?"

Definitely.
Quality parts prevent, or at least greatly lesson this type of problem.
They just plain last longer.

If you have battery voltage to and across the points when open it doesn't
sound like the post through the side is grounded, but you can check it by
checking continuity to ground with the key off, points open and wiggle the
post gently. You should not have continuity to ground.

Give the points a good cleaning and see if that helps. If it does, I would get a
good set on your next trip to town for when the cheap ones do this again.

jackinok · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 1:05 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

doesnt have to, moisture in the air will effect it.

Jimmyjack · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 4:44 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

If everything else fails, pour a quart of ATF on the seat. LOL

souNdguy · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

if you have bat volts, points open.. the insulator ain't shorted.

celan and regap points, and jumper coil to battery and see what ya got.

6v on a meter, no load is different than loaded with a coil.. bad contacts in a switch will still show open circuit voltage, even if it cannot conduct sufficient current to fire the plugs

old · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 5:08 pm Post subject: Re: 8N won't start

Very simple way to check point if your careful and or do not mind a shock if your not careful. Pop the distributor cap off rotor dust cover. Then turn on the ignition. Make sure the points are closed. Now open and close them by hand. You should both hear and see a spark when you do and you can also hold the coil wire close to the block and watch for spark. Doing that will tell you if your problem is corroded points or something else. By the way if your not careful you may jump but it will not hurt you any more then an electric fence will

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