Wico xb external coil

[Crackmole]

I'm kinda new to the whole tractor repair business. I've acquired a 1951 JD "B" with the original 6v system still in place. Whoever had it before me put a 12v car battery in it and tried to start it, frying the coil. I've been trying for 6 weeks now to find another one, and I've exhausted all of googles resources. Now ive already replaced everything else in this distributor including the cap. So ive got a little bit of money invested that i dont feel like losing. So my next option is to add an external coil, and I was hoping I could get some insight into the do's and don't of this process. I don't know alot about distributors, I'm learning as I go. But if anyone could throw me a bone and give me some instructions I'd be highly appreciative. Even better yet if someone could find me a wico xb-4001 coil #5-5093 (fxh-2503) that would be even better.

 

[Bryson H]

I found this

WICO 5-5093 XB Series Distributor Coil - Ryan's Magneto Service

OEM Part Number: 5-5093

ryansmagnetoservice.com

let me know if that is the right one.

 

[rockcreek4630]

I'm kinda new to the whole tractor repair business. I've acquired a 1951 JD "B" with the original 6v system still in place. Whoever had it before me put a 12v car battery in it and tried to start it, frying the coil. I've been trying for 6 weeks now to find another one, and I've exhausted all of googles resources. Now ive already replaced everything else in this distributor including the cap. So ive got a little bit of money invested that i dont feel like losing. So my next option is to add an external coil, and I was hoping I could get some insight into the do's and don't of this process. I don't know alot about distributors, I'm learning as I go. But if anyone could throw me a bone and give me some instructions I'd be highly appreciative. Even better yet if someone could find me a wico xb-4001 coil #5-5093 (fxh-2503) that would be even better.

Did you try brillman.

 

[Crackmole]

That is the correct coil, but if you read the fine print it says sold out. Brillman doesn't ring a bell. I'll give them a try though. Thank you.

 

[Crackmole]

I did try brilliant. They are also out of stock.

 

[Mule Meat]

Try Old Croak or Magneto Parts.

Old Croak is spelled as one word if you do the www. thang..

 

[Gambles]

I’m not a John Deere expert AT ALL. But my dad had a few John Deere B tractors when I was growing up. I know there were at least two different distributors used on the B. One had two spark plug wires coming out of it, the other used a coil wire that was about two inches long, plus the spark plug wires. You might try finding the version opposite of yours.

 

[Blue Jay]

If they wired the 12V into the mag you will want to correct that before putting in a new coil.

 

[Crackmole]

It's already corrected. Got a brand new 6v battery already sitting here. And also the wico xb distributor is an oddball piece. It was made at the transition stage of magnetos phasing into distributors. It's a hybrid, but considered a distributor, and from what I understand, not wico's best work. Everybody says to put a delco distributor in, or go to a magneto. I just might have to do that. Really don't want to though.

 

[Duey C]

If I may and it won't be seen as acceptable. Using an external coil isn't as wacky as some may think.
I don't know how well your XB would lend itself to an external coil but a fellow and I (unbeknownst to each other) did the same in a completely different situation almost 40 years ago. He and I turned magnetos into distributors with an outside automotive coil.
There may be two holes to be drilled thru the case. One wire to actuate the coil from the points and the high tension back to the distributor. Don't tell anyone but I used 10 gauge multi-strand wire for the high tension to the distributor...

 

[NoDakInMN]

I had the same issue and concerns on a B I picked a few years ago. I put a mag on it to get it running, fully intending to fix up the distributor for originality's sake. Now I don't even consider replacing the mag.

 

[Mark-Ia]

That XB wasn't any good when new. I'd cut my loss and get a Wico XH magneto or buy a Delco Remy Dist.

 

[Crackmole]

Well I'm gonna Go over to jacktown shortly, that's the local antique tractor and steam engine show going on this weekend and see if I can find a coil. If I can't, it's a lost cause and I'll pick something else up to replace the xb if possible. Maybe just pick a different tractor instead.

 

[Crackmole]

No luck with coil. Can you tell me which wico xh model is acceptable. There is alot of them.

 

[Gambles]

I’ve got an xb distributor for an Oliver 70 that also takes an elusive coil. Awhile back, I tried everywhere to get a coil for it. Everyone had leads to help me get one, but I couldn’t find one anywhere . A member here even told me that he was going to “make a batch”, but I haven’t heard any more from him. As you can see from my photos, there should be room in there to “farmerize” it and install a small motorcycle coil. That will be my effort this winter. Generic motorcycle coils are cheap on eBay. If I manage to get one to work, I’ll post results. Just don’t hold your breath.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

The Delco distributors are more expensive but worth it. Keyed shut down without building your own kill button and external troubleshooting of coils that are available at the farm store is very handy

 

[Mark-Ia]

A short lug Wico XH magneto

 

[Gambles]

A short lug Wico XH magneto

Yea, that might work.

 

[Crackmole]

The tractor is still sitting here collecting dust. I had talked to someone at Magneto parts in the middle of October, who also told me they would " be winding them shortly". $130 plus shipping. Haven't heard back from them either after multiple emails. Anyone want a '51 JD B. Cheap. Almost running.

 

[NoDakInMN]

There are numerous places to get a mag, they even offer them on this site but new mags are in the $400-$500 range. You might be better off trying to find an used one from a salvage yard. I'd try Biewer's Tractor Salvage in Barnsville MN 218-493-4696.

One of the things you need to learn in this hobby is where to find parts, Google is a start but I would get a recent copy of Green Magazine, it has loads of advertisers that specialize in parts for old John Deeres. Probably the easiest way to get a copy is to subscribe and opt for both the print and online versions. The online version will be available to you shortly after you subscribe and allows you access to back issues, I believe. Getting plugged in to your local antique tractor community is also a very good idea, go to local shows and swap meets. And by local, I mean you may have to travel a couple hours but it's worth it to meet people interested in the hobby in person as they are a wealth of information.