12v conversion

[gregy]

I just finished the 12v conversion on my 8n. At first it didn't run very good, missed and back fired. Took off the distributor cap (front mount)and found the rotor contact had broken off. Ordered new one. Purrs like a kitten now.

 

[Tom N MS]

Do you have play side to side in the distrib. shaft..play in shaft and/or was not installed right would be only two reasons it would have broken..

 

[Hobo,NC]

One more tom,,, the rotor are cap just did not line up,,, very common with offshore parts,,, one needs to have the dist in hand and install the cap and rotor and check for interference while the dist is out on the bench,,, a little qualty insurance work will insure that parts don't break

 

[Tom N MS]

Yes, you are right.So, if that was the problem what will keep it from happening again? Maybe the cap just wasn't properly seated..They can be aggravating about seating down all the way without a little force....

 

[gregy]

One thing the cap had no gasket under it. Another was one of the clips holding the cap on had been brazed and didn't hold the cap down tight enough on one side which might have caused it to break.
Also the nut holding the points tight at the correct clearence was loose. Timing measurement was ok.

 

[gregy]

Also the distributor shaft was tight.

 

[Tom N MS]

The clip not holding the cap tight did it I Bet....I've seen lots of them with no gasket, so that propably didn't do it..shaft a little tight not unusual but too tight from the get-go is a problem. My Dad re-bushed his and had the shaft way too tight..heated up, wore the points rub block off really quick..I gave him another breaker plate I had and I have the old one for "scrap" I guess..I throw nothing away..Anyway you can't even turn it without pliers......

 

[gregy]

That's my theory too.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I had ordered one of those offshore rotor button, and noticed my cap would not flush up. So I put my old one back on, and it fit perfect.I noticed that the plastic nnalert was a little longer on the offshore rotor.A couple of passes with the file and it fit perfect.if your cap doesn't go flush on the bench you may have an offshore rotor button.

 

[gregy]

I think you're right, the old one I took off must have been an off shore one and the rotor center tip and the carbon button must have ground the metal contact off.

 

[Eric R]

I put electronic ignition on my 8N. This gets rid of the points. Runs great and has more power

 

[gregy]

Does it come in a kit and about what's the cost?

 

[Eric R]

Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit - 12V Negative Ground - Pertronix Electronic Ignition kit for the following tractors using 4-cylinder gas engine: 8N (using side mount distributor) , NAA, Jubilee, 600, 700, 501, 601, 701, 2000. And for the following tractors using 172 4-cylinder gas engine: 800, 900, 801, 901, 4000. This electronic module by Pertronix replaces your points and condenser. Never change points again! Easy installation, no complicated wiring, fits entirely inside distributor. Increases spark plug life and horsepower, improves fuel economy. For tractors with 12-volt negative ground only. (Part No: 1244A) $89.60 [Enlarge Picture