8N distributor copper ribbon

[Deere63]

Hello,
Just wondering if there is any disadvantage to gettin rid of the copper ribbon in the distributor and hard wiring straight from coil through a small drilled hole?? Just askng because my neighbor just bought a '52 8N side mount set up this way. I have a '51 side mount with the original ribbon.

Thank you,
Rick

 

[G6 at Snook, TX]

Not that I have found. I run a wire from the coil to the points/condenser in the distributor and the tractor runs like a top. After doing it, bump the starter to make sure the distributor weights don't strike the wire. That is the only concern I watched for.

Others will advocate for the original set up, but I think it is a toss-up.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Yes.

Dirt & moisture.

If you do it wrong, the wire will hit the advance weights.

The copper strip costs $4. The stud & insulator cost about the same.

For less than $10, you can fix it right & don't need to worry about it for another 50 years.
50 Tips

 

[ZANE]

I never thought the copper strap and that poor excuse for an insulator where it goes through the side of the distributor was worth a flip!!!

I've had a wire going to my 660 for the last 20 years and no problem. Just squeeze a dab of RTV ito the hole beside the wire to keep out the dust.

Zane

 

[NoNewParts]

well, doing it right is always best,
but I run a wire on a few of mine.
like said, watch those advance weights and make sure the wire terminal is only touching what it is supposed to.
One advantage to the wire, is if you run it thru a grommet
or grease the wire before the RTV, then you can slide the wire in and out
when changing points.
easier to get that little nut on the points back on.


BTW, EI runs 2 wires thru a grommet thru the old insulator hole with no issues.

 

[Deere63]

Ok thanks for all the input guys! I really appreciate it.

Rick

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 02:43:30 05/15/12) Hello,
Just wondering if there is any disadvantage to gettin rid of the copper ribbon in the distributor and hard wiring straight from coil through a small drilled hole?? Just askng because my neighbor just bought a '52 8N side mount set up this way. I have a '51 side mount with the original ribbon.

Thank you,
Rick

I have wires points direct on a tractor and will do it again I am sure just to get it up and running in short order but I don't like to do something that may come back and bite me ... The copper strip is the cleanest neatest way to do if you have the time and parts to repair it back like OEM...