8n distributor

[Butch in Vt.]

I"m looking to get a 8n to restore and have found some with the distributor in the front but I know the one on the side is easier to work on. Any opinions on the front mount or ideas to make it easy to work on them.
Thanks,
Butch in Vt.

 

[Bob]

It's pretty easy to take the front-mount distributor off, and work on it on the bench.

HOWEVER, the later ones, with the more conventional distibutor are sure a LOT nicer, and less troublesome. This also gets the sparkplug wires away from the fan belt, and the distributor cap away from potentially getting whacked by the front axle.
Distributor remval and OH instructions:

 

[old]

The side mount type seem to be more reliable then the front mount types, or so I think. On the front mount it will take 30-60 to tune one up and on a side mount less then 30 minutes. Just plan easier to go to the parts when you need to
Hobby farm

 

[souNdguy]

in addition to what the others said.. the side mounts have another great bonus.. better ignition coil setup.

soundguy

 

[souNdguy]

in addition to what the others said.. the side mounts have another great bonus.. better ignition coil setup.

soundguy

 

[Dunk]

I have a 49 front mount, had her for nearly 25 years, the only tractor that I have, and there isn't one thing wrong with the tractor, how it was made, how it works, how long it is between service, or whatever.

AS long as it is kept up and in working condition.

All of them need to be maintained.

All of that said, if I was buying one, and could find a front mount, and a side mount, in exactly the same contition, YES I would buy the side mount over the front mount.

Might even throw in a few bucks extra, but it wouldn't be a whole lot.

 

[jim spencer]

Butch, I have a Magneto for a 2N which mounts in place of the front mount distributor. When installed this looks like a side mount distributor. I bought it to mount on my 8N and install an electronic ignition into it which I believe would be quite easily accomplished. The reason I did not use it is because I got a fabulous buy on a Jubilee about the same time I bought the Magneto and sold my 8N.
I forget what I paid for the Magneto but it looks like it is practicaly new with no wear signs. This would be an interesting project for someone who wanted to experiment. I think it would simplify conversion to electronic ignition. Comments anyone????

 

[Dunk]

I would think that mageneto would be worth big bucks.

You don't even need a battery to run that N tractor with that, as long as you can hand crank it.

 

[Butch in Vt.]

Thanks but I want to keep it original

 

[Butch in Vt.]

Thanks for all the comments, if any of you know of a side mount 8n somewhere near Vt. please let me know.
Butch in Vt.