8n No Spark

[Rich.Fl]

I have an 8n that has been converted to 12V. I put a new distributer and 12V coil on it but no spark. 11.6V at the coil.

The starter seems to drag badly and gets hot quickly. Could that draw enough current to be the problem?

Thanks!
Rich

 

[Jim L WA]

Yes to the starter question. Try jumping from another 12 volt source directly to the starter with the key on and in neutral and see if it will start. That might prove the starter question. 11.6 volts is a bit low unless it's a front mount distributor and the points are closed, which they usually are.
What is the battery voltage reading across the battery posts with the key off?

 

[Rich.Fl]

Yes to the starter question. Try jumping from another 12 volt source directly to the starter with the key on and in neutral and see if it will start. That might prove the starter question. 11.6 volts is a bit low unless it's a front mount distributor and the points are closed, which they usually are.
What is the battery voltage reading across the battery posts with the key off?

Thanks for the reply! Yes, it is a front mount distributor. I put a new starter on today (turns over MUCH better) ... still no spark so am assuming it is the "New" distributor. Meanwhile I tried running a wire directly from the battery to the coil and accidently snapped off the brass bolt on the coil %$#*&! So waiting on another coil and will check the points. Jeez....

 

[Rich.Fl]

Forgot to add, Battery about 12.5V.

 

[Non-farmer]

12.5 is still low. a fully charged 12 volt battery should be about 12.7 volts. A quick search shows 12.5 as 80 to 90% charge. The same charts show 11.6 as 20%.

 

[Jim L WA]

12.5 volts is plenty for good spark. You won't see full battery voltage at the coil due to the ballast resister.
I would pull the distributor and take a good look at the point contact alignment and gap (.015). Make sure the little pig tail on the coil is making contact with the top of the cap. Don't forget the condenser, they have been known to be bad out of the box.

 

[Non-farmer]

What is the battery voltage reading across the battery posts with the key off?