Converting a Distributor to EI - what all is needed?

[RTR]

Curious if a full rebuild is needed on an ignition distributor when converting to electronic ignition. I am installing a new bushing and oring so it doesn’t leak oil in the housing, but Furthermore if a distributor is worn out, can you just leave a bad bushing or could you gut it and take all the flyweights and other parts out? Would it still work with the EI conversion?

 

[used red MN]

Curious if a full rebuild is needed on an ignition distributor when converting to electronic ignition. I am installing a new bushing and oring so it doesn’t leak oil in the housing, but Furthermore if a distributor is worn out, can you just leave a bad bushing or could you gut it and take all the flyweights and other parts out? Would it still work with the EI conversion?

There is no advance “built in” to a conversion electronic ignition. If you remove the mechanical advance (fly weights etc.) the tractor will not perform as designed and will probably have less power. But yes, it will still run without the advance mechanism. A distributor with a EI conversion that has worn bushings may operate with less negative affects from the worn bushing than a points equipped distributor, but this is not necessarily a hard and fast rule.

 

[RTR]

There is no advance “built in” to a conversion electronic ignition. If you remove the mechanical advance (fly weights etc.) the tractor will not perform as designed and will probably have less power. But yes, it will still run without the advance mechanism. A distributor with a EI conversion that has worn bushings may operate with less negative affects from the worn bushing than a points equipped distributor, but this is not necessarily a hard and fast rule.

Just curious if fully disassembling and sourcing needed parts is needed since it’s being converted. Was thinking I could take advantage of saving those parts for future repairs on points distributors. Also thinking that when a distributor is messed up beyond tune up parts I could convert quickly without worry of fixing it. I’m really just doing this one to try out the EI conversion to see how much a difference it makes. Didn’t know what all was needed to make it work

 

[Jim.ME]

Just curious if fully disassembling and sourcing needed parts is needed since it’s being converted. Was thinking I could take advantage of saving those parts for future repairs on points distributors. Also thinking that when a distributor is messed up beyond tune up parts I could convert quickly without worry of fixing it. I’m really just doing this one to try out the EI conversion to see how much a difference it makes. Didn’t know what all was needed to make it work

The better the condition of the entire distributor is the better it will perform with any type of ignition. JMHO

 

[Janicholson]

The better the condition of the entire distributor is the better it will perform with any type of ignition. JMHO

You are correct. Plus the wear will continue to the point of increased poor timing and eventual touching of the reluctor/magnet with the transducer. or the rotor hitting the cap terminals. A poor choice to save money. Jim