electronic ignition

[53 super H]

What brand of electronic ignition would you recommend if converting a Super H to electronic?

 

[Hayfarmer]

I believe you can order one from this site. I thought most are Pertronix. You need to get the correct one, pos/neg ground 6or 12 volt

 

[tractorguy2]

I don't see any reason for converting an antique tractor to electronic ignition. A decent set of points will last no less than a decade. You won't have more power or use less fuel with EI.

My dad converted his Ford pickup to EI sometimes back in the mid to late 80's. It lasted till about 1998. He put points back in it. That set was still working when he sold his old Ford in 2015. There was no difference in it's performance.

 

[old]

I've probably replaced more of those and put point back on then I have the other way around. One can buy 5 plus sets of point for what a unit would cost and the point last longer. Been a decade or more since I have had to replace a set of points

 

[fastfarmall]

They are over rated,and when they go out, you are dead where u sit.!!

 

[300guy]

I used Petronix on my 300. When I had points in it, even brand new ones, it never failed after sitting for a month, it would not start. I always had to go in and clean them to get a spark. Once I put in the electronic ignition, it starts every time before it goes over 2 times! A friend of mine has a Ford 900. He also had the same problem plus it started hard even with new points and condenser. After he put in the Petronix, it too would start before going over 2 times. So I am a believer in the Petronix. Both unit have had the systems in for 8 years now.

 

[wore out]

The basic pertronix units don't produce a "hotter" spark than a fresh set of points, to be honest NOT quite as "hot" due to voltage drop across the switching transistor in the EI unit.

And while they are pretty good/reliable occasionally they fail for no apparent reason, often just when you need the tractor or vehicle the most.

At that point (unless you have a local supplier with in-depth stock) your engine is "dead in the water" until you can acquire a replacement and have it shipped to you.

Years ago we installed MANY of them on some of our own vehicles/machines and for customers. After a couple of "out of the blue" failures you couldn't GIVE me one of the darned things if I had to install it and be responsible for it.

 

[David G]

I am not sure that statement is correct.

Any arc across the points will decrease the spark, HEI are theoretically perfect points.

 

[Hayfarmer]

I don't understand all the negativity on electronic ignition. I have 2 tractors with them and a jeep. To me they have been very reliable, basically a set it and forget it situation. One tractor has been running on ei for about 15 years, the other more than 10 and have not had any problem with either. Initial cost is greater, but points are not cheap anymore and who knows if you will get a good condensor out of the box. Definitely up to you but I recommend them.

 

[300guy]

The voltage drop across a transistor is in mini volts and the voltage drop across a set of points can be almost 1 volt. The spark generated by my 300 and the original coil was way longer, brighter and much higher in voltage than anything points can generate. The main cause for a Pertronic to fail is leaving the switch on without the engine running. This will let the smoke out of the transistor unit very quickly. The original electronic ignitions that came out years ago had all kinds of problems and usually with only one part depending on the brand of system. Since that time these systems are extremely reliable as the manufacture of the electronic parts go through very strict quality control. I would guarantee if anyone got shocked from a points system and then an electronic system, they won't be standing with the electronic. These will drop you to your knees instantly.

 

[wore out]

"if anyone got shocked from a points system and then an electronic system, they won't be standing with the electronic"

A basic pertronix system with an OEM type coil isn't going to hurt you any more than a system with good points.

To bad we aren't neighbors, I could PROVE this to you with my "distributor machine" with calibrated spark gap, or an ignition 'scope that can measure kilovolts.

Of course, a "High Energy" or CDI ignition is another matter altogether.

Local FD has an older water tanker with a 534 Ford with points and want to "upgrade".

Pertronix was mentioned, I said "no way".

We will be using a newer re-manned Ford distributor with an OEM electronic pickup and an MSD "Steetfighter" CDI box. Cables are available to make this a "factory-like" installation.

(I wouldn't want to get "bit" by this unit)

(First choice would have been a Davis Unified Ignition, but they don't make them for this big 'ol engine.)

If it works out time-wise I will take some before and after ignition waveform photos and post them.

 

[Old weldor]

I own a Farmall 300 that had a Pertronix electronic conversion in it when I bought it. I’ve owned it ten years and it still starts instantly. I haven’t touched. The distributor since I’ve owned it!

 

[old]

Most aftermarket system are 1 all fits all so they do not work well in all systems. As for your jeep was it factory or aftermarket? If factory well there you go it was made for it. NONE of my tractor have electronic ignitions and when I want to use them 99% of the time they start just fine if not a simple cleaning or the point and off I go

 

[SadFarmall]

On my Farmalls I prefer magneto and points ignition. The electronic systems are great when they work and they are 'set and forget', but they can and do fail on occasion.
That said, magneto or coil and points ignition can fail too but it is easy enough and very cheap to carry a spare set of points and condenser, whereas a spare electronic unit is expensive. Moreover, I have never had an H4 magneto ignition fail.
SadFarmall

 

[Oregon Tractor Jack]

I have several tractors with Petronx ignitions. If you follow the instructions for installation and get the correct ignition wires you will get years of good service out of them. Having stated that, here are two examples of what will fry a Petronx. First, don't forget to turn the ignition off after you run the carburetor out of fuel. I always run my tractors dry after I use them if they are going sit for more than a week. I did that once and forgot to turn the ignition off and the tractor sat for a week before I noticed it. That fried the module. The second problem I have had was with a shorted coil. The coil developed an internal short at a tractor pull and fried the module. I would recommend that you get a brand new coil that matches the Petronx system. I believe the coil should have an internal resistance of 3 Ohms but don't quote me. I have an ignition kit a carry with me for tractor pulls and shows. It has everything I need to convert and IH distributor back to a points and condenser ignition. Haven't need the kit since the fried coil, but like the Boy Scouts, I like to "Be Prepared".

OTJ

 

[Ellis Kinney]

I own three Farmall M tractors. I have converted all three to Pretronix electronic ignition. Also neg. ground with 12 volt alternator. If you are going to actually farm with your tractor it is the only way to go. A true restorer will frown on this. I depend on mine and they always start well. I did have one ignition kit fail just after installation and the company was delightful to deal with. Sent me a new one instantly. YT sells them!! Ellis

 

[wore out]

(quoted from post at 08:23:35 01/10/21) I own three Farmall M tractors. I have converted all three to Pretronix electronic ignition. Also neg. ground with 12 volt alternator. If you are going to actually farm with your tractor it is the only way to go. A true restorer will frown on this. I depend on mine and they always start well. I did have one ignition kit fail just after installation and the company was delightful to deal with. Sent me a new one instantly. YT sells them!! Ellis

One out of three failed and you are HAPPY with them?

So they replaced it, that still doesn't account for the extra labor, inconvenience, and "down time" while waiting for a replacement.

Imagine if one out of three new cars had an "ignition failure, yet that so rarely happens.

Why can these units not be made to a similar (almost nonexistent) failure rate?

 

[Old weldor]

I own a Farmall 300 that had a Pertronix electronic conversion in it when I bought it. I’ve owned it ten years and it still starts instantly. I haven’t touched. The distributor since I’ve owned it!

 

[pete 23]

Biggest problem with points , besides quality is guys stand on their head working on them. That usually ends up with points not aligned properly. Be it magneto or battery ignition, I pull the unit off, check it over like for advance in good shape, or impulse working properly, then install the points. I have a tool for getting ahold of the stationery point to tweek it so points line up.

Another thing, on the IH distributor, about 90 percent of them end up with a broken off ridge on the insulator that helps align the spring due again to standing on your head working where you can't see everything clearly.

As far as electronic, they will give less problems on engines that are subject to moisture or fumes getting into distributor. But, when they are done, not much you can do to get you back home from the north 40.