Electronic ignition???

[TipOtheMitt]

I have an 8N, When I bought it last year it ran like a top, but within 2 months it began running worse and worse, backfiring until it wouldn't run at all. I put new plugs and wires in, this helped a bit for a few days then it quit again. It has been suggested that these have timing issues and I should switch it over to electronic ignition. I tried to remove the distributor to see whats inside but couldn't pull it off. I am looking at the distributor and wouldn't know if it was electronic or not. Can someone tell me how to tell the difference? The electronic conversion kit is not overly expensive. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Mad Farmer]

I have had good luck with points from small engines to dual point Mallory's.

The points on the 8N were Echlin from Napa. The points didn't burn and open up. The block would wear and the points would close with ample lube on the block. I have better things to do than pulling the distributor to adjust the points each season. Problem solved with an EI. I have had the tractor for 40 years and it has never ran better.

I've had my N 40 years too (1984?) , gets used all 4 seasons. Sorry to hear of your points problems.

When I got the 9N, Distributor parts were all OEM Ford.

I'm on 3rd set of points, one change on cap/rotor, used Blue Streak. Coil went bad once, used an Echlin for that.

I just checked, Blue Streak points are $24 now at ORiellys! Where are Echlins made now?

The point set/cap/rotor that came in it were Ford.

Crappy points picture hard to make out FMC logo.

For timing, I made a cheap part/tool from 5/16" bolt/nut/washers, and a rubber grommet to set timing. The 5/16" center rubber grommet is 1/4" thick so it makes a perfect stop for the flat edge used when setting timing. The tool bolts into the distributor mounting bolt hole. Found the grommet at the hardware store, they had similar bushings too..




Sorry don't have a picture with tool mounted. Not as nice as the tools Others have made but cheap and effective.

I've stripped the distributor a couple times when doing the points for cleaning, bushings and advance mech are still OK.