Electronic Ignition

[Barry from Stirling]

Morning everyone. I have heard a bit lately about the electronic ignition for these old girls. I own a 1952 TEA-2085 and would like to investigate this a bit further. Can someone out there explain to me how this works, how does one change from points to electronic ignition? Keep in mind Im very limited to what I know or can do on these great old tractors. Where do you aquire this electronic ignition and are they available for all makes and models of old tractors? Thanks as always, I havent posted in quite a while but do check the postings on a daily basis. Hi to all who know me out there in Fergy land, Stay well Barry

 

[Richard L]

Barry left column top under Marketplace click on "tractor Parts" then keep going and click on "electrical system". I haven't done this yet so I am sure others will tell you what number you should get and how easy it is to install. This will let you have a little reading before others answer. Richard

 

[Barry from Stirling]

Hi Again everyone, I got this response from Genesee and this is what they are telling me what to do, thing is I dont know what they are talking about any help would be great.Thanks as always. Genesee wrote the following:


Barry, We have a kits for most Lucas distributors, however we like to verify the distributor cam dimensions when possible. If you have dial calipers,please measure the major and minor dimensions of the cam, or in other words the distance across the flat portion vs. the distance across the lobed portion. The kit is $105.95 and shipping via post office would be $10.00 Thanks for the inquiry and just let us know if you have any questions.

 

[Two Dogs]

I put a Pertronix ignition on my FE35 a couple of years ago. So simple a caveman can do it. Excellent results. Instant starts. I like. TDF

 

[Richard L]

Barry if you will look at your distributor there should be a metal tag riveted to the outside and I am guessing yours probably shows D3A4. I would imagine if you told those people you have a (what ever is on that tag) XXXX distributor that should take care of it. Make sure you find those numbers on the distributor tag or you could get the wrong unit. Richard

 

[Bob (Aust)]

[b:535b7d9510]Barry.[/b:535b7d9510]

You need a Pertronix LU-145 Ignitor for your '52 TEA20 and I also recommend the Pertronix (or similar) high voltage coil. That ignitor is for a [u:535b7d9510][b:535b7d9510]negative earth[/b:535b7d9510][/u:535b7d9510] electrical system.

Don't reverse electrical polarity (i.e. change to positive earth) or you will fry the unit.

It is so simple to install most 10 year olds should be able to do it for you in under 30 minutes. Just follow the instructions that come with the unit.

You will be delighted with the improvement and of course, never again clean and adjust points, faulty condensers etc.

Bob in Oz
'53 TEA20

 

[oliver in ohio]

cbs performance in colorado has good prices on pertronix units also,we buy there often.phone number 1-800-685-1492

 

[oliver in ohio]

cbs performance in colorado has good prices on pertronix units also,we buy there often.phone number 1-800-685-1492

 

[Jerry/MT]

The installation is simple if you have a 12V negative ground electrical system. You remove the points and the primary wire feed from the distributor, screw in the module and connect the module wires to the coil. The unit electronicly senses the cam lobes and then cuts off the primary current just like the points opening would do.
There are primarily two makers that I am aware of: Genesee and Pertronix. The units cost about the same(~$100). Pertonix is probably the most popular but I have not heard anything bad about the Genesee units.
The down side of the Pertronix that is available for the Fergusons is that you can overheat the unit if you leave the key on with the engine not running. Pertronix does have a unit that shuts the power off to the module if there is no rpm signal but that unit is not available for the Fergusons.
I have had one on my TO-30 for about 4 years and have had no trouble with it. I get reliable starts and have no points to futz with. You will not get any more power with electronic ignition contrary to the many claims. You'll certainly get more power than you would with a poor peforming breaker ignition system but that is not a fair comparison.) What you do get is the lack of deterioration that a breaker point ignition generally has over time due to point wear , cam rubstrip wear, etc and there is no condensor to go bad.

I wouldn't say that the electronic units are available for every spark ignition engine but they are available for many of them.

Hope this helps.

 

[Anonymous-0]

And if the electronic ignition breaks you are out that $100 and shut down until another is shipped. If points or condenser go bad, you are out less than $5 and can get one at most local auto parts stores (though that may be harder for Lucas than for Delco distributors).

You can replace points and condenser annually for 10 years for the price of one electronic ignition module.

Gerald J.

 

[Bob]

Jerry, you are making it confusing. Genessee is simply a Pertronix reseller.

 

[Bob (Aust)]

[b:fc1b814b44]Gerald[/b:fc1b814b44]. Then factor in time cleaning and adjusting points, frustration, time cleaning or the cost to replace spark plugs, higher fuel burn due to the engine operating at less than peak efficiency, and it will probably pay for itself in a year or two!

Works for me! :lol:

 

[Barry from Stirling]

Good Sunday Morning everyone, wow thanks for all the great feed back. I will let you know how this works once I treat myself to an early x-mas present from Genesee Products. This is truly one great site, I have to say. The term " SO SIMPLE A CAVEMAN CAN DO IT " is right up my alley. My wife thinks I act like a caveman all the time
(laughing ) Thanks again everyone

 

[Ron L]

Barry,

Just another input from a happy Pertronix user. I usually do some upgrade to my TO 30 every year. This past summer I changed it over to 12 volts, new wiring and added the electronic kit. Couldnt be happier with instant starts hot or cold, and a much better running machine.

Ron in Upstate New York

 

[Two Dogs]

Or you could easily convert back to points (save the old parts) if time is a factor after an unlikely meltdown. TDF

 

[chuck130]

Barry, I live down the road from you (128 Maple Rd, just west of Wellman Corners. I have a Petronix on my "54 - what a difference. Come by sometime.

 

[Barry from Stirling]

Hi Chuck I would love to stop by Im of work for a few weeks so let me kow when would be a good time. Im on 187 Salem Rd, 3rd place on the left just up highway 14 from you, what a small world we live in I have to tell you. Thanks barry