Electronic ignition

[Ranhil]

I have some play in my distributor shaft, not sure if it is enough to be causing problems or not. IF a person puts on an electronic ignition system, will that play still cause problems? I am not trying find a band aid, just wondering if I should rebuild the dist and put the kit in. Anyone have connections to the bushings for an early model 3020? Local JD dealer cannot get them.

thanks

 

[John T]

If its still a points ignition, distributor shaft wobble might cause an inconsistent points gap (i.e. perhaps inconsistent spark quality/energy) and some degree of timing fluctuation as the exact time the points break open may vary.... If its converted to an elec ignition switch, the variable points gap would no longer be an issue BUTTTTTTTTT the floating wobbly shaft can still slightly affect spark timing same as if points were present.

My advice FIX the problem REGARDLESS cuz even an elec conversion (although perhaps better per the above cuz theres no inconsistent points gap problem at least) isnt gonna cure any minor timing fluctuations caused by a wobbly shaft.

If I were gonna re bush the distributor it would be a good time to add an elec switch I guess and to get the most bang for the buck and utilize all the advantages the elec switch has to offer I would opt for a high energy high voltage coil (matched for the switches rating) and run a wider plug gap.......

Best wishes

John T

 

[glennybuck]

John T Can you help me on the wire on a JD B tO 12v?

 

[gtx1967jewison]

change the coil n go. OR buy a $3 resistor for it.

 

[John T]

If youre talking about converting to 12 volts and its currently a 6 volt coil, do as gtx posted below, simply buy an Ignition Ballast Resistor (1.5 to 1.85 or so ohms at around 30 watts) and wire it in series AFTER the ignition switch but BEFORE/AHEAD OF the coil. It will drop the 12 battery volts down to around 6 so the 6 volt coil sees 6 volts as intended. Or toss the old 6 volt coil n replace it with a full true 12 volt unit NO BALLAST REQUIRED.

If ???? thats what you intended this will work but if youre doing something else let me know. Some late B's used a Wico XB 6 volt battery powered distributor (looks similar to Wico X Mag) and they require an external ballast also if you wanna use them at 12 volts. Of course if it has a Magneto Ignition its NOT connected to any battery voltage source and theres no change to it if you convert from 6 to 12 volts.

John T