Is it normal? (shocked by H)

[WI Dan]

1941 John Deere H
I noticed when I touch the boot of the spark plug, while touching somewhere else on the tractor, I get a good shock of electricity.
Is that normal?

The spark plug covers are missing, fyi. I haven't found them in the parts pile yet.

 

[Duner Wi]

It is not abnormal in my experience. Depends on your boot really.

 

[JIM MN]

Yes you can get a shock! Even with boot on, it can be cracked. With good sharp spark, you get shocked.

 

[MSD]

Don't do that then it won't be a problem. LOL

 

[JD60Standard]

Not uncommon, I’ve been shocked by my “D” a few times.

 

[Jim.ME]

Boots are breaking down, losing insulation value.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

Could be just from moisture too.

 

[Ray,IN]

I replace wires every 10years. The newer wires without copper wire break down much faster IMO. One tractor I bought needed new wires. When I removed the metal shield that protected the wires from exhaust manifold heat, 2 of the wires were so bad they were hard as a rock and translucent. You could see the graphite core.

 

[areeves]

Some of the old farmers around here used to do this intentionally to surprise unsuspecting bystanders. Grab the plug, then touch someone on the shoulder. Zap!

 

[Steven Allen]

Our A has no boots, anyway. When I lean against the front support, especially with a sweaty shirt, I get shocked. No biggie: verification your mag or ignition system is working

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Yes not specific to 2 cylinders either first shock like that I had a hand over the carb testing the choke and a buddy pulled rope and one finger touched the plug wire end on a push mower in shop class. I was more concerned with where my toes were. Quality of plug wire is a factor but I still don’t usually play with them while running.

2 cylinder specific I started a fire once with plug wires off hanging plugs out over on the shelf the arc will jump 6 inches or so enough to light gasoline vapor

 

[WI Dan]

Don't do that then it won't be a problem. LOL

good point!