JD 3020 electronic ignition diagnosis

[John L 3020]

Hi everybody, I have a 1970 John Deere 3020, and it was restored back in 2001. During that time it was converted to an electronic ignition system. The tractor is 12v negative ground. Just recently the tractor would not start and has no spark. I am not familiar with these electronic ignitions as I’m used to the points. It has a Pertronix system. Any help or suggestions on diagnosing/replacing this system would be greatly appreciate.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Do you get voltage at the coil when the key is on?

 

[wore out]

Hi everybody, I have a 1970 John Deere 3020, and it was restored back in 2001. During that time it was converted to an electronic ignition system. The tractor is 12v negative ground. Just recently the tractor would not start and has no spark. I am not familiar with these electronic ignitions as I’m used to the points. It has a Pertronix system. Any help or suggestions on diagnosing/replacing this system would be greatly appreciate.

Pertronix makes a rather expensive but fragile ignition system.

You may as well go to their website and see what options are available to you.
to check out and replace a failed module.

 

[MarkB_MI]

First thing to do is to check to see whether the plug wires are resistor or solid wire. Pertronix recommends resistor wires; solid wires can lead to premature failure of the Pertronix module.

 

[RobCons]

I would start with the coil. Makevsure you have 12v comingbto it. If so then check its resistance, primary and secondary. If your still good check the (-) wire going into the distributor. Still good follow the Pertronix check list.

 

[KCTractors]

Call Pertonix, they will help you out at 909-547-9058. First thing to do, see if you have spark at a spark plug.

 

[John L 3020]

Yes I did check the coil and resistance, neither are bad. I believe the ignition system is the problem. I was able to find the right kit for my 3020. I’ll get it ordered soon! Thanks for all of your help! I will keep you all posted. P.S. - the plug wires are the resistor type. Thanks!

 

[560Dennis]

Why not put the points back in ?

 

[John L 3020]

Why not put the points back in ?

well I would have to convert it, plus the electronic ignition removes the annoying having to replace the points/clean them every so often. I believe it’s also more efficient.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

well I would have to convert it, plus the electronic ignition removes the annoying having to replace the points/clean them every so often. I believe it’s also more efficient.

You got 24 years of use or non use out of it I don’t know the tractors situation…either way I’d say quarter century wouldn’t qualify as a premature failure

 

[John L 3020]

Sorry for the late response - the wire coming from the electronic ignition going to the coil broke off somehow, thank you all so much for your time and responses! The tractor runs beautifully now!