Points next?

[Chris623]

Power at the coil....Yes. Points stuck closed? Nope. Brand new points and properly gapped. Just installed all the new parts today.

 

[Eman85]

You never seem to answer all of the questions or do all of the simple tests.
Don't know where you're at but if you're close I'll take the tractor off your hands if you're throwing it away.

 

[Chris623]

(quoted from post at 17:00:47 09/02/23) You never seem to answer all of the questions or do all of the simple tests.
Don't know where you're at but if you're close I'll take the tractor off your hands if you're throwing it away.

Ha-ha, you're funny. Can't do without my tractor.

I've done everything everyone has told me. I'm going to find someone in my area who is familiar with tractors to come out to my place.

 

[Jim WI]

(quoted from post at 15:34:43 09/02/23)
Power at the coil....Yes. Points stuck closed? Nope. Brand new points and properly gapped. Just installed all the new parts today.

Is there voltage at Coil -?

If you turn the engine over with the starter, does the voltage come and go?

 

[jetaray]

There is a very simple video tutorial online to troubleshoot ignition systems. This was made over nine years ago but still applies. Contains just about all the advice given so far, in a visual aid form, for a quick check of an ignition system.

Type "How to Determine if your Tractor has Spark video" in a web search engine.

Video shows how to use your test light and spark tester for troubleshooting possible problems of the ignition system.

Jetaray

P.S. Don’t give up, there are many sources online to help one repair a Ford 8N. This site and many videos helped me overhaul a carburetor and governor for my 1940 9N.

This post was edited by jetaray on 09/07/2023 at 03:12 am.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 17:00:52 09/03/23)

(quoted from post at 15:34:43 09/02/23)
Power at the coil....Yes. Points stuck closed? Nope. Brand new points and properly gapped. Just installed all the new parts today.

Is there voltage at Coil -?

If you turn the engine over with the starter, does the voltage come and go?

his question has been asked more than once over the last month .....but never answered!!!! :roll: Not only do we need to know if it blinks, but if no blinking, does light glow continuously or not at all.?

 

[Eman85]

(quoted from post at 16:53:10 09/02/23)

I've done everything everyone has told me. I'm going to find someone in my area who is familiar with tractors to come out to my place.

That is the best thing to do.

 

[Chris623]

I replaced the coil, points, condenser and Distributor cap. That didn't fix the problem. And then I found someone locally who rebuilds old tractors who has been more than willing to help. He came over and stuck his test light on two points and announced the Ballast/resistor was bad. I went out and bought one. Still pulling my hair out though because I couldn't get the tractor to start. Then I realized the battery just wasn't doing it's thing. Took it to town and had it checked........yup, bad cell. Bought a new battery. (this is gettin' spininsive!) Anyway the good news is the tractor started right off and I used it all day yesterday and today mowing my too-tall pastures. I've got another two days of mowing ahead of me I think. Then comes the dreaded project. This all started because I was trying to get my hydraulic lift to work. Thought I had it fixed but then all this electrical stuff sidelined me. Well, when I got the tractor started I tried the lift and I guess I hadn't fixed anything. My new friend queried me about what I had done when I thought I'd fixed it. When I told him I'd cleaned a slight bit of corrosion off that little valve that the lift handle moves in and out of the pump he said I need to pull the pump again because the pump itself most likely has corrosion in it and something is stuck inside. Admittedly I didn't tear down the pump last time I had it out back in February. So as soon as I get all my work done I'll drain the fluid and dive into it again.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for all the help you guys offered. I learned a lot about my old tractor along the way and I guess that's what these forums are all about anyway. I'm up and running and that's what counts. And I've met a new local friend who says he's available most any time I have a question. Can't beat that.

 

[lastcowboy32]

Fabulous

Your story is also evidence for why... a trouble light is a cool tool to have... but it's not quite as good as a good old analog multimeter.

Just about any voltage from the battery will light the bulb.

But a multimeter would tell you what voltage is actually present.

Even better if you can measure current.

But...when you start to measure things with a meter, you start down the path of then interpreting what you measure, which comes with a little mix of technical acumen and wisdom.

Even at my age, with a degree in electronics, and a multimeter... I recently measured the battery voltage and voltages at certain points on our tractor when it wouldn't start. Seeing a battery voltage dip to 9 or 10 volts during cranking told me that either the battery was crud, or the starter was drawing too much current.

In the end, it was just plain connection... needed new battery terminal clamps... which I suspected from inspection and measurements... but wisdom and experience, which someone else (a local shop that fixes starters and alternators) had more of.

so... a multimeter... and a friend with some experience...

and you should have your next electrical issue licked in no time.

 

[Chris623]

Indeed. Thanks.