Points

[2popnpull]

Sorry to be a bother, just had a question about points again. Got fire on my H mag, but cant get the point gap to go over .10. They need to be .15 how much will that effect timming. I think I need new points? they look good. i dont know if they are right though. Also, my little H is ahand start. Should you have to spin it kind of fast to get to start? Is there any tricks. My Dad would make me so angry, He was 81 and could start my ol G. I would try for literly hours and nothing. since he passed away, three years and two months ago, I aint even touched it. Again Many Thanks for Everyone Help. George

 

[charles lendman]

George,
Get a manual for the tractor and then read it...then get back on this forum and you will get the answer to ALL your questions and you'll get it running again! Charles

 

[Duane Larson]

2popnpull,
I assume you have a Wico C on your H? It sounds like the last set of points was put on with no lubrication on the rubbing block, which rides on the magneto cam. Frequently the points I replace look ok on the contacts, but the rubbing block is worn. Assuming your point adjusting screw is working ok, I would try a new set of points and put a dab of stiff grease on the back side of the rubbing block. Not much, just a dab.

One other possibility is the bushings that your magnetic rotor/cam ride in are badly worn. I would try moving the cam end of the rotor up and down - if you get any movement the bushings likely should be replaced. But if the bushings are worn bad enough to limit the point gap setting, I would expect the magnetic rotor would be rubbing on the pole faces that the rotor turns between.

 

[buickanddeere]

I feel your pain. When I was in my 20's and a serious body builder.An old man using a walker starter a D that I couldn't. In front of dozens of people I may add.

 

[gtx1967jewison]

it requires know-how not strenght or cranking speed. thats providing the mechanicals are all ok. experience, especially with the particular engine in mind, also turns the tides. & dont forget- just like dogs- if she knows you're intimidated or afraid, she'll never start!

 

[Mike M]

I'd also suggest trying new points. I'd also try setting them at .018" and at .015" and see if it sparks any better at one or the other. sometimes the bigger setting helps make up for wear and they spark a little better.

 

[cogger]

I have to say that of the tractors I own, have owned or have started, the H was the oddest! The flywheel is so small, it takes getting used to . I have a 1930 D and in some ways, it is more convenient to start. Now those Gs are another story! The flywheel is up a bit higher than most. But, the H was still the oddest one for me.

 

[c.seydel]

Try http://jd2clyservice.com. That was listed in this forum a few days ago.
I havnt had a chance to read it all but there is alot of info on mags and how to tune them.
Also find some info on cleaning up your carb, that helped me alot all the ports were full of rust. A new condenser, changed to a different plug, played with the timming and now she runs and starts good. Give it a good tune up then try to start it as you were and go from there.
Im starting to think that old steel has a soul.

 

[John T]

Duane didnt mention the specifics below, but I picked up from him and Glen in Texas and others along the way and now in my own seminars talk about setting points via the edge gap, which theoretically if all is new and correct would make them gap around 0.015, BUT if they get under 0.012 or so its time for a new set of points due to follower wear. Yes, the points gap affects both start impulse and run time advance but one can usually adjust enough to compensate for that. Check those bushings for sure and get a new set n let us know.

John T

 

[buickanddeere]

I think that is what my post implied.

 

[Anonymous-0]

My brother related this story my direction. Was at an auction where the owner was a feller in his upper 80's some place. He was maybe 5' 5 & weighed just about as much as my steel toed shoes. Wiry feller that had been on this farm his entire life. He had a 1937 (or so) D that he'd bought brand new. Still had its original paint job. Wasn't beat up or ugly, just used. He told the crowd that it had sat out one night.

Through the day, many people tried to start the old D. Only a few even got a half hearted pop out of it.

As the auctioneer approached the tractor he asked the old man if he thought it would run seein how all these people been monkeying with it all day.

His reply was..... Probly.

He went up to the tractor & hung his cane on a head lamp. The compression releases were open already. He set the throttle the way he wanted it, rolled it over to see where what was, Set the choke, rolled it some more, changed the choke setting, rolled some more then stopped & said ya know, I have a minimum on this tractor. If it doesn't go for enough it don't sell! Had new rings and a valve job some 30 years back.

Auctioneer agreed & then he gave it a half hearted roll & it barked to life without hesitation!

He shut the fuel off & let it run out of gas.

When it had quit, the auctioneer asked how come he could start it and all those young strong fellers didn't get it to putt!

His reply.... If you fight this tractor tryin to start it, you'll loose. I been startn it for near 60 years and we're good friends.

It also did not sell so he started it again & drove it up the barn bank & parked it in it's same old spot up on the barn floor.

It's these things that make start up contests real contests!

 

[2popnpull]

if i may say, that is so true. Thank you for that story. Dad was just like that. not to many turnes and he could make it run, not me. i would work and work. Dad said i would get it...Never thought he would be gone so quickly and i had so much to learn. my Dad was oldenough to be my Grandad, he kind of was. He was mt Dad and He was truely Grand. Again, So many thanks to all you Folks.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Glad it made you smile!

Later.