Wisconsin thd/tjd engine ?'s

[Diymechanicmike]

Hello, I'm in the process of fixing an old wisconsin engine up to use as a pony motor to run a hydraulic pump. Anyway it's missing magneto parts and those are pretty expensive. I have another one that has the old prestolite distributor setup. I was wondering are those interchangeable on all the engines or just certain models? Also which style is "better" or more sought after? Any pros or cons to either style?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[wore out]

Hello, I'm in the process of fixing an old wisconsin engine up to use as a pony motor to run a hydraulic pump. Anyway it's missing magneto parts and those are pretty expensive. I have another one that has the old prestolite distributor setup. I was wondering are those interchangeable on all the engines or just certain models? Also which style is "better" or more sought after? Any pros or cons to either style?

Thanks,
Mike

Since no one else has chimed in, I'll put in my two cents worth... what parts does your mag need?

I like keeping things simple and if the mag could be repaired I'd rather do that than venture into the unknown.

 

[Diymechanicmike]

Looks like the face plate/hookups and the coil inside forsure is missing. I have another 2 cylinder wis engine that has a distributor on the end of a generator/starter looking gear box that I believe runs off the flywheel. I'm wondering if they are Interchangable?
I think I can get parts for the magneto, they are just expensive. Which is why I'm wondering which is the better option, distributor style or magneto? The distributor might be a cheaper and longer lasting option? not sure tho...

 

[teddy52food]

Looks like the face plate/hookups and the coil inside forsure is missing. I have another 2 cylinder wis engine that has a distributor on the end of a generator/starter looking gear box that I believe runs off the flywheel. I'm wondering if they are Interchangable?
I think I can get parts for the magneto, they are just expensive. Which is why I'm wondering which is the better option, distributor style or magneto? The distributor might be a cheaper and longer lasting option? not sure tho...

I work on those magnetos But don't have a good coil for one You can use a regular coil on each cylinder & run battery power through the 2 coils then to the points. If this is an engine that fires both on compression and between ex & intake.

 

[wore out]

Looks like the face plate/hookups and the coil inside forsure is missing. I have another 2 cylinder wis engine that has a distributor on the end of a generator/starter looking gear box that I believe runs off the flywheel. I'm wondering if they are Interchangable?
I think I can get parts for the magneto, they are just expensive. Which is why I'm wondering which is the better option, distributor style or magneto? The distributor might be a cheaper and longer lasting option? not sure tho...

Photos would be helpful.

 

[Diymechanicmike]

What do you want photos of? I can post some. Just tell me the best locations.
I have a thd and a tjd. The thd runs. The tjd is what I'm restoring to be usable. The tjd is missing the magneto parts. The thd I have has a distributor attached to a generator for spark. Those magneto parts are pricey tho. Anyone know of a cheap source for those parts?

 

[teddy52food]

What do you want photos of? I can post some. Just tell me the best locations.
I have a thd and a tjd. The thd runs. The tjd is what I'm restoring to be usable. The tjd is missing the magneto parts. The thd I have has a distributor attached to a generator for spark. Those magneto parts are pricey tho. Anyone know of a cheap source for those parts?

I am not sure which is which, but does one run even fire & the other like a JD? If it is the odd fireing one you can put a FM 4 cylinder mag on use 2 wires to fire it & ground the other 2. I put one on an LUC JD engine like that & had a spark plug with the other 2 wires on it & as you were hand cranking you could be checking for spark too. I think I have a good hot one ready to go.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

The TJD pistons are 180 apart and fire like a JD. The mag terminals are staggered with a forked rotor. The THD they run together and fire alternately. The mag terminals are side by side and both fire on every revolution. The D suffix means they have exhaust valve seats. I'll check my service manual to see if the distributor is interchangeable. When I was at Lincoln they used the THD and TJD both on welder/generator sets, same with NH balers. Depends on which one you like the sound of.