350U distributor problems

sandellchad

New User
I recently rebuilt my distributor on
My 350. The 350 has been converted to
12v. I removed the entire distributor
from the tractor. It has a loader and
removing the distributor made it much
easier to work on.
I disassemble the distributor all the
way back to the rear plate. I cleaned
the rear plate, weights, and springs.
I replaced the the point system and
condenser making sure the points were
set at .02 when the points are at high
point on the lobe. I reasembled the
distributor making sure everything was
clean and dry. I then put it back in
the tractor, replaced the rotor and
inspected the distributor cap before
latching it back on and fastening it.
The tractor would not start. I removed
a spark plug and grounded it to the
frame and realized I had no spark at
the plug.
From there I removed the distributor
again to make sure everything was
replaced correctly and look for
obvious issues. I could not find
anything. Then I left the distributor
cap off and connected the power from
the coil to the distributor. I turned
the key to the right. With a test
light, I found I have power out of the
coil, power into distributor, I have
power to the points and shaft when the
points are closed and no power when
they are open. Everything seemed to be
working properly so I reinstalled it
back onto the tractor. After I bolted
it to the tractor I have no power from
the coil forward, which I had power
when it was not bolted to the tractor.
I then removed the distributor, again.
When I pulled the distributor out the
key was still on (so there was power
to the distributor) and when the gear
on the back of the distributor touched
the tractor it sparked. I'm guessing
that is not right but I don't know how
to fix it. I did go back and checked
to make sure the stud that goes
through the distributor housing for
the power was properly insulated.
I'm very new to antique tractors and I
really seem to struggle with
electricity. Any advice would be
greatly appreciated. Thanks in
advance.
 
The points, or the lead to the points, or the pass through from the terminal have a short to ground. Using an ohm meter or continuity tester, with the parts in your hand disconnected, there should be no connection from ground to the terminal with the points open. You will find it. Jim
 
I appreciate the response,Jim. I'll keep plugging away at it. One quick question; Since I removed the distributor from the tractor completely, would it being out of time cause there to be no spark to the plugs?
 
A distributor being out a time will not cause you to lose spark. When out of time you will have spark at wrong time, but will still have spark.
 
One thought. Have you checked to make sure the rotor is turning when you have distributer installed and turning tractor over?
 
Yes, I did check and the rotor is
turning.

I was pretty sure that was the answer
to the timing question I had. I've
just checked and double checked
everything so much I just wanted to
make sure I wasn't missing something
simple.
 
On a side note, I use my 350u constantly and several winters in a row
I had burned points right when I needed it. I put add-on electronic
ignition on it about 8 years ago and have had absolutely no problem
starting it ever since.
 

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