magneto

bought a farmall h, with magneto. it is not running. magneto is not making fire. magneto is impulsing. thought i would clean the points. failing to get fire after cleaning the points, what do you all recommend as next step?

how can i determine if magneto is on time? i know how to get to top dead center.

You said you have cleaned the points, may look at replacing them along with the condenser. Also make sure the points are gapped to the correct specification .013 if my mind serves me right.

I remove them just after they impulse with the cap off so i see the rotor snap. Then when installing have the rotor same place and you will be in time. You can only be right or off 180. You mite need to remove the points to get them super clean but i wouldnt replace the condenser only at last resort as the new ones seem to fail all to soon and some dont even work when brand new

Below is a link to the official IH Blue Ribbon Mag Service Manual, which gives repair and timing procedures. (You will have to copy it and paste it into your browser's address bar, as it won't post as a direct "link".)

Have you checked for spark coming out of the coil? Often, guys get the rotor out of time so the spark can't get from the center (coil) terminal of the distributor cap to the appropriate high-tension terminal when the points open and fire the coil. Rotor timing is covered on the manual, as well.

Unless the points are in bad shape, try (points "open") cleaning them with electrical contact cleaner, allow to air dry, then burnish them with a clean strip of "cardstock" followed by a shot of clean dry air to remove any fiber and debris.

I wouldn't be in a hurry to toss the condenser for a (likely not good quality) modern replacement, unless you have reason to believe it's bad, if you do replace it and it turns out not to be faulty, SAVE it, it's likely better than the one you replaced it with!

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/Blue%20Ribbon%20Service%20Manuals/GSS-5035%20Service%20Manual%20Magnetos/index.html

on original post, i had not cleaned the points. today i did and engine started.

cleaned points and engine started. thanks for the suggestions and the information;.