1950 Ferguson TO20 has no spark

DILLON45

New User


I have a TO-20 that i bought but the distributor was on borrow and the seller had to return it.
In any event I bought the tractor minus 1 distributor.

I was able locate one , a TO-35 (used) for approx.
$100.00, new they sell for over $300.00 the
T0-35 is the same in length and gear size and the
professionals say it does work as a replacement
for the TO-20.

Today I installed it using the technique of
bringing number 1 cyld. to TDC and pointing the
rotor to same.
It started on the firs try, but was running a little rough I turned it in attempt to time it
correctly, however, it was not quite right.
I removed it and installed new points and rotor
NOTE: I wanted to make sure it would start with
this distributor before changing out the points and rotor.

Well upon my 2nd attempt installing the distributor it does not want to start.

QUESTION: Does anyone have a suggestion in the
proper installation of a distributor ?
I find myself 2nd guessing my installation
procedure.

ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED. thank you.
 
Must be at TDC on #1 on a "compression" Stroke, Put your finger on Spark plug hole, with that #1 plug out. and when you feel air rushing out,that would be the compression stroke.bring slowly "almost" to TDC. install dist. with rotor pointing at the number 1 spark plug wire terminal in the cap, (When cap is on) should start.
 
As what was previous said the crank goes around twice to the dist.. Therefore the #1 could be up, but not on compression. Feel the air compression pushing out of hole #1 when turning crank by hand.
Stop when #1 is at full top height. Install dist. point at #1 on the cap. While your there check which way the rotor turns and check firing order. Is it backwards?
Next I have seen new points with a substance on the contacts. They should be cleaned- put a piece of paper in them when closed and pull it thru, this will clean them. Install cap & rotor. Crank engine with key ON. You should have spark at the coil wire.
If not put a test light on the points wire to the coil and the clip of the test light lead to the block. When cranking the light should flash. If not there is a problem with your primary circuit.
 
I am thinking you grounded/shorted something in the dist cap. I have had to use roofing silicon and model railroad glue on that insulating washer/ cartridge? with the bolt thru it, and its wire- the spring of the points rubbing the bottom plate?... and last year there were about a dozen threads on here concerning bad condensers from the package, so be sure you triple check all that before you twist the timing again, obviously you did that perfect right off the bat.
 
To time the ignition, turn the engine with plugs removed (its easier) and turn engine with your finger over number ONE plug hole when you feel compression on your finger stop. Go to the timing hole below the starter and look for the timing marks on the Flywheel. turn the engine until the marks appear and you look for the 7 degrees mark (count the lines on the flywheel) use the ones that appear first in the hole. Line up the 7 degree mark with the mark on the Engine mounting plate, You need to turn the engine slowly until the marks JUST line up, you can't turn the engine back-wards if you go too far, if this happens you will need to turn the engine over two revolutions before you get back to the same point. When the marks are lined up, now slacken the distributor and turn it so the Points are JUST at the point of opening (not open) and re-tighten the Distributor Clamp. That is the ignition set, check the Rotor that it isn't cracked or damaged in any way, same with the distributor Cap, any marks or cracks, replace it as the HT can creep along the marks. Then check the terminal that runs through the side of the Distributor Bowl that the insulator hasn't worn through with vibration. Change the Condenser if you haven't already done this as these can fail anytime and always change them if the points develop a spike or a hole in the contact faces as it is starting to fail. If you would like this in a bit more detail, email me and I will send it....John(UK)[email protected]
 
I meant to send you this picture for the timing hole...John(UK)
a91624.jpg
 

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