Do I really need to pull the distributor? - Conclusion

Last night a friend and I were able to finally solve this on-going and highly frustrating problem. We were able to get both tractors ('57 Powermaster and '63 4000 (4 cylinder, gas)) up and running. The first confirmed problem was that the tune-up kit I bought had the cheapest, crappiest brass spark plug wire connectors that were totally worthless. When these were removed and the old wires replaced, that problem vanished. This was the only problem with the 4000, as it started right up and only required a minimum of adjusting. My Powermaster problem was not only linked to the poor connectors, but with the fact that the cork distributor gasket that goes between the distributor body and the dust shied was about 40% thicker than the original one. This too-thick gasket ended up causing three different rotors to break apart. It's really true that just because parts are brand new, one can't fully trust them due to shoddy specs. In any case, once I placed the original (skinny) gasket back in place and reconnected everything, this engine also started right up and required even less adjusting than the first one. We had previously verified the static timing, so there was no need to remove either distributor. Thank God for all of this, as I can finally get some sleep!!

Thanks for sharing the answers as it will help all of us. And congrats for becoming a better trouble shooter. Lots of ideals sometimes run you the wrong direction, sometime help a bunch.

Enjoy your fords.

Sotxbill - Yep, it's highly infuriating when the trouble is traced to brand new parts. It's the one thing that one would never expect. I forgot to mention that with the dust cover gasket being too thick, it didn't allow the rotor to seat all the way on the shaft and it was this arrangement that cause all of them to fail in place.

I just ran all new electrical wiring including a new voltage regulator on my 4000 H.D Industrial, after installing the new components my 12 volt battery was being charged at 19 volts, it blew my front headlights. I put another (cheap) regulator from Steiners tractor which again charged at 19 volts, I then purchased a voltage regulator from NAPA for $76.00 which brought the electrical system back to normal. I will never buy cheap electrical components again, its not worth the aggravation to save a couple of bucks.