B Starting Problems

I have a 1952 B that will not start with the starter..even though it spins good and fast has fuel and spark.. but if i pull it to start it fires up instantly in as little as 5 feet.. im thinking its the distributor .one of those WICO XB or is it XD? i did put in a new coil,point condenser cap and rotor. any i deas? or should i just change it over to DELCO ? Thanks!

Try gapping the plugs a little closer. You don't have enough spark when using the starter.

Wico XB (used on many B's) is a battery powered coil distributor ignition. Wico XH series is a Magneto. On mags if they pull start easy and instantly if pulled but not when cranked, it can be a weak or broken impulse spring but thats NOT true for the XB distributor. In my opinion a Delco distributor is much better then the Wico XB distributor.

You say it spins good and fast but if the cables are too small (I like 0 or 00 Gauge on 6 volt tractors) or the starter has a defect and draws excess current the battery voltage can drop too much causing a weak spark while cranking. If you place a voltmeter on the battery and crank her if its 6 volt Id expect the voltage (depends on temperature and compression and battery and starter however) to drop to around 5 but if it goes much below 4.5 that can cause a weak spark when cranking.

It never hurts to remove, clean and wire brush and replace bright n shiny every battery cable and starter and ground connection.

The battery okay?? May not hurt to have it load tested cuz if voltage drops too low while cranking that can be the problem.

Start timing is also critical for good starts, the initial cranking RPM static start timing should be close to TDC and if too late/slow that hurts starting.

John T

I found the wico distributors were junk and changed to mags. Even better change to delco distributor...used on the 50's and then add electronic ignition....you'll have no more starting issues....I'd also change over to 12 on generator, wiring. Most of the old B's starting system worked mostly in perfect conditions....in my opinion were very unreliable....

an old buddy of mine now deceased worked many years at old john deere dealer...he said they put those wico distributors on to save money from the factory but at the dealership they changed a good portion of them out to mags...

Thanks for the quick responses guys! i do suspect the dist is the problem.. but John brought up a very interesting point and im gonna check that right away..the only part i didnt put new in it was that resistor block on the side of it and only because i could not get one.. cables are nice and clean but ithink the Delco is gonna be the way this goes i have the delco set-up so ill post back as soon as i get it changed over..

i'll give that a shot to! it really runs very nice and strong when its running..