Electronic ingition

Hey guys need some info I have a Jhon Deere 1010 RU wanting to change over to electronic ingition is it worth doing will it start better then the points system because this tractor is a pain to start when cold I want to order parts from this site iam confused on what to order do I need a new dist cap rotor button new coil can I use my wires igot the wires from Jhon Deere dealer a few yrs ago how can I tell if I can use my wires not sure what iam supposed to order Don't no any thing about elect ingition my tractor is 12 volt neg ground with alt dist is a prestolite thanks for any help

Yes, it will make it start better unless you have a carb/fuel problem. Will run better too with less faltering on acceceration. Cap and rotor can be reused. You can use the old coil but I replace the coil with the Pertronix coil. Plug wires need to be resistor wires (graphite core). Metallic wires can damage the ignition module. Deere wires are probably metallic.

There is much archived info on this site about it. Seems to me most recommend solid copper plug wires. I have installed two pertronics units on old 4 cyl deeres with good results. Also replaced coil with theirs and eliminated ignition resistor.

Cliff is correct I believe. Run regular automotive type wires. If you have the prestolite ignition, you will have to change the cap and rotor to the different part numbers given. Napa can help you with that. Then remove your ballast resistor and run full 12 volts to the coil. Change coils to the one listed in the kit instructions. If you do all this, you will be very happy. I have 3 tractors working with the same setup and they all get a couple hundred hours a year on them. I haven't had any trouble yet. Good luck!

"Hey guys need some info I have a Jhon Deere 1010 RU wanting to change over to electronic ingition is it worth doing will it start better then the points system because this tractor is a pain to start when cold"

Here's the real deal, if its a pain to start, the problem isn't necessary caused by your ignition, there could be carb or timing problems etc which an elec ignition wouldn't cure.

That being said, most users do report improved starting and idling using an elec switch and that's because they can deliver a higher energy spark.


"I want to order parts from this site iam confused on what to order do I need a new dist cap rotor button new coil"

If your cap and rotor are okay YOU DO NOT NECESSARILY NEED NEW ONES just because you use an elec switch, but of course new quality units wont hurt. NOTE if you convert to a high voltage coil and run a wider plug gap, good quality cap and rotor and wires may be necessary to avoid High Voltage breakdown or arcing issues. Still, if the original cap and rotor are okay they can most likely remain and not cause any problems.

"can I use my wires I got the wires from John Deere dealer a few yrs ago"

THE ANSWER DEPENDS: If you use the old stock coil those wires are likely fine, but here's the rest of the story IT DEPENDS ON WHAT COIL YOU CHOOSE. Its okay to use the old stock coil with an elec switch, no problem, theres still some improvement because the elec switch provides a more positive faster coil current switching then points. HOWEVER to get the most bang for the buck an elec switch can provide, many choose a high energy high voltage coil (check with Pertronix to match coil to switch used) AND SOME OF THOSE HIGH ENERGY HIGH VOLTAGE COILS require some degree of resistor/suppression plug wires, so you have to ask Pertronix about what wires to use and the answer depends on what coil you use. Again if you keep the stock coil your JD wires are likely fine, but if you use a high energy high voltage coil resistor wire may (ask Pertronix) be preferred!!!!!!!!!!

Got it???????????

John T

(quoted from post at 08:52:52 03/01/15) Hey guys need some info I have a Jhon Deere 1010 RU wanting to change over to electronic ingition is it worth doing will it start better then the points system because this tractor is a pain to start when cold I want to order parts from this site iam confused on what to order do I need a new dist cap rotor button new coil can I use my wires igot the wires from Jhon Deere dealer a few yrs ago how can I tell if I can use my wires not sure what iam supposed to order Don't no any thing about elect ingition my tractor is 12 volt neg ground with alt dist is a prestolite thanks for any help

Click to expand...

Automotive manufactures first went with larger diameter distributer caps , then later distributerless ignition systems. As cross firing under the cap will occur if it's an easier path than jumping across the plugs.
An ordinary everyday Napa 12V coil with 3 or 4 ohms primary resistance . In particular with the Pertronix solid state switch is oodles of coil for a low rpm four cylinder.