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John Deere H doesn't start

D

Dwashebek

Member
I have a hand start 1940 H that I cannot start. It was running a week ago but I noticed it wasn't quite right. Parked it and won't start now. I
checked the point gap and it was way too close (I bet less than 0.10) so I set to 0.20" . Still won't fire. With the points so close, could that have
ruined the condenser? Condenser is less than a year old and purchased from a John Deere dealer. I tried replacing the spark plugs with no
luck either. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Untitled URL Link
 
Point gap would not affect condenser.

Crank it and look for good clear blue spark that will jump 1/4".

Post back results, then we can go from there.

On observation, point gap closing up is usually caused by not lubricating the wear block on the points, causing it to wear.
 
Get a helper, take the wire loose from the plug, hold it 1/4" from the frame and crank.

Make sure helper does not hold onto frame and wire, and hold with insulated pliers
 
Just have the helper hold the end of the wire. He will show you if you have a good spark. LOL!!
 
There is spark at both plug wire ends, but I wouldn't call it very strong and not sure if it would be enough under compression. Condenser needs replacing?
 
I would say you have a fuel issue if you have spark and it dont start is the fuel anygood? Are you getting fuel in the motor? I would choke it and crank it if it floods and plugs get wet
and you have spark probably fuel is no good. If you choke it and it doesn't start and doesn't flood you arent getting any fuel so carb issue. Can crack the drain on the bottom to see if there is fuel in the bowl. Let us know what you find.
 
My 41 H had a similar problem and it was the nozzle in the carb replaced with new one and it runs like a sewin machine
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The tractor is getting fuel and it is fresh, non-reformulated premium. It was just running last weekend, so this is a mystery. There is spark, but it looks a little weak to me. I had this problem a year ago and it was the condenser. I think that's the direction I'm headed.
 
Ok so if the sparks not hot enough and you have fuel the plugs should be wet? If there not I would prime the cylinders with a shot of gas and see if it fires.
 
They are cheap. Just replace it and be done with it. You already know their reputation. Not many things "change" that quickly.
 
I bought a capacitor tester for around $100. Probably a little steep for most but I also use it for checking electric motor capacitors, but boy is it nice to be able to check out condensers instead of the old guessing game.
 
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