Distributor cap & rotor for 81 MH

Jim2 · Jun 23, 2009

I've been working on getting my Grandpa's ol' 1945 Massey Harris 81 going. I need a new distributor cap and rotor as the ones that are on there will work for a few hours and then the rotor gets arced up, corroded, whatever. A little sandpaper and it'll go again, but I really rather not have to futz with it all the time.

This tractor runs the F124 Continental w/ an Autolite distributor. It has different model distributor than the 30, 22, etc. that came later. I've tried getting these parts at NAPA, a local tractor repair place that works on old tractors, online, and at one Agco dealer. So far all I've gotten out of it is the wrong parts! They keep sending me a rotor that looks similar but clearly is not correct.

I'm wondering if anyone else has successfully gotten replacement parts for the distributor on this tractor (or possibly 101 Jr. as I believe that is the same as the 81)? I've got a call into a place that services Continental engines. The guy didn't seem particularly helpful on the phone, so I'm not real hopeful there. . . .

thanks

Jim

mhmalcolm · Jun 23, 2009

Is the stationary ignition point in your distributor made on to a threaded stud? If so, it doesn"t look like NAPA carries the rotor or the cap for this distributor. Most Autolite distributors have an oval tag riveted to them that has the distributor model number stamped on it. If you can get the number off the tag, I will see if I can locate them for you. My e-mail is open.

Jim2 · Jun 24, 2009

(quoted from post at 18:03:50 06/23/09) Is the stationary ignition point in your distributor made on to a threaded stud? If so, it doesn"t look like NAPA carries the rotor or the cap for this distributor. Most Autolite distributors have an oval tag riveted to them that has the distributor model number stamped on it. If you can get the number off the tag, I will see if I can locate them for you. My e-mail is open.

Yes, the points come in two pieces. The threaded stud is separate from the other part for the points in my distributor. NAPA can get the points for this distributor, though! In fact I've got one ahead now.

The guy called back later in the afternoon after I posted yesterday. He can't get the cap or rotor for this distributor.

I don't have the # off the distributor here right now. I'll post back later, and email you when I get that number.

thanks,

Jim

mhmalcolm · Jun 24, 2009

Jim,I"ll try to help any way I can.

Jim2 · Jun 24, 2009

(quoted from post at 14:52:52 06/24/09) Jim,I"ll try to help any way I can.

The distributor is an Autolite IGZ 4005B-1 7Z. I believe this is the original distributor as I have the parts book, and it lists this distributor. The number for the distributor cap is IGZ 1022, and the number for the rotor is IGZ 1016.

thanks,

Jim

mhmalcolm · Jun 24, 2009

OK Jim, I'll see what I can do.

mhmalcolm · Jun 25, 2009

Jim, So far I haven"t been able to find the cap and rotor, but I"m not giving up. The search may take a while, but I will let you know one way or another.

Jim2 · Jun 25, 2009

Thanks. I appreciate that. It seems kind of hard to believe that these wouldn't be available anymore, anywhere. On the other hand, I really have no idea if this same distributor was used on many other tractors, either.

Jim

noncompos · Jun 25, 2009

While the finer points of breaker-point ign are beyond me, rapid arcing-corrosion of the rotor to plug stud contact on the rotor and/or the plug studs inside the cap is NOT normal, and may be being caused by other problems.
Improper condenser?? Improper coil?? I don't know; hopefully others will comment.
If your parts are really scarce, you might ask about replacing the dist with one easier to get parts for, unless you're trying to keep it 100% original. Good luck.

Jim2 · Jun 25, 2009

Hmmm. . . .

That's a good point I suppose. The coil is original, or at least the same one that was on there when my dad ran it. The condenser is new. I got it from the NAPA guy when I put new points on it last year. So, I suppose he may have gotten the wrong one? It looked very similar to the one that it replaced, but I'm sure that's not good enough.

I had assumed that the rotor is suffering abuse because one of the cap studs is worn badly. There is one that is visibly worn. I do think it a bit strange that the cap doesn't get fried the way the rotor does. I don't have much experience with points. I run a few garden tractors with K-series Kohlers, but they seem to run a long time w/o any of these types of problems.

Yes, I will look into getting a different distributor if I can't get it sorted out any other way.

Jim

mhmalcolm · Jul 1, 2009

Jim, So far I have come up with only one source for these parts. They are new-old-stock (NOS) Autolite parts. If you are not sitting down, I would recommend doing that now. Here goes. The distributor cap is $85.00 and the rotor is $45.00.

I hope you are still with us. If you feel like parting with some major bucks, send me an email and I"ll give you the contact info. Meanwhile, I"ll keep trying to find something with a more reasonable price.

Dennis Roell · Jul 3, 2009

I have a 1942 massey harris 102 that I'm trying to locate a cap for. I have come into the same problem as you. no parts to cross it to. if you locate some let me know & I will do the same thanks!

Jim2 · Jul 9, 2009

(quoted from post at 16:34:33 07/01/09) Jim, So far I have come up with only one source for these parts. They are new-old-stock (NOS) Autolite parts. If you are not sitting down, I would recommend doing that now. Here goes. The distributor cap is $85.00 and the rotor is $45.00.

Wow, everything is available for a price, right? Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I was on vacation, and didn't think to check this thread until today. . . .

I don't think I'm ready to part with that kind of coin. This tractor is pretty original at this point, but I'm not a collector nor do I intend to be. Putting NOS parts in a "runner" would just be delaying the inevitable in my opinion.

I did get a distributor from a model 30 MH off of Ebay, and I'm going to look at using it on my 81. It looks to be an easy swap, so we shall see!

thanks,

Jim

Jim2 · Jul 9, 2009

(quoted from post at 12:37:57 07/03/09) I have a 1942 massey harris 102 that I'm trying to locate a cap for. I have come into the same problem as you. no parts to cross it to. if you locate some let me know & I will do the same thanks!

It looks like MHMalcom has the parts you need.

Jim

mhmalcolm · Jul 9, 2009

The 30 distributor is probably the way to go. I"m going to keep looking anyway, just for my own peace of mind. I love a challenge!

Distributor cap & rotor for 81 MH

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