Distributor Cap

rupnwi · Aug 14, 2017

1947 front mount 8N. Tractor has been running poorly. Was going to check the points. Took off distributor cap and one of the "Nodes" inside the cap is severely worn away. The other 3 are fine. What might this be indicative of? Bad distributor or internal motor problem? Thank you!

R Geiger · Aug 14, 2017

Don't over think it, replace the cap and points and new set of plugs.

Bruce(VA) · Aug 14, 2017

Worn bushings.

Check the shaft for any sideways movement.
75 Tips

rupnwi · Aug 14, 2017

I've gotten new bushings in the past, but did not use them because they didn't seem to be as tight fitting as what I've got now. Am I incorrect in thinking that the rotor is not supposed to physically hit the "Nodes" inside the cap? Also, what about the advance weights? What would be an indication that they could be bad? I did replace spark plugs and plug wires first, then noticed the inside of the cap and did not want to get a new one until I figure out what caused it to wear that way. Thanks.

Bruce (VA) · Aug 14, 2017

How can you tell the bushings don't fight right if you didn't install them?

No, the rotor is not supposed to touch anything. If it is, the shaft is moving. And the only way the shaft will move is if the bushings are worn.

The advance weights are attached to the shaft.

Pull the distributor off the tractor and check bushing wear. If you want to check the weights, take the plat out. Remove the hold down screw & the c-clip and take it out. The weights should freely move & the channels should not be wallowed out.
75 Tips

Paul in MN · Aug 15, 2017

I have found that the quality of caps is the problem. The recent cap I bought from NAPA had one terminal that hit the rotor with the distributor being off the tractor. I modified the terminal with a Dremel tool grinder. I informed NAPA of the problem and they just blew it off, saying the corporate gurus just count the returns and when they hit a certain % or maybe a critical number of failures, then they stick it to the manufacturer. My only option was to keep using my modified cap or return my unmodified cap for refund.

Here is my take.... If your prior rotor and cap were not crashing, then the dist bushing is good enough, and there is nothing wrong with the cam bushing (woops.. no cam bushings in the N engines).

Don't over think this. Poor manufacturing of the cap and rotor (out of spec) is the problem.

Paul in MN

Gordo83 · Aug 16, 2017

Sorry to change the subject, but that link to (75 Tips) is very helpful. Been adding lead substitute to my High Test gas for years.

Distributor Cap

rupnwi

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R Geiger

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Bruce(VA)

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rupnwi

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Bruce (VA)

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Paul in MN

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Gordo83

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