Help, I'm working on this 8N tractor with front mount distributor. It has fairly new points and condenser, points are not pitted, bushings have very slight looseness, about 1-2 thousandths, points set at 0.015" but I can not get the time set per instructions (1/4" from edge of mounting hole). To get time set to this mark, I need to remove timing lock screw and move point plate past the slotted adjustment hole in the housing. Of course, doing this moves the contact point for the coil so far out it will not make contact. What in the world am I doing wrong. The timing procedure seems so simple, I can't be doing it wrong. Is it possible it has the wrong points in it? They look correct. Point plate looks exactly like the one sold by Yesterday's Tractor Co. Web catalog. I haven't changed any parts yet, and the tractor isn't running at this time. Thanks in advance for any assistance!
- Thread starter Ksam
- Start date
Paul in MN
Well-known Member
The latest set of points I bought from NAPA for the front mount is poorly manufactured. To get timing in a runable range, I had to set the timing screw all the way towards one end. I have worked on 8Ns since 1970, so I know how these parts should fit. When I brought this to the attention of the NAPA store manager, he replied that NAPA just counts the number of returned parts and then contacts their supplier if the number of returns exceeds a certain % of sales. Being as I got the darn things to work, there wasn't a darn thing they were going to do about it. So much for the Echlin product.....
Paul in MN
Paul in MN
ince the points pivot on a post fixed to the breaker plate, I see very little in the manufacture of the points that could alter timing. About the only dimension I see that would be relevant is the length of the dimension from the center of pivot post to the point rubbing block tip. I would try timing with your old points and if that is also not successful, then examine mechanical advance mechanism for sticking/wear, as that will definitely alter the setting that you are trying to make.
Tim PloughNman Daley RIP
Well-known Member
There has always been a quality issue with the cheaper point sets sold today. Many of use the ECHLIN or STANDRD IGNITION brands. NAPA part number for the ECHLIN points is CS-35. I have been using them for years with no issues. The cheaper brands use a plastic rubbing block and they wear fast. The good brands will have a phenolic block. Lately I have read of fellas having issues just like you are. The only advice I can offer is go get the set at NAPA and try them. Be sure they are the ECHLIN.
TPD
TPD
Copperhead don't play
Member
I purchased a Echlin set of points from NAPA and could not set them until I filed an elongated hole. Then and only them could I set them.
Paul in MN
Well-known Member
Ksam,
IIRC, this frustration occurred last fall, and I know that my memory is not as good as it should be. I did post the details on this forum, so maybe a search will bring up the details. But in short, I did follow the ruler method with the offset tang, and found that the geometry of the points was incorrect but I was able to bring the timing into usable range by moving the timing screw and thus the base plate all the way to one end of its range. I used a meter to determine when the points were actually making contact. I did not use a dwell meter. The Echlin points were not pierced (ventilated), so they were no better than the lowest quality competition. I have used Echlin products for many years, but am now looking to find something which has a respectable quality.
It may be possible that the new points you got are even further out of spec, and the timing adjustment of your distributor does not have enough range of motion to make the timing work. Don't bother putting the dist back on the engine if you can't get the timing to line up.
Paul in MN
IIRC, this frustration occurred last fall, and I know that my memory is not as good as it should be. I did post the details on this forum, so maybe a search will bring up the details. But in short, I did follow the ruler method with the offset tang, and found that the geometry of the points was incorrect but I was able to bring the timing into usable range by moving the timing screw and thus the base plate all the way to one end of its range. I used a meter to determine when the points were actually making contact. I did not use a dwell meter. The Echlin points were not pierced (ventilated), so they were no better than the lowest quality competition. I have used Echlin products for many years, but am now looking to find something which has a respectable quality.
It may be possible that the new points you got are even further out of spec, and the timing adjustment of your distributor does not have enough range of motion to make the timing work. Don't bother putting the dist back on the engine if you can't get the timing to line up.
Paul in MN
Thanks, I'm ordering a new complete distributer to put on it. The existing one is the original, but the point plate and points are fairly new. I don't think the tractor has run good since they were installed. So I'll throw some more money at it and hope it solves the problem. Appreciate the help. I'll post if it solves the problem.
Hobo,NC
Well-known Member
- Location
- Sanford, NC
There were some points (blue Streak) for a dual point dist packaged for a N I have a few sets I got from TISCO I don't remember the the issue with them more than likely they don't fit at all even tho they look like they would....
This has came up before I have had a set (blue Streak) that was way off...
Echlin sold there sole to Standard Ignition, Standard ignition cheaped Echlin down by putting cheap parts in a Echlin box... Echlin is not the top tier part they use to be...
Hobo,NC
Well-known Member
- Location
- Sanford, NC
I have a defective NEW tisco dist shaft on the shelf also forgot about that one...
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