9N distributor and rotor

I have a 1940 9N 12volt ignition and have some issues with the rotor not fitting properly with the distributor cap. I have tried tapping the rotor and it still is a little too tall for the cap to close properly. SO, I pulled out my back-up distributor and after setting points and new rotor, I had not spark at the plug. I checked the points and realized the contacts were only contacting by 50% of the contact area. I replaced points once more and still no spark, That is when I checked the rotor gap to the cap, by looking through the small port on top of cap. There must have been a 16th inch gap, so now I am off to locate an old rotor from my past tune-ups. Is this gap with the rotor ok or should the gap be much closer? Seems to me that it should be much closer than it is. Also, is there somewhere I may purchase a proper fitting cap and rotor?

William

I've never had any trouble with the NAPA ignition parts that I've purchased.

Part numbers for the front mount distributor are:
#FA350 - NAPA Distributor Cap
#FA300 ? NAPA Rotor
#FA200 ? NAPA Condensor
#CS35 - NAPA Points

Colin, MN

As Colin said, NAPA parts work fine. The gap between the tip of the rotor and the distributor cap is .025 on a Model A Ford. It should be about the same on the 9N.
75 Tips

Thank You everyone for your response. I'll get to Napa and get that needed rotor, while I see if my old one will get the 9N started.

William

The most recent cap my son bought from NAPA 2 months ago would not fit down on the distributor. I spent some time with a jack knife trimming the formed ring on the cap until it fit correctly on the distributor. Up till then I had been happy with the quality from NAPA. Now I have my doubts.

Paul in MN

I'm troubled to hear that news, Paul. I hope it was an anomaly.

Colin

What was wrong with the factory 6 volt ignition system? I've never had a problem with my old 6/volt system. I would never buy a tractor that has been converted to a 12 volt. All I see here is people who have trouble after installing a 12 volt covertion.

(quoted from post at 16:44:15 05/17/16) All I see here is people who have trouble after installing a 12 volt covertion.

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my 2N is converted to 12 volts and works great. seems to me there are plenty of other people on here who are also happy with their 12 volt conversions.

also, the OP had a problem with the fit of his distributor cap and rotor. this has nothing whatsoever to do with 6 volts versus 12 volts.

(quoted from post at 14:44:15 05/17/16)All I see here is people who have trouble after installing a 12 volt covertion.

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That's because those of us who did it without any problems don't post questions about it.

unfortunately the 9N was 12v before I bought it. Being it was and is my first tractor, it sure has taught me several lessons, mostly taught by the people here helping out whomever asks. So far I have split the 9n for transmission work, rebuilt the hydraulics, worked on the front axle and entire steering system, dabbled at a bit of painting and now looking forward to rebuild the engine and r&r the rear brakes and associated seals. I spend a lot of time searching the archives for information before I ever turn a screw or nut. It's not uncommon to see me reading the service manual and cross checking with the parts catalog while looking the tractor.
I am not sure where I would be without the help and encouragement the people here provide. I can also see where some of the lessons have migrated to the way I work on other equipment. So, Thank You All for the help and encouragement.

William

(quoted from post at 14:44:15 05/17/16) What was wrong with the factory 6 volt ignition system? I've never had a problem with my old 6/volt system. I would never buy a tractor that has been converted to a 12 volt. All I see here is people who have trouble after installing a 12 volt covertion.

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There's nothing wrong with a 6-volt system, other than being a little less forgiving. There are many reasons to convert to a 12-volt system, but the conversion is not a cure-all. The reason you see so many questions is that people don't really understand how a conversion works. They make a mistake someplace and ask for help. Those who get it to work without problems don't say much -- when I converted my 2N (without a kit), it worked right the first time and I didn't post anything about it.

(quoted from post at 10:05:37 07/01/16)

(quoted from post at 14:44:15 05/17/16) What was wrong with the factory 6 volt ignition system? I've never had a problem with my old 6/volt system. I would never buy a tractor that has been converted to a 12 volt. All I see here is people who have trouble after installing a 12 volt covertion.

Click to expand...

There's nothing wrong with a 6-volt system, other than being a little less forgiving. There are many reasons to convert to a 12-volt system, but the conversion is not a cure-all. The reason you see so many questions is that people don't really understand how a conversion works. They make a mistake someplace and ask for help. Those who get it to work without problems don't say much -- when I converted my 2N (without a kit), it worked right the first time and I didn't post anything about it.

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greed! For those who know what they are doing, the 12v conversion is easier than changing the water pump, but for those who don't, they might as well be lost in the jungle, especially if unable to follow instructions.