so you want the whole story...1850 no spark

Tractor ran fine when I parked it (in a place that isn't easy to work on ).

Tried to start it...no spark and the battery seemed weak. Too much gas and power to the distributor. Came inside to see what others said...some knew/know what the possible cause was. Since I was going to fool with the points I searched for a set...not an easy task and everyone wants 150/electronic ignition which I have no desire to do with this tractor or spend 150 bucks to replace an 8 dollar part.

Found a set (wrong set) at Tractoropolis...dinked me for 23 bucks.

Soooo...I marked and pulled the distributor to switch out the points and condenser only to find the new set was not for and 1850...


Anyways taking them off showed some corrosion between the condenser and plate/connections. Cleaned up everything, reset the points reinstall the distributor, hit the key and walla, purrs like a kitten.

The Holly distributor isn't well liked for whatever reasons, corrosion causing failure doesn't help. Everything now has a coat of dielectric grease...corrosion should not be a problem again.

Those who gave the advice ( I did a search/old posts about no spark) about cleaning up the condenser contact/s are my kind of mechanic...well done. Start simple first. I will look into returning the wrong set...if it happens the cost to get it running is a zip...if not the education is well worth 23 bucks.

THE END

Glad you got it figured out ! Our 1650 did similar things. Our problem was the plate that holds the points was very sloppy and the points kept going out of adjustment. Instead of dealing with it(Holley distributor) we did go the electronic route. It did cost a bit, but the tractor runs perfectly now. Also use a similar unit in our 88 puller with no problems or issues.

contacted tractoropolis...they admitted it was wrong,refunded the entire amount and said dump the parts.

Good CS, hope I can do business with them again.