I just purchased an International 240 with the 123 engine in it and a 12 volt conversion. Its cold here in NY and the only way it likes to start is with what the last owner called a hot spark. It is a black button he presses while starting the tractor. He described it to me as supplying a bigger hotter spark to the chamber as the power drops down to about 4 amps while starting. without the "hot spark" it doesn't even fire but once you hit the button it usually starts right up. He told me if you use it a lot it will burn up the points. Does anyone know what this "hot start" actually is?
- Thread starter TLaves240
- Start date
J.Wondergem
Well-known Member
- Location
- Rockford, Mi.
If it draws down to 4 amps while cranking the starter, The starter needs to be rebuilt.
Paul Janke
Member
It is only a guess, but I am guessing it bypasses an ignition resistor, therefore the ignition system gets full battery voltage.
Does the power drop down to 4 amps or 4 volts. If it is 4 volts, either the battery is very weak, the battery cables have poor connections or one has nearly corroded thru inside the insulation jacket. Or as someone else mentioned the starter is dragging and needs to be rebuilt.
It probably isn't 4 amps. I don't know where you would be getting that reading.
It probably isn't 4 amps. I don't know where you would be getting that reading.
Not being there and not knowing the farmer Billy Bob jury rig "fix" one can only "guess" but here goes no warranty.
I suspect if its a 6 to 12 volt conversion the original 6 volt coil was retained and an external series voltage dropping (12 to 6) Ballast Resistor was added. Then he may have added a momentary push to close switch that by passed the ballast resistor as long as the button was depressed. That would result in more coil current and what he calls a "hotter spark"
Many tractor companies used such a similar arrangement, HOWEVER it was done automatically without having to push any manual switch by use of a solenoid or a mechanical switch section on a starter switch.
When he said "power drops down to about 4 amps while starting" he may have meant with the 6 volt system the voltage dropped down to 4 volts?????
Thats my best guess not being there and it may be right or it may be wrong. I may think of others but that's enough for now.
John T
I suspect if its a 6 to 12 volt conversion the original 6 volt coil was retained and an external series voltage dropping (12 to 6) Ballast Resistor was added. Then he may have added a momentary push to close switch that by passed the ballast resistor as long as the button was depressed. That would result in more coil current and what he calls a "hotter spark"
Many tractor companies used such a similar arrangement, HOWEVER it was done automatically without having to push any manual switch by use of a solenoid or a mechanical switch section on a starter switch.
When he said "power drops down to about 4 amps while starting" he may have meant with the 6 volt system the voltage dropped down to 4 volts?????
Thats my best guess not being there and it may be right or it may be wrong. I may think of others but that's enough for now.
John T
My guess would be that the button bypasses the ballast resistor for a hotter spark while starting, then ignition current draw drops back to a normal 4 amps when the "hot start" button is released.
A simple and cheap way to get er done on a 12V conversion. As you note in your post, it works.
A simple and cheap way to get er done on a 12V conversion. As you note in your post, it works.
Not to sure if it was 4 amps or volts. I'm very poor with electrical as of right now and only know basic wiring. however he did say 4 amps. not sure if he meant to say volts. the bypass does make sense though and it definitely does work. Anybody have any tips to get it to cold start easier without using the bypass?
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