Just to set the stage - I've had 8 Dubuques for over 20 years, so my answer is based on this experience. I have never had an electronic ignition tractor.
If it were mine - I would not convert to electronic. They start easy when components are working OK, and they don't if you have corroded points, fouled plugs, bad plug wires, etc. If one of mine sits for 6 months I can count on polishing the points before they work.
The beauty of the original system is that you can test everything with a screwdriver, nail emery board, and two new plugs.
Remove the distributor cap (use the screwdriver to pop the clips). Pull the coil wire ut of the cap and position it 1/4" away from some grounded metal. Remove the rotor and dirt shield under the rotor. Observe whether the [points re closed or open - usually the engine stops with the points open - we'll assume that's the case. Turn the switch ON - put the screwdriver blade in the point gap making contact with both sides of the points. If you do NOT see any spark at the screwdriver blade it means you have a bad ignition switch or a bad coil (not likely is it runs OK after starting). When you remove the screwdriver you should get a hot spark from the coil wire to ground - this tells you you have a working coil, coil wire, and condenser. Dress the points - 4 or 6 strokes with the emery board. Replace dirt cover, rotor, and cap. Remove the plug wires one at a time and position them 1/4 from the block. Crank the engine with the switch ON - you should get a good spark - if not, bad plug wire, rotor, or cap.
Not talking down to you - you need to understand the original system and get it working rather than buy something that if it works - GREAT --- but if it doesn;t you won't have a clue as to what's wrong.
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Today's Featured Article - Madison's County - by Anthony West. Philip Madison has been a good friend of mine for quite some time. He has patiently suffered my incessant chit chat on the subject of tractors for longer than I care to remember, and on many occasions he has put himself out, dropped what ever it was he was doing, to come and lend a hand cranking handles, or loading a find onto a trailer. Although he himself has never actually owned or restored a tractor, he was always enthusiastic and always around helping with other peoples projects.
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