Magneto Conversion to 12volt

tateryocum · Feb 3, 2011

We have a 53 WD and been having recent magneto issues - once the tractor gets warmed up it stalls out, have to wait an hour or so to start back up.....pain !!

So - we may want to convert to 12volt and get rid of the magneto system.

Any help on this would be great.....does anyone have pictures of the conversion and instructions or possible kits ???

thanks so much !!!!

Bob · Feb 3, 2011

First verify it loses spark when it shuts down to 100% rule out a gas issue.

If it IS the mag, it's probably a failing coil which should be readily available and not REAL expensive and it's easy to replace. COULD simply be a thermally-sensitive condenser.

If you want to convert it to a distributor, PROBABLY the easiest to find is a setup off of a Farmall A/B/C etc..

As far as a diagram, Bob Melville has a series of excellent diagrams for Farmalls, there;s one that will work for your tractor
BobMs diagrams

bg/mo · Feb 3, 2011

Converting to 12 volt and converting to a dist ignition are two totaly different jobs, changing to a dist type ignition does not mean you have to change to 12 volt

Mike in Mn. · Feb 3, 2011

It sounds like the coil in your mag is bad, or possibly the condenser. You could replace the coil in the mag or you could convert the mag to battery ignition and use it for a distributor. Mount a regular automotive coil, 12 volt if you wish, remove the coil from the mag, run a wire core coil wire from the external coil through a hole drilled in the mag and solder inside where the original coil tab contacted inside. Hook the ign wire to the points, hook the external coil up to an ign switch for on and off and your set. Have done a bunch years ago, works good.

thebigyellowtruck · Feb 3, 2011

my mag wasnt working last year. i took my old condensor and points to Napa auto parts and they matched them up with their equivilant and replaced them for under $20. now the mag on my 49 WD works great

Anonymous-0 · Feb 4, 2011

I would first rule out a fuel problem then look at your mag. It probably needs a coil or condensor. If you do switch to a distributor be sure and check that the bushing aren't worn on the one you choose. Worn bushings will let the shaft wobble. I have rebuilt a lot of distributors that had worn bushings and caused people problems. I would keep the mag myself. If you want me to look at it send me an email.

WV Ike · Feb 4, 2011

I'd stick with a mag. I'm switching back to one. If you need parts I'm gonna have them after I change it out. [email protected] is how to get a hold of me. A good mag produces hotter spark than a dist. with electronic ignition and a flame thrower.

Gene · Feb 4, 2011

Basically you are only going to use the magneto points and impulse coupling. The rest of the converted ignition system is the same as the distributor ignition.

You will need to install an external coil, wire from coil to center distributor cap tower, a capacitor/condensor, epending on you battery voltage a ballast resistor, and change the magneto kill switch over to an on/off switch.

And the last big and - how you accomplish the task depends on which make of magneto you currently have.

Magneto Conversion to 12volt

tateryocum

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Bob

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bg/mo

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Mike in Mn.

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thebigyellowtruck

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Anonymous-0

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WV Ike

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Gene

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