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Farmall M Distributor location

L

Lfdfireman

Member
Just curious and wanted to get some thoughts on distributor location on a Farmall M, specifically on a 1944. I have a 1940 and the location of the distributor is different than on the 44 and most of the
pics I have seen show it located in the same horizontal position as my 40. I have seen a few pics of distributors positioned in the vertical position on some 48 and 49s. Was this easily changed based on
personal preference or was this changed in later models? Haven't gotten the engine casting numbers yet to see if it's a different year motor for the tractor. The guy wants to trade his narrow front 44 M
for my 40 wide front M and I am trying to do my due diligence before making a decision. Thanks
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The horizontal distributor is an IH "battery ignition unit" and the vertical distributor is a Delco conversion. Implement dealers and other farm stores sold them, mail order, as well.
 
Looks like a work horse. I believe the vertical distribute was an after market replacement. Probably for tractors that came with a magneto.
 
Would need to look to be sure of time IH first offered the horizontal distributor on M tractors built, but think sometime in 1949. Before that M tractors didn't come with a distributor. Aftermarket ones were sold like the vertical delco unit pictured to replace magnetos. After IH started using the distributors they also sold kits to put them on previous models. Once in a while you can also find a IH distributor used vertical.
 
Gotcha, that helps provide some clarity on it. My 40 runs like a top but I have also had interest in getting a narrow front M so I am trying to do my due diligence in considering a trade for this 44.
 
My 40 is a strong running M, doesn't leak any fluids at all unless I spill something doing an oil change. lol Taking a slow approach to considering a trade for the 44 narrow front M.
 
Others have answered the distributor question very well. Me personally, I think he would be getting the better end of the deal. You have a wide front and live hydraulics. If you trade, you loose the live hydraulics, and basically the resale value of the WF. You know your tractor, not his. Points and such for yours are easier to come by, at least here, for the distributor.

Me, if I wanted the narrow front, Id ask if he was willing to trade front ends.
 
That's what I was really leaning on, the live hydraulics aspect. I may just keep what I have, she's a super runner and I just need to get some paint on her. I think he just wants a wide front end so that probably wouldn't be a go. It's all good, I have no prob keeping my old gal! Thanks John
 
Other than the lack of a decent drawbar on either one of them I would keep what I have. Swap front ends if you want but kee your tractor. Otherwise you need to get some bucks to boot for the live hydraulics. That looks like an aftermarket front end on yours, not a big deal just an observation.
 
Appreciate the input, I def like the idea of the live hydraulics capability. I might just look for a new hood and grill and keep the wide front. It's a Schwartz front end and in really solid shape.
 
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