TO-30 ignition

Patsdeere · Jan 4, 2019

So buddy has a TO-30 that will run fine, shut it off and it won't restart. He can't tell me if there is spark, but obviously the first place to check. If it doesn't have spark, then I'm assuming coil is overheating and failing. If it does have spark, then I'm assuming fuel and possibly need to dive into the carb. Is my thinking inline with correct theories on this machine? Don't know the overhaul history, but at least the last 20 years no overhaul, but only used for grading a driveway and mowing a couple of acres of grass once or twice a year. Seems to have good power when running, minor oil burn.

Bruce(OR) · Jan 4, 2019

well then the question is, how does buddy get it to start initially? Does it ever die while running?
is this the original 6V or a 12V conversion? Did buddy do it or was it that way when he got it?
No start? is that no crank? or no start with lots of crank?
Inquiring minds need to know.
At first thought, combined with a lack of information, I might say ignition switch.
If you could send some batteries for my crystal ball, I could get you a much better answer.

rvirgil_KS · Jan 4, 2019

"If it doesn't have spark, then I'm assuming coil is overheating and failing."

Assuming will lead to buying unneeded parts. Do a search for "John T ignition troubleshooting" and do some testing to find the problem.

I would suspect wiring problems, bad switch, bad points or condenser before jumping on the coil.

ArleninOr · Jan 4, 2019

Well Bruce, first we need to know what size crystal ball and then is it still 6 volt or has it been converted And is it still incandescent or been upgraded to led's? Analog or Digital? Makes a difference you know.

Bruce(OR) · Jan 4, 2019

How the *ell ya' doing Arlen? Still hauling haying equipment out east over the mountain? Hope your prepared for a warm one for the next two months. Weather lair is calling for that and I figure longer than that. Now if the rains slow down I might get outside and clean some of this mess up around here.
As for the crystal ball battery, That needs to be what looks like a 9V but it actually has 3,000 volts in it. DC current.
I tried the Taiwan imitation and couldn't get past the south fence line and that was fuzzy at best. . . .

Patsdeere · Jan 5, 2019

Sorry, guess I forgot a few details. Yes still 6v, new battery, new generator, charges well when running, started up just fine last time I was there "fixing" it. Funny what a 12v charge will do to a 6v battery....

He didn't say about crank or no crank when it won't start, guess I'll find out Sunday when I look again.

Patsdeere · Jan 6, 2019

Turned out to be easy. Just the starter switch
Wonder if they warranty 70ish years later. Things just don't last.

TO-30 ignition

Patsdeere

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Bruce(OR)

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rvirgil_KS

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ArleninOr

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Bruce(OR)

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Patsdeere

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Patsdeere

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