TO-30 was converted to 12V when I got it. Help with part

GordonG

New User
Pretty new here - first post. I have a TO-30 that was already converted to 12V. I want to tune it up but I don't know how to get parts. Are they all the same? I mean how do I know which is the correct distributor cap and rotor? What's the point gap? Plugs should be easy enough - just buy what's in there. Is the timing set differently? Doesn't seem like it would be...

If I just buy a 12V tune up kit will that get me there? Does one exist?

Thanks for any input,
Gordon
 
Same plugs, cap, rotor, Timing is the same. If you don't see a ballast resistor, I would figure that it's running a 12V coil and would at
least take the plug gap and widen it up to .035. Bit wider gap and a bit hotter spark which should make a more effective fuel burn and a
smoother running engine.
All 12V did was make the engine spin faster for starting. The hotter spark is a negligible benefit.
 
The only thing ignition related that is affected by 12v conversion is the
coil.

If the original 6v coil is still there, it will need a resistor added in the
primary wire. It is a white ceramic block about 3 inches long.

Or the coil could have been changed to a true 12v, no resistor required, coil.

Look for a resistor, or read the markings on the coil, look for a part number,
look it up to see what it is. If the wrong coil or coil/resistor is in use, it
will either have very weak spark, or overheat the coil and the points will
burn and be very short lived. A normal coil will not run considerably hotter
than the surrounding components. If it's too hot to hold after running a few
minutes, it's not right.

Speaking of short-lived points, welcome to the world of aftermarket import
junk!

Look for brand name parts, if you can find them. Compare everything carefully,
assume nothing is right just from a quick look, especially the cap and rotor.
If replacing the wires, go with spiral core resistor wires, not the carbon
string type.

Save the old parts! Especially the condenser. New condensers are commonly bad
out of the box.

Check the distributor. Be sure the centrifugal advance is free and the springs
are intact. If the shaft has any side play, the points will not stay set, will
do strange things, and quickly fail.

If you plan on keeping and using this tractor, might consider upgrading to a
Pertronix electronic conversion kit. The conversion kit will work with less
than perfect distributor bushings.
 

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