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Harry Ferguson Tractors Discussion Forum

TO-30 Starting Problems

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JonnyMike

07-13-2007 13:02:58

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Thanks Bob & Jerry for your quick responses. Replaced a bunch of old wiring yesterday, tested ignition switch, etc. Attempted to start after each process. Achieved immediate success after changing out the points. Unfortunately, it"s the wettest summer ever here in Oklahoma (rained almost every day since June 1) and my property is too soggy to mow. At least now I know the tractor will start when it does dry out. Regarding the recommended 13.6 V charging level, my dashboard ammeter shows just below the 15 V mark when idling (the gauge has 5 V increments). When the engine"s revved up, the meter jumps up substantially. Haven"t checked it under a load yet.

Pulled, inspected, cleaned the spark plugs, which were Motorcraft BTS10 (haven"t had a chance to get new ones yet). All except #4 looked good (relatively speaking). #4 was quite oily with alot of hardened black deposits. I doubt if it was even firing. Anyway, after cleaning it up and re-installing, the engine ran smoother.

Re: the Petronix system, is this something my local tractor supply or auto parts stores will carry? Or do you have to buy it online? Also, will I need to convert from 6 V to 12 V for the Petronix to work?

Thanks in advance gentlemen for your advice

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DennisPinOhio

07-16-2007 05:06:23

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 13:02:58

Re the Pertronix kit: I ordered mine on line at retrotockets(at)snet.net.
A guy named Carl Dudash was very helpful in finding the correct part number for my TE 20 with Lucas distributor.
I paid c.$93USD for the kit. A coil is also available and I suggest you use it.
Let us all know how this works out for you.

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DennisPinOhio

07-16-2007 05:10:07

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to DennisPinOhio, 07-16-2007 05:06:23

I forgot to tell you that once I had installed the Ignitor and coil, my tractor starts in less than one rev. of the engine. It also runs much better than it ever did. My system, by the way, is 12 volt, negative ground with a Delco, one-wire alternator.

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JonnyMike

07-14-2007 14:21:14

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 13:02:58

Thanks everbody for all the great advice and info. A couple more questions:

1) Will I need to convert from 6 V to 12 V for the Pertronix to work? Not sure if it matters but I have a 6V Pos. ground system with Delco-Remy generator (A & F lugs), and external voltage regulator mounted just behind the engine.

2) I read a post that said in order to visually time the engine, you had to pry a cover off an inspection port next to the starter. The writer stated that this would expose timimg marks and part of the flywheel. I see no such port on my tractor. What am I missing here fellas?

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Jerry/MT

07-14-2007 16:06:38

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-14-2007 14:21:14

Most electronic ignitions require 12V negative ground systems to operate properly. I believe there may be 6V positive ground systems out there but I seem to remember hearing about some problems with reliability. Maybe some one with more experience with the 6V systems can provide more info.

I have never seen a cover for the timing hole on a TO-30 and they may exist but then I don't claim to have seen everything. There is a port below the starter with a notch in it. The notch is the timing reference point. 7o BTDC ON THE COMPRESSION STROKE if you are statically timing the engine. If you're using a timing light then it's just 7o BTDC

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Lance J.

07-14-2007 10:06:52

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 13:02:58

JonnyMike,you could try Summit Racing or Jeg's for the Pertronix ignition kit, also they would carry electronic igntion conversion kits from other manufacturers such as Mallory, Accel, and Crane Cams. Both of these companies have excellent web sites and technical help lines, I've purchased lots of stuff from both.

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JonnyMike

07-13-2007 16:00:57

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 13:02:58

Thanks again for the quick response. Did you have any input about the portion of my last post listed below:

(Regarding the recommended 13.6 V charging level, my dashboard ammeter shows just below the 15 V mark when idling (the gauge has 5 V increments). When the engine's revved up, the meter jumps up substantially. Haven"t checked it under a load yet.)

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Jerry/MT

07-13-2007 17:46:04

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 16:00:57

Usually there a range of volatge and it varies with the ambient temperature at the regulator. The spec I have(Ref. MOTOR Auto Engines and Electrical Systems)for a typical D-R single contact voltage regulator says the acceptable voltage range @ 125o F is 13.8-14.7 V. For a double contact VR @125o F, it's 13,8-14.6 V. Sounds to me like you are in the upper end of the acceptable band.

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Jerry/MT

07-13-2007 17:55:44

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to Jerry/MT, 07-13-2007 17:46:04

If you have an alernator with a built in regulator your tempperature is probably close to ambient and the range at 85o F is 13.8-14.6 V and @125o F, it's 13.5-14.5 V

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Jerry/MT

07-13-2007 15:09:25

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 13:02:58

Glad to hear about your sucessful troubleshooting. Finding the root cause is allways the best way to go and also the cheapest. The most expensive thing to do is to start randomly swapping parts. As Centaur says, make sure you don't have a bad wire to #4 or a bad terminal in the cap. I've never heard of the plugs you're using. Autolite 3116 or 386 are the most popular.(386 is a resisitor plug so the 3116 is what I would recommend.)
You can shop around on the web for a Pertonix ignition kit thy run between $90-$100 plus shipping. The beauty of the Pertronix is you eliminate the points and condensor and the possible failure modes and maintenance that goes with them. If you only use your tractor occaisionally,the points can corrode and that leads to poor starting and running. Ive got a pertonix on my TO-30 and I get quick ,all weather starts, and a much smoother idle. (Of course I had my distributor rebuilt and put in the Pertonix so I have pretty optimum set up.)

Glad you were sucessful in troubleshooting your machine!

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CENTAUR

07-13-2007 13:26:22

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Re: TO-30 Starting Problems in reply to JonnyMike, 07-13-2007 13:02:58

Put a new solid core wire to #4cyl and or fix the ends of the it if needed.You might also transpose the #4 plug with another cyl.to see if the oil follows the plug.You already put in a (petronix) when you put the points in. CENTAUR

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