Spark plugs

Stephen Ford · Aug 9, 2009

I have been reading various opinions between resistor and non resistor spark plugs used on these older tractors and wanted to hear what you all had to say about using resistor plugs on a TO-20?
Let me explain why I am interested in a resistor plug, maybe I have other problems. I have been having charging system issues (tractor is all stock including 6v charging system) so using a multi meter I attempted to check charging system voltage, but as soon as I get anywhere near the battery my meter goes crazy. Removed belt from generator and same problem exist. Replaced spark plug wires with modern wires and still same concern. Inspected spark plugs and realized they are non resistor type. Could this be causing my interference problems or is it possibly a bad capacitor or points concern in the distributor?
As a side note the generator checks out ok so I am assuming the regulator is at fault, but I would love to get a voltage reading with this thing running before I go buying parts that I may otherwise not need. Thanks for any help you may provide.

Steve

Dave in Utah · Aug 9, 2009

Steve,

I haven't had this problem but I hear I really need an old analog meter instead of my digital Fluke. I have a '51 TO20 and a '40 Ford 9N both with 6v positive ground systems. I cut this out of an article for Ford N series:

A digital multi-meter is a handy and usually inexpensive tool to have around the shop. But, most inexpensive digital multi-meters do not like the electrical noise produced by the N's generator; the test leads act as antennas and the meter gives some erratic readings as a result. Stick with the old analog meter for your old N!

I don't think you need new plugs, maybe an old meter?

GeoffM · Aug 10, 2009

I had a similar problem when my digital multimeter that wouldn't give me accurate readings on my old MG when it had regulator problems. I bought an analogue voltage meter at an electrical store. I think its of the "moving coil" variety. Anyway this inexpensive tool soon gave me reasonably accurate voltage readings with no problems. Maybe that is the next step.

Jeff Z. · Aug 10, 2009

Radio Shack had them for a low price but since they have turned into a yuppie store for cell phones, cameras and mp3 players they probably won't know what you are talking about but you can try.
I used their Micronta #22-212 for 20 years.

Jerry/MT · Aug 10, 2009

Get an an analog meter and you won't have that problem. The best plug in my opinion for the TO's is the Autolite 3116. It's a non-resistor plug. The Autolite 386 is a reisitor plug if you really want one.

Stephen Ford · Aug 10, 2009

Thanks for all the information guys. Simple case of over thinking the problem when all I need is a cheap tool that I happen to own, just have to find it. Thanks again for all the help.

Spark plugs

Stephen Ford

New User

Dave in Utah

Member

GeoffM

New User

Jeff Z.

Well-known Member

Jerry/MT

Well-known Member

Stephen Ford

New User

Similar threads