Electronic ignition

grandpa Love · May 29, 2023

Let me start by saying we did not install the electronic ignition, I have no idea who did. We have worked on several Ford tractors over the years, 3 had Ei. Those 3 sounded different. We just got a friend's 641 running,it had been in a barn for 4+ years. We have fiddled with the timing and can make it run worse,but not better. . It seems like it's missing,but I find it odd that it sounds like the other Fords that had EI........ Every one we have with points runs smooth, this one idles smooth but rev it up it sounds ' bubbley ' ( my wife's terminology)

grandpa Love · May 29, 2023

Video of it running.... The last part of video really shows the issue....
641

Hobo,NC · May 29, 2023

You would diagnosis it just like a conventional system. EI are not the diagnostics are the same. Those who say pitch the EI put the points back in just plain chuck at diagnostics.

The timing may be way off, its lean are a mechanical condition like a sticking valve are tight valves. If to rich it will not backfire. It takes an abundance of un-burnt O2 to light off un-burnt fuel. So think lean are mechanical.

Mike Groom · May 29, 2023

I would take the muffler off and see if the sound changes, I don't hear a miss from your video, it sounds to me like it's something in the exhaust system.

Welding man · May 29, 2023

If it has been sitting a while it could be a stuck valve. Have you checked all the simple stuff? Bad plug or wire, compression, crossed wire? About all my gas tractors have EI. They start better and run smoother than with points. I doubt if it is the Ei. It works or it doesn't, in my experience and I have never had one to fail. I just put EI on a Lincoln Flathead in a F7 Ford Fire Truck. Works great.

sotxbill · May 29, 2023

No advance in the distribitor? OR the fact it runs mildly rich at higher rpms due to no load.. One cyl not firing and pushing unburt gas into the muffler where it then burns.. Weak or bad coil? Normally a ei will actually make it run good or even better due to extended dwell.

JMOR · May 29, 2023

(quoted from post at 10:46:29 05/29/23) No advance in the distribitor? OR the fact it runs mildly rich at higher rpms due to no load.. One cyl not firing and pushing unburt gas into the muffler where it then burns.. Weak or bad coil? Normally a ei will actually make it run good or even better due to extended dwell.

ow many degrees is the "extended dwell"?

Eman85 · May 29, 2023

Before trying to tune out a mechanical problem why not try a compression test?

Tim PloughNman Daley RIP · May 30, 2023

I'm not going to debate EI pros and cons, but I've never had a need nor desire to install one in any of my tractors. I know how to tune up and run perfect a front mount or side mount as 6V or 12V. 99.98% of all non-starting/poorly running issues are due to incorrect wiring, that is a fact. If you don't understand the original 6V/POS GRN system, and can't get it to run as such, what makes you think it will on 12V or the 3rd alternative, EI? That is the usual sequence of events for many fellas. Much needs to be done correctly. What are you running power at? 6V or 12V? EI runs best on 12V from what I've read. You can use whatever setup you desire just be certain you are wired correctly for that system. Guessing and taking shortcuts is illogical. The Pertronix unit usually runs pretty good when it is wired right. Get something wrong and you can fry out the system. Can be an expensive fix.

Tim Daley (MI)

russ1 · May 30, 2023

I have EI on a 1955 960 Ford and on 1955 Ferguson TO35. They both run smooth and start right up. I don't think EI is your problem.

Electronic ignition

grandpa Love

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grandpa Love

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Hobo,NC

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Mike Groom

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Welding man

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sotxbill

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JMOR

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Eman85

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Tim PloughNman Daley RIP

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russ1

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