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Spark Massey 55

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Johneodeer

02-21-2003 09:02:49




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I seem to be getting weak spark (no kidding) on my new to me MH 55. The battery is brand new (6V) as is all the wiring other than the battery cables themselves which appear to be in pretty good shape and adequately gaged. The cap, rotor and points seem good too as do the plugs and wires. My question is what should I or could I do to improve spark? This old gal starts right up when you give her a 12V boost but seems you could crank on her for hours under her own power. My thought was to try all new ignition parts ie points, condenser, cap, rotor, plugs (maybe even fancy splitfires or something), and plug wires. But it occurs to me that these parts APPEAR ok and I wonder if I should have the coil tested and if so how do I do that. Also could it be that the starter needs rebuilt and is drawing so much current from the ignition that the spark is too weak to fire? It'll start right up on a pull too. Any help appreciated.

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Leroy

02-23-2003 06:29:37




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 Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Johneodeer, 02-21-2003 09:02:49  
I would question if it had the coil changed at some time if they didn't use a coil for a 12 volt conversion instead of the one for the orignal 6 volt system, first thing I would check



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wayne

02-22-2003 20:47:14




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 Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Johneodeer, 02-21-2003 09:02:49  
I have three of these 55 masseys they all are 6 volt and they all start on the first compression stroke,I have the big starter and ground cables the starters all have new bushings and brushes and the timing is set a little BTDC.When I shut them down I shut off the fuel and let them run out of gas,when I start them I turn on the fuel and open the carb drain for a few seconds to clear any water.Hope this helps
Wayne

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Bruce Colbourne

02-22-2003 19:41:10




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 Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Johneodeer, 02-21-2003 09:02:49  
Is the starter dragging and getting warm when you are trying to start your tractor.This will take most of the power from your battery and cause you to have a weak spark.My 55 does the same thing as yours.I can turn the key on and give it a turn on the hand crank and it will start up.When I use the starter it will not start.



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Alberta Mike - one maore thing ...

02-21-2003 09:51:43




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 Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Johneodeer, 02-21-2003 09:02:49  
You mentioned plug wires ... are the ones on your new tractor the "current" type of wire that you'd see on today's cars and trucks? Don't use those which are made of silicon or carbon or whatever they are made from. Make sure you have a decent set of steel wire plug wires. Apparently the voltage on the old electrical systems isn't up to pushing itself well through the newer type wires.



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Bill V

02-21-2003 09:47:53




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 Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Johneodeer, 02-21-2003 09:02:49  
I would have the coil tested it may be weak, also if it has a mag have that checked out I have a Farmall M that did the same thing and it turned out the impulse on the mag was bad.



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Alberta Mike

02-21-2003 09:32:15




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 Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Johneodeer, 02-21-2003 09:02:49  
So, the big Massey did in fact make it's way down to your place, now that's good news. Did it arrive in a Payne Transport truck or was it turned over to someone else? Anyways, I'm glad it's there. Make sure that your battery cables are the BIG #0 size (thick), not the size that you'd pick up to replace cables on your 12V car. And of course, connections etc. must be clean and tight. The small cables draw too much amperage. That would be one place to start, then maybe some lighter weight engine oil, maybe 5W30 would be OK. And if the rearend has 50 year old oil in it and you are starting (or trying to) with the clutch out, well that's an awful load too. Some nice fresh lighter oil in that tranny and differential will help.

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Jeff

02-21-2003 10:06:31




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 Re: Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Alberta Mike, 02-21-2003 09:32:15  
Excellent thought on the oil in cold weather. When I start an old Massey in the cold Wisconsin winter I usually push in the clutch so it doesn't have to turn the transmission at all.

Another option may be an 8 volt battery??



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Johneodeer

02-21-2003 10:23:56




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 Re: Re: Re: Spark Massey 55 in reply to Jeff, 02-21-2003 10:06:31  
I like that oil idea too but I always start with the clutch it gets cold down here in Pennsylvcania too and we've got a lot of 6V stuff. My concern about 8V batteries is they probably only start charging to 8V at high RPM via the generator and this old 55 runs kinda low. But I would like to try the 8V just the same-I guess my concern is about the life expectancy of the battery and not the couple years of use I would most likely get out of it. Thanks Jeff

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