Tracing Down Lost Spark

jthornton7771 · May 29, 2022

So I have replaced the coil, condensor, points, spark plugs, plug wires. I don't have spark at the number 3 spark plug. I've got 12.3 volts at the coil, at the condensor, but somewhere along the way, the spark gets lost before it reaches the plug. Any ideas? Thank you in advance.

Bruce (VA) · May 29, 2022

On what model tractor?
75 Tips

Den N Ms · May 29, 2022

jthornton7771 ,Is your engine in your 9N a front mount distributor or a side mount distributor 8N engine.
You say you lost spark to number 3 cylinder , is that the only one that has lost spark and will the rest of them jump a 1/4" gap or more on the other 3.
It could be that the distributor cap is shorted for number 3 cylinder.
I don't see that you changed the distributor cap or rotor on it.
Check for spark on #3 again using a known good different plug wire (one of your old wires will do for testing).
Let us know your results.

I know a JIhornton,a very good freind of mine from Tennessee and thought it could have been you.

This post was edited by Den N Ms on 05/29/2022 at 07:01 am.

Bruce (VA) · May 29, 2022

Did you lose spark on # 3, then replace those parts?

Or, did you replace the parts THEN lose spark on # 3?
75 Tips

Bruce(OR) · May 30, 2022

Put the old condenser back in. I had that happen once in about 1978.

jthornton7771 · May 30, 2022

Den, I was stationed at Fort Campbell from 2010 to 2013 when I retired. Not sure if that helps or not.

So, I got the beast running today. however, she continually bogged horribly when I engage the PTO or tried to take off in 2nd gear. I found that while mowing in 1st gear, the engine continually tried to die, but when I engaged the choke it would idle back up and ran smoother. so now it's a matter of trying to get the carb adjusted properly. Thinking I should advance the timing a little so as to allow a little more power. suggestions??? Thanks in advance.

jthornton7771 · May 30, 2022

UPDATE! I got her running today. However, I can't get the carb adjusted properly. The engine bogs horribly when I try to take off or engage the PTO/Bushhawg. I did get to do a little mowing however, the engine continually bogged and tried to die. I found that engaging the choke while driving helped the engine gain power and run smoother. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Folks...

Lynn Patrick · May 30, 2022

Could be as simple as faulty spark plugs - not unheard of today!

Abbby · May 30, 2022

Sounds like your carburetor is running a little lean. Find the main jet adjusting screw. Will look similar to below. In is leaner and out is richer. turn it out about 1/4 turn at a time. You want to find the sweet spot where is will run good without bogging down and spewing out black smoke.

Tracing Down Lost Spark

jthornton7771

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Bruce (VA)

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Den N Ms

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Bruce (VA)

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Bruce(OR)

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jthornton7771

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jthornton7771

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Lynn Patrick

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