49 8N Starts Finicky

I'm gradually bit by bit going through the tractor first to have a good dependable tractor and later possibly restore it.

I just completed a brake job and feel good about it.

On to the next problem. The tractor acts a bit finicky about cranking after it gets hot. From this board I understand I should suspect the coil.

I bought a new set of plugs for the tractor just to see if it would help,gapped to 28 and stuck them in. Cranked and ran OK but hot cranking worse. Looked back at the plugs I took out (really didn't look that bad) and the front and last two plugs were gapped at 40 and the second plug 32. I also found a 1 inch extension on the front plug (spark jumper?). The tractor cranked well when cold, ran, and didn't smoke when I got it.

Does anybody have any idea what all this is trying to tell me?

Must be a '49 trait as mine used to be tough on the hot restart. I finally decided to replace the plugs, coil, points, condensor. When I had the distributor out, I found that it was way off time. It was about 3/8" to the advanced side. I set it back, although in hind sight, I was a little gun shy and it's probably still a touch to the advanced side.

Anyhow, she starts hot so much better. Also, I think, if you are still 6Volt like I am, the battery has a lot to play in the hot start issue. Check your voltage to the coil to be sure that you should be about 3 - 3.5 with points open or closed.. never remember which. Anyways, I run about 2.75 which may also come into play.

In any event, if your girl is like mine, she's particular on the throttle position for the start. Mine likes about 3/4 when hot.

Good luck.. let us know how it goes.

Kevin
'49 8N Serial #217440

I haven't looked at the condenser or points. I plan on looking at that first thing in the morning.

Tractor cranks right up but if I run it 10-15 minutes or more it will not start back unless you let it sit about 30 minutes.