Ignition Problems

1st ollie · Mar 15, 2009

I could use some help if anyone has an answer for me. My 57 Super 55 won"t start I can"t get any spark I have replaced the wiring harness and the coil. My neighbor had it running 2 years ago before he parked it and I bought it. I have power from the switch to the terminal for the coil and power from the top of the coil to dist cap. However i have no power through the wire from the coil to the side of the dist when the ign is on. If anyone has any ideas please let me know thank you all for your attention.

John T · Mar 15, 2009

With the ignition ON theres normally NOT any voltage (with respect to ground) on the coil terminal that leads to the distributor CUZ THE POINTS ARE USUALLY CLOSED. When they open there should be voltage (on coil terminal to distributor) but it should go to zero or near zero when they close.

Heres more then you need to know to Troubleshoot no fire on a coil ignition system:

http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=farmall&th=705848

John T
John Ts Troubleshooting Procedure

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Mar 15, 2009

Sounds like you may have a coil problem. Do you have a test light? With the key on, the test light will light on the switch side of the coil, and it will only light on the points side of the coil when the points in the distributor are open. Most of the time, no spark can be fixed with new points and condenser. Both of my gas tractors have Pertronix electronic conversions. No more point problems. I also used their "Flamethrower" coils. They have higher voltage capability. I opened the spark plug gaps and now each tractor will idle and run like a sewing machine. They never ran that smooth with points.

El Toro · Mar 16, 2009

Rub those points with some 320 wet or dry until shiny. If they're pitted replace them along with a new condenser. Check the continuity of the wire from the coil to the points to make sure it isn't broken somewhere or has a bare spot that's touching ground. Hal

1st ollie · Mar 16, 2009

Thanks guys I've ordered a new points and condensor. I'll give it a try and let you know how it works. Thanks for your time all.

fixerupper · Mar 16, 2009

A good quick non-scientific way to see of juice is getting to the points is to turn on the key, slip a flat blade screwdriver between the movable point and stationary point and twist the screwdriver to open the points up. If the screwdriver makes sparks and the coil throws a spark, the points are getting juice. It takes just a couple of seconds. Jim

david - or · Mar 17, 2009

Like John T says.

A very easy procedure, not requiring any test equipment, is to remove the distributor cap and watch the points as someone spins the engine with the starter. The points should spark (it's a weak spark, but definitely there) as they open and close. If they don't spark, and there is voltage to the coil, the points are probably closed all the time. You can see this with your eye. Quite commonly, a loose hold-down screw allows the points to slip while the tractor is parked a long time, giving a no-start like this.

Next test: Leave the key on, and force the moving arm of the points open with a screwdriver. The points should spark. If they do, there's a gap problem. If they don't, there's a coil or wiring problem, or the points are so corroded they don't make electrical contact when closed.

Ignition Problems

1st ollie

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John T

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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El Toro

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1st ollie

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fixerupper

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david - or

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