H electrics?

Jeff

I want to give a special thank you to Sam#3 for his explanation of the four basic circuits. That explanation was exactly what I needed to hear. I used that information to check all parts of the system. I also want to thank Allan and Brad L. also for responding. Using Sam#3's explanation, I checked, and the common point for the circuits was indeed one of the ammeter posts, and I discovered the main problem was right there. I hadn't even noticed it before, but when I took a closer look, I noticed two of the wires definitely had seen better days. Last night late I cleaned the post, ran new wires, and my old H (1951) fired right up. I was so shocked I just stood there with my mouth open. Thanks, guys. I really appreciate your help. I am restoring this H to give to my dad for his 75th birthday in the spring. An H was the last tractor he had -- and was his favorite. I'm an idiot when it comes to tractor mechanics, but I'm giving it my best shot. Thanks for your help.

Jeff

That isn't how it works. It is not a "first come, first serve" sort of a thing.

Electrical power is going to flow to the path of least resistance.

So say for instance, your battery is just a little on the weak side and you are trying to start your engine.

Since the current "sees" two ways of traveling, and it ‘sees’ less resistance in the starter route than it does in the ignition circuit, more power flows to the starter, proportionately speaking, and the ignition side suffers. In this scenario, the old gal cranks, but it might not start because of weak spark at the plug. That circuit is being cheated.

Circuits are set up in series, parallel, or a combination of both.

Does any of this make any sense?

What is your H doing that is driving you crazy?

Allan