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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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M Farmall not getting fire to plugs

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Bill Zuke

08-19-2006 18:26:40




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Well, I got my wheel unstuck (it was the brake band) and the engine turns over, but no fire. I assume it is a 12v system-it had not battery--so I added a battery. It will tun over from the buttom on the front of the tractor, but no spark is making it to the plugs. I am new and don't know how to trouble shoot this or where to look. The kill switch, which I assume just grounds the system and kills the fire, is not a factor, I do not think. I tried it on and off and then took it off to test with a meter. That can be it! So if it turns over, but has been sitting up, how do I trouble shoot this. Keep in mind, I am a beginner, but I can use a voltmeter.

Bill

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Michael Soldan

08-20-2006 05:27:23




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 18:26:40  
Bill, I support what you have been told, don't use a 12 volt battery if the system is 6volt , you can burn up some electrical components that way. If the tractor is a mag ignition, remove the rotor cap and clean the points,fine emery cloth folded in half between the points, rub and rub and rub and when you think it can't possibly need any more rubbing...rub it for another minute. This will usually be the problem on an M with Mag that has sat for a long time. As our other tractor neighbours have said , get a manual and go through step by step to solve. I have an M that sat 10 years and all it took was those points being cleaned up and it started on the second lift of the crank...good luck..Mike in Exeter Ontario

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City-Boy McCoy

08-19-2006 19:03:44




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 18:26:40  
Let me encourage you to listen to Rusty Farmall. Don't mean to offend you, but in your haste to get 'er going - and making wrong assumptions - you may be "frying" whatever still good ignition and charging components you still have. mike



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Bill Zuke

08-19-2006 20:24:13




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to City-Boy McCoy, 08-19-2006 19:03:44  
Fair enough guys. I will get more information before cranking it again.



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old

08-19-2006 19:01:46




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 18:26:40  
Rusty says it stright and forward. Your problem is most likey the normal tune up stuff. Points, plugs condenser rotor and cap if its a distubutor or just rotor if a mag. Also plu wired but make sure you get true wire plug wires not one made for a car/truck. And an IH-8 manaul at the bear minuim.

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John T

08-19-2006 18:57:42




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 18:26:40  
Bill, is the Ignition a battery powered external coil ignition orrrrr rrrrr is it a Magneto??? If it ran with no battery its gotta be a Magneto (requires no battery voltage to it)

Some Magnetos indeed have a kill switch which grounds out the points circuit when OFF but battery powered coil ignitions require voltage appled to the external coil via an On/Off Ignition switch.

If its a coil ignition I can give you a troubleshooting procedure but if its a Mag Im out to lunch except to check to see if it snaps and the kill switch circuit (if it has one) is okay n not shorted out and the points gotta be gapped correct and NOT burned or pitted or carboned over and the condensor has to be good n not shorted etc.

John T

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RustyFarmall

08-19-2006 18:50:42




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 18:26:40  
Never assume anything. The tractor originally had a 6 volt, positive ground electric system, with a magneto ignition system. If the magneto is still present, the switch is indeed a kill switch. If the magneto has been replaced with a more modern distributor, then the switch is a true on-off switch. The first thing you need is a good manual for the tractor, then, and only then, will you know what needs to be done. I will also just about guarantee that if the tractor has been "setting up" for some time, you will need to do a complete ignition tune-up, as well as rebuild the carburetor and quite possibly even clean out the gas tank. Sorry if I seem nagative, it's not intended, but some things do need to come first, and if you do those things in order, pretty soon that 'ol gal will come back to life.

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Bill Zuke

08-19-2006 19:57:29




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to RustyFarmall, 08-19-2006 18:50:42  
Well, I am making some assumptions. It did have a battery, for those who asked, it just wasn't in the tractor. The starter selinoid is obviosly after market as is the start push button. I will take the distributor by a local shop. I think I have read enough to polarize the generator. I can send pictures of the distributor to an email address.



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Bill Zuke

08-19-2006 20:52:05




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 19:57:29  
I was just wrong. It has a magneto just like the one at "Tracor Restoration" and a true kill switch. I will get more help.

Thanks



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John T

08-20-2006 06:30:22




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to Bill Zuke, 08-19-2006 20:52:05  
Now knowing its Magneto Id say first try to non abrasively clean/buff/polish the points and check the gap but if they are badlyyyyy y burned or pitted or carboned up use a points file to dress smooth n clean them and re gap n give her a try. I dont like to use emery cloth or sandpaper type products on points cuz of the residue it can leave. Also try it with the kill wire removed in case it has a short somewhere but have her jury rigged so you can attach a ground to the kill stud if necessary. If she then sparks but its a faint thin wimpy yellow spark as opposed to a visible blue you may wanna change out the condensor. If its more then that Im out to lunch on IHC mags.

Let us know, best wishes n God Bless

John T

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Bill Zuke

08-20-2006 17:49:39




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 Re: M Farmall not getting fire to plugs in reply to John T, 08-20-2006 06:30:22  
It's running. Thanks



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