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H Trouble Starting

C

Clarkbug

Member
Hello All.

My '44 H with the magneto ignition was giving me some problems starting this past weekend, and Im not sure why.

Prior to this, it always started right up, no issues at all, and purred like a kitten once she warmed up a little.

This time I went to start it, and it turned over fine, but didnt even give the hint that it wanted to start. Not a stumble or anything. I had to jump it from my other 6v H, and then it finally caught, and ran great. Once it had started once, there werent any problems starting it again.

My father went to move the H yesterday, and it wouldnt start again for some reason.

There is good fuel flow, so that leads me to think its spark. What on this magneto could have changed so recently that would make it not want to start?

Any help is much appreciated!!!

~Bug
 
You need to sell if there's fire to the sparkplugs
when cranking. Pull off one the plug wires and hold it about 1/4" away from the plug while makes an attempt to start the engine. If its a weak spark could be the impulse coupling isn't working.
Listen for the snapping action of the impulse coupling. If its ok could be a weak coil.

If there's no fire when cranking clean the points with some 320 wet or dry. Make sure the point gap is set at .013". If there's still no fire replace the condenser then check again for fire.
Hal
 
Thanks for the quick reply El Toro.

I know it will get spark once I can get the engine turning quick enough, since it runs nice and smoothly.

I have read on this board that the impulse coupling changes from when you are starting to when you are running (forgive my ignorance of the magnetos, Im pretty sure they are just full of some crazy black magic or something). Could it be that the coupling is stuck in the "run" setting or something, so that once I spin the engine enough it fires at the right time?
 
If you have a trustworthy auto electric shop near you take the mag to them and ask to have it checked and an estimate to fix it if needed.
That way you will have it looked at by someone who knows. I"m lucky to have a 60+ year family shop near me that tests starters and gens etc for free.
 
Try pulling it with another tractor. If it starts easily, the problem is probably with that impulse. Don't quote me on that though. I ain't no mag expert.
 
It could be rust or dirt that's not allowing the snapping action on the impulse when cranking. It could be the the spring is broken or where the fingers contact the posts are worn not allowing
the impulse coupling to "windup" to get the snapping action with the hot spark when cranking.

If you ever decide to pull the mag you need to pull the cap and see where your rotor is pointing and make a sketch. Once you pull the mag don't ROTATE the engine. When the mag is repaired you rotate the rotor shown in your sketch and install
the mag and your engine should start. The same applies to a distributor.

You should contact 'Jon the Magman' at www.farmallall.com and ask him his opinion since he rebuilds these mags. Hal
 
Thanks for the tips everyone...

Ill have to take a look at the mag and see if anything obvious jumps out at me.... If not, its to find out what the magman has to say....
 
Could anyone tell me how to get in touch with "Jon the Magman" at www.farmallall.com?
I have tried to acess the site and evidently my server cannot locate it.
I need some parts for a Fairbanks Morse mag #x4811 and have not had any sucess in locating anything.
My phone number is (307)587-6134

Thanks
 
Keep it simple!

Check the points, first!

My A quit running one day... finally got it started with new spark plugs and pulling it. Would never start with the crank. Finally put new points in and gapped them at 0.013" and it fires right up now.

Again, my bet is on the points.
 
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