Mag or battery ignition

Tractor Shed Billy · Sep 17, 2008

I'm starting to restore a 1947 Cub that I purchased a year ago. It was complete but the engine needs a complete overhaul. This tractor had a magneto ignition originally but someone has converted to a battery by bypassing the magneto and adding a coil with wires from an improvised switch to the coil and stil using the distributor head from the mag. I want to restore this tractor to as near original as possible but I'm not a whiz on ignitions. I'm sure the mag will need to be rebuilt if I go that route. What would most of you recommend -- going back to the mag ignition or converting properly to a battery ignition?

Thanks, tsb

Ed pap · Sep 17, 2008

Hello,
I would stay with the mag ignition. you can always start it without a battery.
I use John the Magman he rebuilds yours or usally he has mags all done. his # is 315 564-7771.
I have a mag on my H I put a 12 volt battery in it this spring and have been maken hay all summer with it. I had planed on changing the charging system to 12 volt but never got there. I havent charged the battery yet.
Good luck Ed
abcrepairparts

Tom Fleming · Sep 17, 2008

Personally, I like a mag. If you have fresh points and condenser, and the rest of the mag is ok, you won't find a better start.

The only problem with distibutor and coil is that the starter causes a voltage drain on the battery. In cold weather, that can lead to weak spark. Usually isn't all that big a deal, but with less than optimal plugs, points, and condenser, it can lead to hard starting. With a mag, your voltage doesn't matter......only for the starter if you have one.

John T · Sep 17, 2008

Id use a Mag mainly to keep her ORIGINAL. However if you choose to convert to a coil ignition Id do it right with a distributor and external can type coil NOT use the mag as it was jury rigged before.

John T

Tractor Shed Billy · Sep 17, 2008

Thanks everyone for the advice. I was leaning toward the magneto anyway and now you have confirmed it. I'll get the magneto checked out by someone who knows more about that than I do. When I get the engine put back together I'll let you know how it worked out.
tsb

JT · Sep 17, 2008

If you need a complete J4 mag, I have one, been rebuilt and tested hot. New points, condensor, cap.
Jim

magman · Sep 18, 2008

www.farmallmagneto.com

Mag or battery ignition

Tractor Shed Billy

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Ed pap

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Tom Fleming

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John T

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Tractor Shed Billy

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JT

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magman

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