Farmall B advise

4 bottem · May 2, 2011

Hello everybody. Just picked up a B and have some questions on what direction to go with it. 1.It has a magneto that does not work. 2.It has a 12 volt alt that does. 3. No starter on the tractor. Now the ?s should I get the mag fixed or convert to a distributor? Can I get a 12 volt starter for this tractor? This would convert everything to 12 volt. Or how long will a 6 volt starter last pumping 12 volts to it. I know this is long but this tractor is mixed up as bad as the family trees up here in Maine. Thanks for your advise ED

Stuart · May 2, 2011

A 6 volt starter will work perfectly on 12 volts for a long time. If it already has a working 12v alternator, it would be cheaper to convert it 12 on the ign side to.

Anonymous-0 · May 2, 2011

The 6 volt starter will work. THE MAGNETO if the impulses are ok, The cap,coil cover, coil and tune up kit will cost about $130.00. A rebuilt mag.will cost somewhere around the high $200.00-low $400.00 depending who you get it from. A new distributor will cost around $300.00.You might have to change mounting base because the distributor will not fit mag base.

Janicholson · May 2, 2011

I agree with Stewart.
A distributor from the same sized engine class (A,B,SA,C,SC,100-240 and others)will be fine. Use a 12v no external resistor required coil (cheap) at NAPA or others.
Change the ignition setup to include a new switch (the old switch can only ground a mag, not switch battery voltage!). The standard switch is available, or you can put a key switch in it. A simple on off two terminal switch is fine for operation, and makes a little better security. Get the ignition circuit voltage from the load side of the amp meter (not the side connected to the starter switch. (if any))
Use 0gauge cables and soldered on terminals for the starter. Good luck, and ask questions if needed. Jim

Bob M · May 2, 2011

Ed - The stock 6 volt starter on my Super M has been on a steady diet of 12 volts for nearly 35 years. It's still going strong. If your starter is in good shape it too will last a LONG time on 12 volts.

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You can modify your existing magneto to work as a distributor. You'll need to purchase/mount a generic "12 volt" (self-ballasted) ignition coil - about $20.

Inside the mag disconnect the mag coil wire to the breaker points. Now connect new coil primary to the mag's breaker points. Finally connect the new coil's output to the center tower on magneto cap.

Like JimN mentions, you'll also need a different ignition switch. (The stock mag "ignition" switch has only one terminal which it shorts to ground in the off position.)

old · May 2, 2011

Mag or distributor both are good and both work well. As for 12 volts no starter what is the battery there for?? Or are you saying that it just has the starter missing??? If it didn't come with a factory starter then you will also need the ring gear and a different torque tube but I'm guessing that the starter is just missing so you will not need that stuff. As the others say a 6 volt starter will work just fine and last decades

sflem849 · May 2, 2011

(quoted from post at 07:33:16 05/02/11) Ed - The stock 6 volt starter on my Super M has been on a steady diet of 12 volts for nearly 35 years. It's still going strong. If your starter is in good shape it too will last a LONG time on 12 volts.

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You can modify your existing magneto to work as a distributor. You'll need to purchase/mount a generic "12 volt" (self-ballasted) ignition coil - about $20.

Inside the mag disconnect the mag coil wire to the breaker points. Now connect new coil primary to the mag's breaker points. Finally connect the new coil's output to the center tower on magneto cap.

Like JimN mentions, you'll also need a different ignition switch. (The stock mag "ignition" switch has only one terminal which it shorts to ground in the off position.)

Can you do that with a mag that isn't hot? ie bad mag IIRC the OP had a "bad" mag. This could mean a lot of things.

OP - Did you check to make sure the points wern't welded shut? I've seen it happen before.

Bob M · May 2, 2011

Yup - as long as the rotor spins and the breaker points open and close, a "bad" mag will work fine as a distributor.

Janicholson · May 2, 2011

The mag must have a working Impulse coupling, or the timing will be too advanced to allow starting, or too retarded to run above idle. I like distributors because of the centrifugal advance and its affect on smoothness at idle and early part throttle. Jim

4 bottem · May 4, 2011

Thanks everybody Sent the mag to Ebersons in Brewer Maine, good people for old electric stuff. Will keep the 12 alt and batt and run a 6 volt starter.

Farmall B advise

4 bottem

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Janicholson

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Bob M

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old

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sflem849

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