Continental F124 Problem

smallercrawler · Oct 7, 2011

Hi all, I ran into a problem with an Continental F124 gas engine in a 1950 U.S. Trac dozer. As these engines were used in some IH/Farmall, thought someone might help. Engine has been running fine for last several years, started and worked for a couple hours each month. Started up good yesterday and ran ok for an hour or so. Began stalling/missing, thought it was what is called gasoline these days so checked fuel system-nothing apparent. Was running at 1500 RPM when it backfired 3 or 4 times, coughed, and stopped. Would crank, but not start with
frequent "chuffing"/backfire. Found distributor rotor had broken on shaft. Cleaned plastic from distributor, installed new one and same thing. Changed to new plugs (gapped ok), 2 known good coils, and checked point gap, compression good, still same problem. It now looks like rotor is between 2 plugs and trying to fire both, rotor moves smoothly-doesn't appear cam gear damaged. Distributor body hasn't moved. What has apparently changed timing by about 45 degrees?? Sorry for long post, trying to anticipate questions. Thanks for any help offered.

Anonymous-0 · Oct 7, 2011

Try replacing the condensor with a new unit. The rotor might have damaged the wire on it or it may just be bad. The rotor appearing to be attempting to fire two plugs at the same time will seem that way because it actually starts firing before it reaches the contact in the cap(advanced timing)if it were to fire exaclty when it was closest to the contact the engine would be firing at Top dead center and have very low power. It is possible though that the roll pin that holds the gear in position on the bottom of the distributor shaft may have broken and not keeping the gear from slipping on the shaft. Good luck

Jim Becker · Oct 7, 2011

If the rotor actually broke, maybe it is hitting something. Is there any evidence inside the cap of a collision? Check the distributor shaft/bushing for wear. If the shaft is free to move sideways, you could have parts running into each other. It will also allow the point gap (and thus timing) to move randomly.

smallercrawler · Oct 7, 2011

Jim, side of rotor (Eichlin) that goes over shaft split out about 180 degrees and broke into several pieces. Blew out distributor, and all plastic not accounted for, pulled point plate and checked for bits in the centrifugal advance mechanism. None found-blew/vacuumed it to be sure. No cap/point/cam damage apparent. Shaft is "snug" with no play. Still looking, thank you for reply.

smallercrawler · Oct 7, 2011

Hi MC, good thought on condensor, it is one thing I've not changed. If that doesn't get it I'll pull distributor as roll pin "slippage" appears to be only logical thing left. Thanks for your help.

Janicholson · Oct 7, 2011

If the rotor again hit a plug terminal and only the internal Key broke off that would do it! Jim

Continental F124 Problem

smallercrawler

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Anonymous-0

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Jim Becker

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smallercrawler

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smallercrawler

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Janicholson

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