656 Electronic ignition.

Kel1306 · Jul 23, 2013

For you guys that have a lot of experience with these conversions, what kind of electronic ignition would you recommend to put on an IH 656. I've heard that some of these units can have issues with burning out, and I would rather stay away from that!

Thanks

Allan in NE · Jul 24, 2013

None,

If this is a working tractor, you are just asking for trouble. They just cannot stand the vibration and abuse of everyday tractor life.

My 2¢,

Allan

Baelee05 · Jul 24, 2013

It"s really kind of hit and miss. Some of the early kits years ago had issues and didn"t last long. I"ve been fortunate and done several over the past few years that have worked out really well. Keeping points set and working properly has always been a source of aggravation for me on Oliver gas tractors. I put a kit in one quite a few years ago and it hasn"t missed a beat. I was always screwing with points on them. The other problem is the quality of points being produced now. As Allen says if you are really going to use it and work it a good tight well maintained system with points might be better. I don"t do any work with gas tractors anymore. Anything that I would consider work I use the diesels for so I can"t comment on the longevity of the electronic kits under those circumstances. In general I think the conversions work pretty well and aren"t near as vulnerable to failure as some claim. On the other hand if you have a distributor that is in top condition and you can source quality points it is hard to beat that system too.

John T · Jul 24, 2013

Heres the deal IFFFFFFFFFFFFFF they are working the technology of a solid state coil current switch (no mechanical points bouncing and ringing and burning and a faster more positive switch) CAN YIELD A MORE EFFICIENT IGNITION SYSTEM AND PERHAPS A TAD MORE SPARK ENERGY, although, theres little if any HP improvement while most report improved starting and idle characteristics......

HOWEVER when they go bad youre dead in the field unlike with points you can file and/or clean n get back to the barn.

The thing Ive noticed is unlike modern automotive solid state ignition systems they seem to fail more often.

Soooooo yes in theory they are better PROVIDED THEY WORK lol

We report, you decide, your money your choice. Pertronix seems to be a good seller but I have absolutely no data as far as reliability or longevity.......

John T

504-1 · Jul 24, 2013

Unless you leave the key turned on with the motor off, your points will last for years. I have a 656 and two 504s that I run around here(not a farmer just mowing and what ever) and I have never installed points in any of them in ten years.

656 Electronic ignition.

Kel1306

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Allan in NE

Well-known Member

Baelee05

Member

John T

Well-known Member

504-1

Member

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