F-4 Mag

Mark Poss · Dec 31, 2013

How hard is it to change the condenser on a F-4 mag? I have changed points before but I am a little intimidated digging further to get at the condenser. Thanks for any help, Mark.

F-Dean · Dec 31, 2013

It is not hard.
1. Remove the distributor cap and note the position of the brass "distributor." Remove the mag from tractor. DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE UNTIL YOU HAVE REINSTALLED THE MAG.
2. Take out the 2 screws that hold the strap on top and pull the U-shaped magnet up and off. Note, or mark, which way the magnet is mounted - usually with a IHC logo on the outside.
3. Remove the 4 screws holding on the top cover. (They screw from the bottom up.)and remove the top cover.
4. Replace the condenser and re-assemble. You may want to replace the coil while you have the mag apart-easy but expensive ($50)

You can kill the engine by grounding the condenser so I drill a small hole in the mag cover, run a piece of 14-gauge automotive wire thru the hole and connect the wire to the condenser. After remounting the mag, I connect this wire to a one-wire on/off switch from a letter series tractor for a simple way to kill the engine.

Oldiron29 · Dec 31, 2013

Mark, All as F-Dean has said. Only thing I have ever had happen is when connecting the wires to the condenser be very careful that the wires do not make contact with the mag cover as it is very close. Or you will have no spark! oldiron29

John M · Dec 31, 2013

And watch those brushed when you pop off the cap... I have my wires marked, so I take the wires off first, then remove the whole mag, and pop the cap off on the bench. Lost one too many brushes doing in in the barn.

Bob · Dec 31, 2013

FWIW, here"s a link to the factory mag service manual...
GSS 5035 Service Manual

F-4 Mag

Mark Poss

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F-Dean

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Oldiron29

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John M

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Bob

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