12v conversion electronic ignition on an 8n

I"m new to 8n"s, but my dad & I got one from my aunt/uncle and we"re about to start getting it going so that we can do some work (landscaping stuff primarily).

The tractor doesn"t have a battery and hasn"t run for years, though supposedly it was running when it was parked. My dad"s first instinct was to get a 6v battery and points/condensor. _My_ first instinct was to ask what in the heck points were... :-)

I"m thinking we might be better off using that money and just converting the tractor to 12v w/electronic ignition. Neither of us wants to do anything that would make a "real" restoration impossible later on, but right now we want this tractor for work. From the little bit of reading here I"ve done, it seems like there"s lots of "6v positive ground original electrical system works fine" folks out there, but it also seems like they don"t have a problem filing points, adjusting stuff, keeping the battery indoors in cold weather, etc. Pretty much, I want to be able to go over the tractor in 10 deg. weather when it hasn"t run in 2 months and expect it to fire. Also seems like giving it a jump or adding additional lights would be simpler on a normal 12v system...

But, like I said, I"m new to all this and I"d welcome any advice. Assuming it _is_ a decent idea for us, should we basically just call up Genesee Products and order a 12v conversion, wirirng harness, and electronic ignition? I don"t mind spending an extra 20 bucks to have something that definately works with a phone number to call if something is weird, but I"m also ok with designing my own stuff if that makes more sense.

Thanks again for the help for the 8n new folks!

Mark

• Sitting tractor startup list

Second, until you know whether the machine is going to run and have working hydralics why spend hundreds on parts you won't be able to use. You are likely to find stuck valves, stuck rings, maybe hydralics that need work and all of that is going to eat up your spare time and cash. The hindenberg ran when it was parked.

Third, n series have limitations. You won't be happy trying to roto till with it for example. Before you load up your VISA with parts make sure you are into something you want to keep. Points, a battery, condensor, set of plugs, carb kit, and you are still under a hundred bucks. IF you do six volts right it will start below zero every time.

Your mileage may vary

That 'start at 10 degrees after not running for 2 months' is great, as long as your 12v battery is charged, and your carb isn't gummed up.

You can buy alotta points for the price of an electronic ignition...

Find out if your genny works. Some people do that as the deciding factor between upgrading.. if the genny has to be replaced or rebuilt... then you may have a monetary advantage to go with an alternator / 12v battery vs a new/rebuilt genny/6v battery.

Soundguy

Then you need to address the FUEL SYSTEM. Old gasoline will evaporate and leave behind "varnish" that will/has clogged the itty-bitty carb jets. Sometimes you can clean'em with carb spray cleaner and straw (use eye-protection, don't ask)

Now then AFTER you gitt yer 6-volt positive grounded battery installed and engine running, THEN consider the merits of a 12 volt conversion. Don't worry about the new 6v battery, they take trade-ins for 12v batts. Many 12 volt conversions are just a "band-ade" for tired worn engine, because 12v on 6v starter really spinns-itt.

To modern ears, the slooowww ....rump....rump....rump of 6v start is sure sign of problems, its NOT. Its just the way of 6v.

Iff'n you decide you need the "other" advantages of 12v, THEN convert. Iff'n yer electrically, challenged, gitta kitt and follow instructions religiously.

Once ya gotts yer 12v conversion done and working properly, ONLY NOW address your electronic ignition desires. They work well but won't make a silk purse outta sow's ear.

Bottom line, gittchur tractor running right BEFORE you start modifying-itt, otherwize, you'll be chasing yer tail..... .....respectfully, Dell a 12 volt advocate for the right reasons

That said, I haven't found the right reason to modify my eazy starting 6v 8N, and I know how to do it right the first time. Infact I know 8-ways to do it right.

Look at "Marketplace" in the upper LH corner.

Depending on your mechanical abilities, you can pick up locally, and/or fabricate most of the conversion parts for much less than the kit.

I suspect many will tell you to get the tractor up and running in it's present state, to make sure the rest of the tractor is OK, and it is something you want to keep and continue with before deciding on major changes.