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Farmall A Magneto Question

A

Andy Dutkiewicz

Member
Can any tell me if there is a way to test a condensor or a magento to see if they are good or bad? I have a problem with the tracto running for about an hour or an hour and half and then it will quit and it will not start back up. I changed the condensor and the magneto coil and I am in the process of retiming the tractor, but if anyone can offer any tips on what to look for if I know if my meg has gone bad or how to check a condensor without tearing the condensor out and trying another one. Thank you all for your help!
 
I own a "Condenser Testor", got mine from
Graingers. Not cheap, but worth its weight in
gold. Some brands of multi meters/multi testers
have that function.
 
Sounds good. How do you check with a multi meter tester? Is there a setting on the tester for the condensor. Can I ask what you paid for the condensor tester? Thank you.
 
You may not have a mag problem did you check for fire to your plugs? When it quits running pull off a plug wire and have a helper try to start the engine while you hold the plug wire about 1/4" away from the plug. If you have good fire to your plug you probably have a fuel problem. Hal
 
So after replacing the con and coil does it run without stopping abd cooling down. By replacing them the problem should be solved but the new condensers seem to have a hi failure not like the old days when they would last for many years.
 
We managed to get it started, but it won't stay running. I think the timing is still off somewhat. We are stil lmessing with the mag trying to find the sweet spot.
 
If you change the condenser, coil & points and there's still weak fire I would suspect the magnets may be weak. Touch them with a flatblade screwdriver and see if they attract it with a lot of effort. If you have battery start on your A you can convert your mag to a distributor using the condenser and points and install an auto type ignition coil. You would need disconnect the old mag's coil wire at the points and connect the wire from the new coil there. Hal
PS: You would need to run battery voltage to a new ignition switch then to the coil and then to your points. You also can have the mag rebuilt and have the magnets recharged.
 
The timing isnt off the mag is either in time or not they fire at TDC when starting and then go to 30pluss degrees running and cannot be shanged. If the mag wasnt in time it wouldnt start. The only way to change any timing would be to have the rotor off one tooth and they usually wont start if thats the problem. Ive only been playing with the A and B mags for more yrs than you can count.
 
Timing the mag to the engine is exceedingly simple, unless you pulled the drive shaft out of the front of the mag. If so,put the dist. cap on and put a tiny scratch on the body where No. 1 tower is. Turn the rotor to this position. Turn the engine to TDC on the compression stroke (notch in pulley). While holding the rotor in position, install the shaft so it will register with the slot in the governor drive. The mag should install on the block without turning anything. With the bolts loosely installed, rotate the mag all the way clockwise, looking at the cap end. Rotate the engine 2 revolutions and stop precisely at the notch. Slowly rotate the mag C CW until it snaps. If the point gap is correct, tighten the bolts, you're done.
 
Thanks Hal. We checked the spark last night and it was a good spark so I think all the electrical components seem to be fine but we can not get it to start. it fired over a couple of times but will not run. I am so frustrated with the timing and I think that is the issue. I think we may be off a little bit. Any tips on timing this baby? I appreciate you sharing allof your knowledge. Thank you!
 
Thank you for that. This is my first time messing with this tractor to this extent. This was my fathers tractor and he passed away recently, so we are going through it trying to get it going. I appreciate your knowledge! Thanks again
 
Multi-meter has to have the condenser test
function. My tester cost, "about $75" but
since I do a lot of Wisconsin engine work, and
repair magnetos for myself, (not for hire) it
was a good investment.
 
Fritz, thank you so much for your sound advice, I did exactly as you said and the tractor fired up, running rough but I know I have to play with the mag and adjust until it runs smooth. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! One more quesdtion, in your experience can you tell me now that I am at this stage, how should I go about fine tuning the tractor so it runs smooth? I have an idea but I am not 100% sure and would like to know if the mag is very tempermental and needs small adjustments or may be you can give me some helpful hints in fine tuning the tractor. Again, thank you for your help!
 
Thank you all for the great advice. I used all of it and it all worked great. All of you are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate you sharing your tips and experiences in helping me solve my problem. I got the tractor running, now I have to smooth it out. Thank you.
 
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