IH 454 utility starting problems

n8terry · Dec 10, 2009

I have a IH 454 utility that won't start.

It has new points, condensor, plugs, coil.

When I pull the coil wire out, I get a spark, but its irregular frequency, while cranking.

Tractor originally had a 6 volt coil, I put in a 12 volt with resistor a couple of years ago, it ran fine. Tractor is and always was a 12 volt.

I give it a shot of propane while cranking, still nothing.

Anyone have any ideas what I should try next?

buickanddeere · Dec 10, 2009

If it's a true 3.0ohm 12V coil. Having a ballast is the problem.
What polarity is the battery and what polarity is the coil?

El Toro · Dec 10, 2009

When was the last time the engine ran? Did you pull the distributor? To start with you need to use a volt meter or test lite and see if you have voltage on both small terminals on your coil with the points open. Make sure the points are gapped correctly. You also need to have the ignition switch in the run position. If you have voltage on both terminals pull off a plug wire and hold it about 1/4" away from the plug while someone makes an attempt to start the engine. If there's no fire to your plugs install another condenser then try to start it again. If you still have a no start install another rotor. Then see if it will start. Make sure the rotor is turning if it won't start. Rub those new points with some 320 wet or dry lightly and see if it will start. Hal

JDemaris · Dec 10, 2009

Do the same test, but do it by shorting out the points with a screwdriver (instead of while cranking). Very simple test. If you then get good spark everytime you jump them, the points aren't making/breaking as they should.

In you still don't get good spark, check voltage at the primary terminal of the coil. Anything over 7 volts should be more then enough. If very low, check your resistor.

As far as the coils goes, in most cases a "12 volt" ooil used with a resistor IS a "6 volt coil". OEM IH or Deere 6 volt coil is 2.6 ohms on the primary and 7 ohms on the secondary. Standard 12 volt coil can be 1.92 to 2 ohms on primary and 6-9 ohms on the secondary. My point being a 12 volt coil made to be used with a resistor is NOT made to run on 12 volts. It is basically the same as a 6 volt coil to run wiht no resistor.

showcrop · Dec 10, 2009

J hope you got all the firewood you need off Tug Hill. Manchester NH weather says Tug Hill area will get 3 feet of snow over the next few days.

IH 454 utility starting problems

n8terry

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buickanddeere

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El Toro

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JDemaris

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showcrop

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