Converting to electronic ignition

Mark Henderson · Mar 16, 2010

I have a 9N/2N Ford tractor that has been completely overhauled and running absolutely flawless once it has started, but my problem is getting it started. The problem with starting the tractor always seems to go back to the points, thus my question. I saw on YT that Pertronix offers an electronic ignition, and it says this kit eliminates the original points and condensor. Has anyone on the forum used one of these kits? If so, what kind of success have you had? I'm also hoping someone can explain what is involved in the conversion. I love this tractor but I need it to be as dependable in starting as my trusty ole Toyota pickup truck.

Bob · Mar 16, 2010

A successful basic pertronix system EI simply eliminates point replacement/adjustment.

Your tractor won't start any better with a Pertronix than it will with a good set of points.

paul · Mar 17, 2010

No experience, but I hear the 12 volt is a good thing, the 6 volt has some issues - just not enough oomph to work the electronics happy.

Are you converted to 12v?

--->Paul

Two Dogs · Mar 17, 2010

That may be true. The key words being "a good set of points". But the Pertronix is always in adjustment and never needs a second thought. I"ve had mine (MF35) for three years and am well pleased with it. TDF

Bob · Mar 17, 2010

I've installed DOZENS, and, yes they DO work well. HOWEVER, I've also seen a couple fail which pretty much leaves you "dead in the water" waiting for a replacement UNLESS you've carefully saved the stuff to put the pints back in.

Mark Henderson · Mar 17, 2010

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the reply.Yes I've already converted to a 12 volt system.So I would be using the pertronix 12 volt E-I to match. I have new plugs, plug wires, points, condenser, distributor
cap, rotor button, rebuilt carb. and a new battery. I'm not a mechanic but the darn thing ought to start.
Thanks,
Mark

JMOR · Mar 17, 2010

Not pushing for or against EI, but you really need to fix whatever is making it hard to start before throwing another item into the mix. You probably have something causing that hard start that the EI isn't going to fix. Maybe not, but if I were placing my bet..........

Jon Hagen · Mar 17, 2010

Cranking speed should not be a problem with a 12V cranking system, but if it does crank slow, points will fire right down to 0 rpm, while a magnetic trigger EI system will not.

A good set of points should produce as good and as well timed spark as an EI system, but in real life, they never seem to do that.

A conversion to magnetic triggered EI almost always produces a stronger and smoother running engine.
I suppose most of those old distributors have 50-70 years of acumulated wear in bushings, shafts and point cam, so point dwell and timing are all over the map. The mag trigger EI unit pretty well compensates for that wear.

NawlensGator · Mar 17, 2010

I've replaced the points/cond's on 3 IH tractors with electronic ignition from this site. They work great.

Ole Shovel · Mar 17, 2010

If you don't read and follow directions at all or well or the dist is worn out it will be a waste of time & money for you! It won't help a worn out dist or worn out engine!

Anonymous-0 · Mar 17, 2010

Not sure of your specific tractor but normally when starting the engine the voltage from the battery is fed directly from the switch to the points and coil. Once it starts the voltage is sent through a resistor so the points last longer. If you were trying to start the tractor on the reduced voltage of the run circuit it would be harder to start.

Converting to electronic ignition

Mark Henderson

Member

Bob

Well-known Member

paul

Well-known Member

Two Dogs

Well-known Member

Bob

Well-known Member

Mark Henderson

Member

JMOR

Well-known Member

Jon Hagen

Well-known Member

NawlensGator

Member

Ole Shovel

Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Similar threads