1949 8N Front Mount: I had the distributor off to replace the points & condenser. I "thought" I replaced it correctly with the offset key & slot. Is the timing guaranteed correct, or could the offset key & slot be 360 degrees off proper rotation? If so, how do I know?

I have read some good suggestions. However, timing and not installing the distributor on the engine correctly will not cause a no spark condition. They will cause a spark to be produced at the wrong time. You first need to verify proper voltage to the coil. Then using an ohm meter, connect it to the distributor's output and its case. As you rotate the distributor, your meter should be going from a short to open repeteatedly. If it doesn't you got something is not installed properly in the distributor.

Pulled the front mount distributor and reset the points with "oldhokie"s setting jig one more time. Cranked and it fired but would not run. My only thought at this moment was to rebuild the carburetor. Didn't find anything in particular, I just used carb cleaner and air. It started and ran after the "first revolution". (I felt like it was a revolution)! What a relief. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Thanks Farmer Brown! Presently trying to get the 8N to my garage, from the farm where my son lives. It is going to take a couple of days, but your suggestion is at the top of the list. Thanks, Joe

Thanks Ed, I had these instructions and followed them when I replaced the burned points. I made sure the tang and slot were lined up. But when I failed to get sparks, I wondered if it could have rotated 360 degrees and then still fit together? Another way of asking the question: If I had rotated the distributor several turns either way, and still lined up the tang & slot, would it still be in time? I am a nonagenerian and sometimes need to have a sane person take my hand??

Thanks Farmer Brown! Presently trying to get the 8N to my garage, from the farm where my son lives. It is going to take a couple of days, but your suggestion is at the top of the list. Thanks, Joe

If you timed it on your bench per the instructions, then it should be timed close enough to start.

Have you tried running a wire directly from your battery to the coil to see if your issue is the ballast resistor or wiring from it to the coil?

Joe, did you set the timing while you had the distributor off the tractor?

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