Yeah, baby! That's the way ya do it!!! Great work Dan!

Tim

Thanks for the video. Quite the lab you have set up! Test your repairs before sending out the rebuilds? Maybe the next venture. Some folks don't like to try rebuilding carbs and distributers.

One of the beauties of these old Ford Tractors is the simplicity in their design. It started with all of his designs, before the Model T as Henry Ford wanted his stuff so basic repairs could be made by the average person. The major components like carb, distributor, governor, starter, generator, water pump and more were designed to be rebuilt over and over. Even now 80 years later, these parts are still in use and going stronger than ever. A huge misconception by a lot of folks is the front mount distributor and the Ford electrical system using the Positive Ground setup. Their failure to do their homework and know how the system works leads to false assumptions that they need to 'convert' to 12 volts and/or Electronic Ignition. That isn't a logical approach. True root cause problem solving is essential for any issue. 99.98% of all non-starting issues with the front mount setup (side mount setups too) can be traced to poor, incorrect wiring. The rest is going to be a fuel flow issue or very poor compression/worn engine. Now, there are a handful of GOOD reasons to convert over(I have not had any need nor desire to), but because it isn't starting on 6V now, will most likely not with a conversion. The key is to first have a good power source -the battery. Next is a properly tuned-up distributor using quality parts. Lastly is to ensure the wiring is all correct. I guarantee you, a tune-up and correct wiring, regardless whether 6V/POS GRN or 12V/NEG GRN, will start and run your tractor. Dan's new testing application gage is a great tool and with his rebuild business guarantees you will get a correctly rebuilt and properly set and tested front mount distributor no questions asked. he offers a 30 day guarantee, but in truth, a properly rebuilt distributor will give at least 5 years service, often more than that. The rest is up to the end user. If the wiring is all mucked up, 6, 12, or EI isn't going mean squat.

Tim Daley(MI)

I need to make a jumper wire with a light bulb in it and I can test the distributors I have with the electronics. Electronic ignition is easy, if it don't work throw it away. Ain't no fixing that.

I have a digital rpm meter coming, this will allow me to see how fast its turning. With the engine at idle the distributor should be turning 200 rpm, I want to duplicate that and 1,000 rpm for wide open. This tester is not as good as running it on the tractor for a day but its pretty close. I can test the individual components with is pretty handy. With the cap cut out I can see if the coil is making contact or if its actually bad. I have one coil that measures 2.7 ohms but won't throw a spark to save its life. I also have a laser temp gauge so I can watch for coils that over heat.

My plan is to rebuild distributors with a 30 day guarantee. I won't get rich but should give me something to do besides watching TV an physical therapy all day. In case you are wondering its using autolite 437 plugs cut down to 1" high.

You all let me know if I'm missing something.

How about a way to check the mechanial advance timming at different RPM ranges.

There is no place to put timing marks so can't be done. Besides a good visual inspection will tell you if the advance works or not.