[AT] 6V vs. 12V ignition question

[Mike Sloane]

I am no authority on this, but I will give you my 2 cents: The coils 
used in most of the older ignition systems were designed for 6 volts, 
and when the manufacturers (or owners) changed to 12 volts, rather than 
change the coil, they just put a ballast resistor in series with the 
primary wire to reduce the voltage to the coil.

That being said, the condenser generally are not sensitive to something 
as small as going from 6 to 12 volts, so I don't think that is your 
problem.

If my all too frequent experience is any guide, I would look for 
corrosion at the points - the current stuff coming in from abroad just 
isn't as good as the points we used to get years ago (meaning they are 
crap, if you really want my opinion). I have had points go to infinite 
resistance in as little as a few months, if the weather is humid. The 
only quick cure is to file the point with a good hard file, but that 
won't help their longevity either, as it removes the supposedly 
corrosion resistant coating. Don't count on the points "looking good"; 
you need a good voltmeter or ohmmeter (depending whether you are 
measuring with the ignition on or off) to see if they are making good 
electrical contact.

One suggestion give to me is to put a piece of paper moistened with 
WD-40 in between the points when the tractor isn't in use. I keep 
forgetting to try that. On my Ford 860, I am seriously considering going 
to a Pertronix breakerless system, but I hate spending the $100 bucks 
just to fix a dirty points problem.

Mike

Rick Weaver wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have a problem, and I haven't been able to diagnose it just yet, but
> wanted to ask a question.
> 
> I have a 6V Ferguson TO-35 that is giving me fits.  I replaced the
> condenser last week and it fired right up.  Now it doesn't even cough
> and try to start.
> 
> As I said, I haven't diagnosed anything (not even to see if the coil is
> sparking).  And I'm at work now so cannot go tinker.
> 
> The question is: is there a difference between the condenser for a 12V
> system and one for a 6V system?
> 
> The TO-35's went through a 6-12 V modification halfway through MHF's
> production, and I wonder if NAPA's crossref doesn't take this into
> account.
> 
> Thanks for any help you can provide,
> Rick
> 
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> Remembering Our Friend Cecil Monson 11-4-2005
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
> 
> 

-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
<mikesloane at verizon.net>
Website: <www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious
enemy justice can have. -James Baldwin, writer (1924-1987)


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