[AT] 6V vs. 12V ignition question

[captneb]

Yeah, Mike, but how do you feel about shooting skunks?!!!


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Sloane" <mikesloane at verizon.net>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 10:10 AM
Subject: Re: [AT] 6V vs. 12V ignition question


> 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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