[AT] Ford 8n Under Dash Resistor?

charliehill charliehill at embarqmail.com
Tue Jan 6 14:22:10 PST 2009


Sounds like a call to N-complete is in order.

I learned something.  I had no idea those old Fords ran on such low voltage.

Charlie
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Sloane" <mikesloane at verizon.net>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:46 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Ford 8n Under Dash Resistor?


> Ron Cook is correct - the original resistor that sits behind and below
> the instrument cluster is to reduce the voltage to the coil - the old
> front mounted coil/distributor (found on very early 8Ns) is a 3 volt
> coil and it will overheat and burn out if subjected to the full 8 volts
> for very long.
>
> I have not had good luck with the replacement resistors that I have
> purchased from places like Valu-Bilt - they fail "open" after a short
> time in operation or even when the tractor is stored.
>
> Mike
>
> william.neff.powell at comcast.net wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> My brother-in-law let his 8n sit for about two years. Before he let
>> it sit I had given it a tune up, carb rebuild, points, condenser, oil
>> changes, plugs, coil, and I had it set up for 8 volt, it was
>> previously 6 volts. Took generator to local auto-electric shop and he
>> set the regulator for 8 volts.
>>
>> So, it had been sitting un-tarped for a while. I kept bugging him to
>> get it going. Last Sunday I helped him start it. Bought a new 8 volt
>> battery, opened the petcock and fuel started dripping out of the
>> carb. Took the carb apart, lots of oxidation, was starting to
>> varnish. Cleaned that out.
>>
>> It would not start after cleaning the carb. Checked the spark, there
>> was none. Before bothering with take the distributor off (which is a
>> pain as most 8n owners know) I checked the coil line for voltage
>> using his headlight wire because he had no voltmeter. No light.
>> Started tracing the wire back from the switch, I had light at the
>> switch. Then I noticed a small block under the dash that had a
>> wrapped wire resistor. The ignition toggle switch (no key on tractor)
>> sent a wire to the resistor and after the current went through the
>> resistor it was on to the coil.
>>
>> So, that little resistor was rusted out and useless... I bypassed the
>> resistor and the tractor started right up.
>>
>> Is the resistor necessary? I'm guessing it's there to stop the points
>> from frying up? Or it is in there to compensate for an 8 volt system,
>> although I put in the 8 volt system  I did not add the resistor. (Who
>> knows if it was 8 volt in the past?)  If the resistor is necessary
>> where can I find one?
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Will Powell Pottstown, PA
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>>
>>
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