[Farmall] cub j4 magneto

[Mike Sloane]

I am embarrassed to admit that the problem was that the chief mechanic 
at Sloane Acres managed to get the rotation of the magneto backwards and 
therefore got the spark plug firing order wrong. It would seem like it 
was trying to start, but then just backfire and quit...

Once I figured what I had done wrong, I re-connected the plugs, and it 
fired up like a champ.

 From the description of your problem, it could be either the coil or 
the condenser. If you haven't already replaced the condenser, try that 
first. One of the advantages of a magneto in good condition is that you 
get a very good spark even at very low (starting motor) speeds.

Mike

On 7/2/2010 3:40 PM, WALTER AVERY wrote:
> Mike, What was your problem? I have a weak spark and it will only
> start when pulled. It does make the clicking sound when cranked, so I
> beleive that partof the mag is ok (forgot what it is called).
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike
> Sloane<mikesloane at verizon.net> To: Farmall/IHC mailing
> list<farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com> Sent: Fri, 2 Jul 2010
> 05:58:41 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: [Farmall] cub j4 magneto
>
> I agree with John. I replaced mine about 15 years ago (I thought the
> coil was bad, but it turned out to be another problem), and I don't
> recall any difficulty at the time. This was on a '48 Cub, and I am
> still using the same point/condenser/rotor. The rings are worn, but
> the tractor still fires right up and does a day's work (I only use it
> with a 22 sickle bar to trim around ponds and along steep banks a
> couple of times a month during the summer months).
>
> Mike
>