[AT] JD Distributor vs. Magneto

[szabelski at wildblue.net]

Mag or distributor, you won’t see any real difference, they both have points, condensers, rotors and rotor caps. The difference is how the “spark” is generated.  You need to have the correct condenser and the gap set properly no matter what you have,

Now if you want to go full upgrade, go to someplace like your local NAPA and get an electronic ignition system for your tractor. They’re claimed to work better with less issues. Not 100% sure what it takes to put one in, but it doesn’t sound like much from what I’ve been told.

Carl


----- Original Message -----
From: STEVE ALLEN <steveallen855 at centurytel.net>
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Sent: Mon, 09 Mar 2020 16:12:16 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [AT] JD Distributor vs. Magneto

Going Saturday to look at a late JD A.  I have a fair amount of experience with both an A and a B with mags, but I have never used one with a distributor before.

Now, I've had several vehicles over the years which used the old points distributors, so I know the basics--well, I *knew* them years ago, anyway.  But I am curious what sorts of differences I can expect between a mag tractor and a distributor tractor.  I know that the distributor tractor will need to have a battery to run.  Are the differences otherwise transparent to the guy in the operator's seat?

Thanks.

The "original" Steve Allen
JD A & B (and maybe another A) near Rolla, MO
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