[AT] JD Distributor vs. Magneto

[deanvp at att.net]

Steve, 

JD Offered an optional Distributor ignition starting at serial Number 659290
using a Wico XD Distributor which looked like an X Magneto.   But it didn't
work as well as the Wico X Magneto. So starting at Serial # 662874, a more
reliable Delco-Remy Distributor was adopted as standard equipment.   So a
Delco Remy Distributor would be more desirable. I suspect parts for a Wico
XD might be very hard to come by or even made from unobtanium. There is at
least one negative about distributors. If the battery is low or dead the
tractor will not start. A magneto isn't dependent on a battery. But...
distributors became more popular than magnetos. 


Dean VP
Apache Junction, AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: AT <at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com> On Behalf Of STEVE ALLEN
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 1:12 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
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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