Farmall B ignition

[Tractor Rod]

I thought I had a bad coil so I ordered a 12 volt replacement one and the resistor from Steiner Tractor. After installing it I still can’t get it to run? I hooked the positive wires from the battery to the resistor and then to the + side of the coil. Next the negative wire to the distributor? Any ideas on what to try next……I am at a loss!!!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions on what to do?

[Gary Dotson]

If your new coil is 12 volt internal resister, the stand alone resister is not needed. Most 12 volt coils will be stamped, on the side, internal resister or external resister, check that. If the new coil is external resister, look elsewhere, particularly the points.

[Tractor Rod]

The new coil I ordered from Steiner required an external resistor. I’ll order a new set of points. Can you confirm please the hook up……that the battery (positive) goes straight to the resistor and then resistor to the positive side of the coil… Negative side of coil then connects up to the distributor. What gap should the points be? Thanks so much.

[Eugene]

Do you have voltage to the coil and to the points?

Checked the condition of the points?

Checked fuel flow, compression, ignition timing?

Edit: Spark at spark plugs?

[SamsFarm]

There are magnetos on the few BN's I have / had!

[SONNY]

Sound kinda like my allis C tractor----spark at the points but none to the plugs,---tried 3 different caps, rotors, wires, and points and still nuttin to the plugs! Ran out of time, never did figure it out!
I ran a hot wire from battery direct to resistor, then to dist. thinking a internal wire was bad, but still nuttin!

[Eugene]

New coil and external resistor. Can you confirm please the hook up……that the battery (positive) goes straight to the resistor and then resistor to the positive side of the coil… Negative side of coil then connects up to the distributor.

It doesn't make any difference which is first, resistor or coil. Wire it in a convenient manner.

What gap should the points be?

.020"

[Tractor Rod]

My “B” started right up after I installed new points and condenser. I had to leave for a bit and when I returned it wouldn’t start again. Per everyone’s suggestion I have installed a new coil, external resistor, even spark plug wires and now it won’t start again. Getting plenty of gas……any suggestions? I am probably just missing something very basic and obvious. Help!

[Tractor Rod]

One other piece of information to share. I ordered a 6 foot coil from Steiner to stay as original as possible and put an external resistor on per their recommendation.

[SamsFarm]

6 foot coil of wire?

[Bob McCarty]

6 foot coil of wire?

I think he meant 6 volt coil.

[Tractor Rod]

Sorry about that….I meant 6 volt coil!

[JoeB]

Check your points again. If you left the ignition switch on, they may have welded shut. Check gap as well while you are in there. If you don't have a spark plug test light, they are cheap from local car parts store ($5-10) and it will eliminate ignition as problem.