8N won't start

[rhouyoux]

new member from central VA

now that I'm retired I'd like to learn to fix my 8N whenever there is a problem; for quite a while I have a low battery problem, I just connected my Chevy to start it, but now it refuse to start, I replace the points (adjusted the gap), cleaned the spark plugs, but still no spark (none at the points, and of course, none at the spark plugs).
What is wrong?
I'd like to follow a tutorial/guidelines to explain to me what I need to check, I'm not an electrical engineer but I can check the voltage of my battery with a voltmeter...
I was told that I need to check the coil, but:
1. I'm not sure how to remove the cover, there are 4 bolts on the dash board, and 2 more right over the front axle, do I remove them all, then lift the whole cover?
2. what are the checks to perform on the coil?
3. other checks I should do?
Thanks in advance,
Richard

 

[super55]

Welcome to the forum rhouyoux.

One quick question and I know this is going to sound kind of basic but is your 8n on a 6 volt system? An easy way to check is how many cells the battery has. If it has 3 cells it's a 6'r and if it has 6 cells it's a 12 v. From what your describing it sounds like a 12v jump might have fried a 6v system.

 

[super55]

Ignition Coil - How to Test - YouTube

Here's a link that gives the basics on a quick easy test on a coil. This can also be done using a test light which is a little easier to see. Just make sure the key is in the run position and you have voltage to the coil itself otherwise it won't work.

A 3 dollar test light would really come in handy for troubleshooting this.

Start by going pos to neg- confirm power than ground the gator clip on the tractor and confirm good ground by touching pos post again.

Than just start tracing wires. Turn key to run see if you have power at the coil if not move back to the switch and see if there is power coming out at both terminals. I always use a test light when troubleshooting electrical just because it's a lot faster.

Hopefully farmguy will jump in on this thread. He's the subject matter expert for the old ford N's he probably won't only give you step by step instructions but he probably knows the part no. you will need also.

 

[parispete]

I had the same problem and I have decided to go with a 12 volt system. My 8n did not start and still won't. I found that I had bad wiring because the batter would not stay charged for a hour after taking the charger off. I have a short somewhere. These guys are great by the way, and I have done everything they have asked. I was getting spark to the plugs and then I reset the points and I do not know if I had fire to them. My batter charger went out and so here I am changing it all. I have a mechanic friend that did his tractor and he knows an ol fella that rewinds old 8n generators to 12 volt to keep the look of the tractor. My generator is headed there in the morning. Anyway, my wiring harness is a wreck so I got a new one for a 48 front mount dizzy and just got done taking the wires and the tube housing on the top of the motor. I will get the smaller parts painted and a good cleaning with a power washer and then get it put back together. Wish you well on your quest.

 

[rhouyoux]

Welcome to the forum rhouyoux.

One quick question and I know this is going to sound kind of basic but is your 8n on a 6 volt system? An easy way to check is how many cells the battery has. If it has 3 cells it's a 6'r and if it has 6 cells it's a 12 v. From what your describing it sounds like a 12v jump might have fried a 6v system.

I had it converted to 12 V a couple of years ago, but thanks for pointing this out, it might happen indeed.

 

[rhouyoux]

I had the same problem and I have decided to go with a 12 volt system. My 8n did not start and still won't. I found that I had bad wiring because the batter would not stay charged for a hour after taking the charger off. I have a short somewhere. These guys are great by the way, and I have done everything they have asked. I was getting spark to the plugs and then I reset the points and I do not know if I had fire to them. My batter charger went out and so here I am changing it all. I have a mechanic friend that did his tractor and he knows an ol fella that rewinds old 8n generators to 12 volt to keep the look of the tractor. My generator is headed there in the morning. Anyway, my wiring harness is a wreck so I got a new one for a 48 front mount dizzy and just got done taking the wires and the tube housing on the top of the motor. I will get the smaller parts painted and a good cleaning with a power washer and then get it put back together. Wish you well on your quest.

Thanks for the tips, I have switched to 12 V a couple of years ago, but for me also it was not a complete fix, I still have low battery and end-up with a no starting any more.
I'll check the wiring from start to end and go over the videos on hoe to check the coil. thanks again.

 

[rhouyoux]

Ignition Coil - How to Test - YouTube

Here's a link that gives the basics on a quick easy test on a coil. This can also be done using a test light which is a little easier to see. Just make sure the key is in the run position and you have voltage to the coil itself otherwise it won't work.

A 3 dollar test light would really come in handy for troubleshooting this.

Start by going pos to neg- confirm power than ground the gator clip on the tractor and confirm good ground by touching pos post again.

Than just start tracing wires. Turn key to run see if you have power at the coil if not move back to the switch and see if there is power coming out at both terminals. I always use a test light when troubleshooting electrical just because it's a lot faster.

Hopefully farmguy will jump in on this thread. He's the subject matter expert for the old ford N's he probably won't only give you step by step instructions but he probably knows the part no. you will need also.

okidoki, I'll check the videos and take note then I go and do the tests. thanks for your help.

 

[Soundguy]

12v.

is it a front mount or side mount?

if front mount: is it using a 12v 2.5 ohm coil plus the oem resistor.. or is it using the 6v 1 ohm coil, plus the oem resistor, plus the conversion resistor?

if a side mount: is it using the oem 6v coil plus a conversion resistor, or a 12v coil and NO resistor?

do you have power to the coil with t he key on?


converted to 12v but it needs jumping? why?

using an alternator i presume? have you check the charge voltage at the battery when running at high idle?

do you know the correct plug and points gap for your machine type?


I notice you are asking about takingthe hood and fuel tank off.... wondering why. it's is NOT needed for any ignition work.