distributor cap tracking

[Bandit2026]

My faithful ol 8n has died on me again. Having had this problem several months ago and after much help from this forum it ran like new. Problem was traced to tracking in distributor cap. Now it has happened again after only about 2 hours run time. Any ideas why??

 

[Ultradog MN]

Tracking or cracking?
If tracking, I don't know what that means.
If cracking, it's likely caused by the axle center pin and bushing being completely worn out and allowing the axle to come up and bust the distributer cap.
The fix is to renew the pin and bushing.
This assumes you have a front mount distributer and not a side mount.

 

[Bandit2026]

It is a front mount distributer and I call it tracking the rotor is firing off to one side of the cap causing a carbon buildup and not sending spark through the cap.

 

[Bayfisher]

tracking is usually the result of incorrect points gap or timing way off, if carb is running lean on fuel that will cause it as well

 

[Bayfisher]

may want to also chk the upper bushing in the dist for wear

 

[Bandit2026]

Might be the dirty cap, have a new one in hand. Pretty sure its not moisture as it sits inside always. How would a lean mixture cause this???

 

[jaxs]

tracking is usually the result of incorrect points gap or timing way off, if carb is running lean on fuel that will cause it as well

How would a lean mixture cause this???

I would also like to know how/why lean mixture would cause tracking. Make sure you have correct resistor if one is recommended for coil being used. If tractor has been converted to 12 volts,it definatly need's a resistor with 6 volt coil.

 

[Bandit2026]

If you go back to 2-9-18 you will see the same problem that I'm having now. Tractor running fine when parked in barn then all of a sudden for no reason it will not run. Turns over good getting gas but no fire to the plugs. I can't imagine what could happen to it just sitting in the barn out of the weather after running so well.

 

[ruffdog]

Are you running copper core wires or the automotive carbon core wires. These older tractors should have the metal core wires.

 

[Bandit2026]

Yes they are medal core