Ford 8N distributor

[mx842]

Does anyone have any pointers on changing the points in an old 8N front mount distributor. I haven't looked at it yet all the guy said was that it wouldn't start. Someone had told him it might need points or condenser. I had heard these can be a bear to work on and I would like to get a feal for what I'll be up against. Thanks

 

[EdGooding]

Remove it and take it indoors to tune. Only two bolts, not too hard to get to, and it has an offset tang so you cannot put it back 180-degrees off like typical distributors. There are instructions in the owner's manual and the I&T FO-4 manual, and look for Rachel on YouTube, who has a good video on these. Timing is done with a straight-edge and there is a jig on eBay that makes this very simple. The front-mount coils are typically more of an issue than points and condensers.

 

[Roadworthy]

You may not need to change the points, only adjust them. Be sure they are opening and closing - an ohmmeter can do this if you're on the bench, a voltmeter can do it with the key on while the unit is on the tractor. Use care if installing points, it's easy to short something out.