John Deere 420 - Garden Tractor Question

[BX23S-1]

I have a 1989 JD420 (Onan P220G-20hp), a long time ago, i was told they switched from a points type ignition to a solid state ignition somewhere between the late 80`s and early 90`s. My problem is, i have no idea when the point vs solid state thing happened, but i want to replace the ignition coil, but i`m unsure of the part number and also if i have points ignition, or solid state ignition. I`m told it does make a difference which coil is used. As far as i am finding out, there ARE, 2 different ignition coils. So if anyone can put into the right direction, and also maybe where i can find a new ignition coil, that would be so appreciated! Thank you fella`s.

 

[beenthere]

This link to Tractor Data shows the engine change, and s/n difference.

TractorData.com John Deere 420 tractor engine information

www.tractordata.com

 

[Spanner]

Why do you 'want to replace' the ignition coil ?

 

[BX23S-1]

Why do you 'want to replace' the ignition coil ?

Because its misfiring. New plugs and wires didn`t fix the problem.

 

[BX23S-1]

This link to Tractor Data shows the engine change, and s/n difference.

TractorData.com John Deere 420 tractor engine information

www.tractordata.com

Thanks, but it doesn`t tell me when they went from points ignition over to solid state.
Me thinks they may have went to solid state ignition when they started installing the P220G engine. (?)

 

[jyoutz]

Just call a JD dealer with the serial number on your engine. They will have the part number.

 

[BX23S-1]

Just call a JD dealer with the serial number on your engine. They will have the part number.

I would have done that but the serial number is no longer readable. That`s why i am here, hoping someone might be able to help with further information.

Thank you

 

[jyoutz]

I would have done that but the serial number is no longer readable. That`s why i am here, hoping someone might be able to help with further information.

Thank you

Serial number on mower?

 

[BX23S-1]

Serial number on mower?

Nope, the vinyl serial sticker fell off the tractor a long time ago when the paint pealed off it where the sticker was on the side of the dash tower. Thee ole JD420 is pretty rusted, not much paint on it anymore anywhere. I asked our dealer where we`ve been getting parts from for awhile, if they had the serial number within my account with them, they do not. And the dealership where i bought this tractor brand new back in 1989, has been long gone years ago. So i have no records to fall back on. I use to have the owners manual in the garage where i kept all the papers to the tractor, but when we moved to our new house a year ago, i haven`t been able to find the manual since.

 

[beenthere]

I have a 1989 JD420 (Onan P220G-20hp), a long time ago, i was told they switched from a points type ignition to a solid state ignition somewhere between the late 80`s and early 90`s. My problem is, i have no idea when the point vs solid state thing happened, but i want to replace the ignition coil, but i`m unsure of the part number and also if i have points ignition, or solid state ignition. I`m told it does make a difference which coil is used. As far as i am finding out, there ARE, 2 different ignition coils. So if anyone can put into the right direction, and also maybe where i can find a new ignition coil, that would be so appreciated! Thank you fella`s.

Quote

Ignition points don't offer the reliability we get from solid-state ignition systems. Solid-state ignition systems, as their name implies, are solid state--no moving parts to wear out. Magnetic pulse ignitions have a pick-up coil and a reluctor.

Take a look and decide which you have.

 

[BX23S-1]

Quote


Take a look and decide which you have.

I`m guessing i would have to pull the engine out so that i could pull the flywheel to see if there are points, or a reluctor & pick up coil.

 

[jjeff]

If you have components that look like this you have old skool points and a condenser. However this is from a 1970s 200 series. Good luck.

 

[BX23S-1]

If you have components that look like this you have old skool points and a condenser. However this is from a 1970s 200 series. Good luck.

Thank you @jjeff
I posted a picture that i found on the internet that looks identical to what ignition coil is in my JD420. I went out an looked at mine again, there is no condenser that i can see anywhere. Condensers were usually only used with points type ignitions if memory serves me right. I searched around on amazon and they have the 2 different ignition coils, i pulled the trigger on the one for the electronic ignition. Hopefully it`ll work ok for me. I also bought new spark plugs and plug wires too. (the new spark plugs were already installed a few days ago thinking that was going to fix it) I`m just going to replace the plug wires first. If that fixes the problem, i`ll return the ignition coil. The new coil is suppose to be here today. The wires are suppose to be here tomorrow.

From everything i`ve researched, the P220G is suppose to be electronic ignition. According to the Onan parts guy i found, said that in late 1987 is when Onan switched to electronic ignition. So my JD420 being a 1990 model year (bought mine in late 1989), i think it`s safe to say that mine has electronic ignition. I would also have to believe, if mine had points ignition, i think i would of have had to "adjust or replace" the points long before now. Being that i don`t see a condenser anywhere either, pretty good chance the tractor does NOT have a points type ignition.