MF135 timing issues after electronic ignition conversion

[Curly1962]

Hi,
This is my first post in your forum.
I have recently converted a 1967 Massey Ferguson 135 to electronic ignition.

The conversion kit (pertronix) has produced a stable hot spark. Trouble is, I can't get the tractor to start and run.

Please note this ran prior to the conversion. Also, I have replaced the rotor , cap plug wires.

I am guessing this may be a timing issue, ( this is mentioned in the instructions), but, I have not been able to start it up..

If you give any insights or recommendations, it would be much appreciated.

 

[RickB]

Call Pertronix. Their customer service is outstanding.

 

[ericm979]

I always start by re-reading the directions and double checking that I did each step properly. Also check that the plug wires are hooked up in the correct order.

With the plugs out you should be able to turn the crank slowly in the normal direction and see when plug #1 fires (stick a plug in the boot and hold it on a ground, or use a spark tester). Then check to see if the piston is near TDC by carefully sticking a screwdriver down the plug hole. You can rotate the engine slightly more to see if the piston is still going up or is on the way down. The normal timing on most engines is a little before TDC.

Be careful with the screwdriver in the plug hole trick as it can get wedged or even break (more likely if you are using something like an allen key). I found that out the hard way once.

 

[CausticUrbanCoast]

Also, I have replaced the rotor , cap plug wires.

What did you set/advance the new rotor to? Did you match it to the original position?

 

[WranglerX]

Depending on distributor (Pertronix module) you can possible bring timing mark for #1 cylinder to TDC (compression stroke) or what ever degree(s) before top dead center (BTDC) and turn on ignition and put trouble light on on NEGATIVE terminal (wire from distributor) of coil and other side of timing light to ground and rotate distributor till light come on.... The is way we set initial timing on our VW's with Pertronix distributors on ignition modules.... But be aware some Pertonix modules will not time this way.... Best thing may to contact Pertronix...

Also be sure firing order is correct in dist. cap...

Or try putting a "strobe" timing light on coil output (tower) and rotate distributor till it fires...

Alternately you can try bringing #1 cylinder up to TDC on compression stroke and rotate distributor so rotor points to #1 cylinder position of distributor cap.... Could get you close enough to at least get it started....