Sears Tractor

[66vette]

I have an early 1960's Sears Suburban Garden Tractor with the 12HP Tecumseh engine. I want to convert it from points and condenser to electronic ignition for easier starting. It is hard to start in colder weather due to flooding the spark plug with gasoline fouling the plug. I have to change the plug several times before it will start. I believe with a hotter spark I would not have this problem. Anyone have any guidance into converting this old Tecumseh engine.

 

[Roadworthy]

Have you considered investigating why it's getting too much fuel? It's possible a simple float adjustment would solve your problem. It's also possible the needle on the float is either sticking or not seating properly to stop the fuel flow when the float bowl is full. If you want to go really crazy you could even consider replacing the carburetor.

 

[66vette]

The fuel is only entering the combustion chamber when I am cranking and having full choke, tried setting choke at other positions but by then the plug is fouled with fuel. It also helps when I provide more cranking power with a car battery instead of the garden tractor battery. I believe it is not enough spark.

 

[tomplum]

Welcome to the forum. Neat tractor but more info would be needed. Most importantly, does this have the magneto ignition under the flywheel or ? The old belt drive starter? If you were to put a module on, it could possibly help with spark timing and quality. But are you looking at a starter that is a bit tired, lower compression or even older fuel that is contributing to your starting issue?

 

[66vette]

It has the old belt drive starter, points and condenser readily accessible by a cover on the front of the engine. Never had the flywheel of so I don't know what is under there. I was thinking adding a module, don't know which one or what kind to have a greater spark for the sparkplug and more readily burn the gas. Put new fuel, The problem is more noticeable in cold weather. In cold weather I have to give it one shot of throttle and move the choke back and forth until it fires, if it doesn't fire I know I have saturated the sparkplug and I either have to clean by blasting by sand or install another plug. Also when it is cold (winter) it starts better when I have additional battery since it is in a unheated shed and the garden battery looses some charge in the cold weather.

 

[Peter 315]

Read this thread......https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rototillers/209735-converting-ignition-electronic-troy-bilt.html

 

[tomplum]

I grew up w/ one of these, but I just don't remember - do you also have an external, 12 volt ignition coil?

 

[tomplum]

Great reading here : Ignition Solutions for Older Small Engines and Garden Pulling Tractors

 

[66vette]

I am going to have to take the shrouds and flywheel off to see what I have. I know it is not solid state as some of the older Tecumseh were, mine is older than that. I have to see what model Engine I have maybe that will help what electronic conversion I need and even if is available. I will post my model number tomorrow.

 

[66vette]

Here is the Engine information:
Sears Engine Model 143-562012
Tecumseh Model HH120-120001
It is too cold to go outside to take the Flywheel off this will be a spring project. I am hoping by providing the Model numbers someone can tell me what electronic ignition to purchase and have it ready to install in the spring.