8N Ford, front mount distributor, points change

[@johnwallacemcclure1143]

Good clear video on how to get to the front mount distributor and points but I was a bit surprised, considering how tricky it is to access, that you didn't install a new distributor cap and rotor. Even if NOT installing those two parts, I would HIGHLY recommend anyone doing this procedure to at least take the rotor and use a 600 grit sandpaper to clean off the brass contact end and while the distributor cap is out, clean off the 4 contacts in the cap even if all you do is scrape them with your pen knife! Many times on my various tractors over the years, I have done this procedure and call it the "poor man's tuneup" as I will also just use a fingernail file to clean the points before resetting the gap. I also remove the plugs and clean the threaded bottom part with a wire brush and then after folding a piece of 120 grit sandpaper in half, I draw that along where the spark occurs to clean both of those contact surfaces. Works like a charm every time.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Thank you, those are good tips. Thanks for watching!

[@yogibeer9319]

Man, you got skill. I’m an old pipefitter and was doing this and the curse words were flying. My neighbor is an electrician and he said his wife and him were sittin outside and she asked him “Whats wrong with him?” And he said “Oh, he’s a pipefitter, they’re all like that.” 😂

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, I edit out the spicier bits. :) Thanks for watching!

[@bigvalley2599]

Thank you for doing this video from scratch with no prep done off camera! This is one of the best videos I've seen doing this type of work!

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@bigvalley2599]

Having done the task, I ran across one thing that wasn't addressed in your video. There's a gasket that goes on the distributor cap and I had to tuck it in the groove with the screwdriver in order to be able to get the clips on the cap. Other than that everything that I needed to know was in your video!

[@myflight72510]

Thanks for the video. We just bought a 2n which appears to be the same kind of ignition system. The guy that sold it to us said, "Good luck if you ever have to change the points. You may have to take the grill, radiator and fan off to get to them". The old thing has been misfiring a little, new plugs helped but I suspect the cap, rotor and points could use a change. I'm glad changing the points doesn't require major dismantle.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+Matthew Hitchcock Yes, the 9n and 2n have the same distributor. It's a tight fit, but you can get in there.

[@michaelhembree1783]

Great video glad someone took the time to show it step by step I think mine needs new points as it runs rough for about 15 seconds the backfires through the exhaust before dying.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, your tractors symptoms certainly sound like it could be points/condenser. Thanks for watching!

[@alcarretero5466]

Very helpful. Thanks for filming this. My own 1948 8N just died as if the switch was cut off. I'm going to check the switch itself first, then trace the fire through to the coil. If I have to replace the coil or points then your video gives me a good reference.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad that you have found the video useful, thanks for watching!

[@yeboisiggy]

i love those snap-on screwdrivers man... i got a couple, and my dad got a full set when my grandpa died, and they’re just amazing. just about everything i have is snap-on, and i can’t justify the prices as a kid, but in a few years i’ll be able to. completely worth it.

[@anthonycarta9159]

I had trouble with the points over and over again. I gave up and and replaced the points with an ELECTRONIC IGNITION over 4 years ago and I never had any problems since. Its well worth the money

[@CanadianRedneck15]

There are some great EI kits for a lot of applications, very handy. Thanks for watching!

[@petersonjimmyjoe]

Thanks Dave! We fooled around some with a stubby screwdriver before we found your video. Will have to fashion that gasket you mentioned. There are quite a few problems with this ignition circuit. Thanks again!

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Yeah, very tight space behind the rad there. I am glad that you found the video helpful, thanks for watching!

[@davidparker5909]

i thought it was good basic and it gives me a basis to deal with my own tractor- i appreciate this background info! keep it up !

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video and glad I could be helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@g.alistar7798]

helpful, thanks you. As you can see by some of the comments, it would be good to add the size of the bolts and gap. Caution, don't break or bend the coil spring. Might be good to take the coil off and mount it on the bench as well to get a good connection.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the tips. Thanks for watching!

[@stephentometz5820]

Thank you, an informative guide for my coming point change.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I'm glad you found it useful, thanks for watching!

[@stevenward1310]

thank you for doing this, awesome video, I would of lost my mind I was gonna try to do it still in the tractor haha

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+stevenward13 LOL Ya, it's kind of tight for space. Glad you found it helpful!

[@richardlambert8328]

Good job very informative for sure

[@tinkergene]

Point gap is 15 thousands for the "front mount distributor" and the "side mount distributor" is 25 thousands. I tried a 12 volt coil from a car- on the tractor and it did give a lot better spark, and it ran better at high RPM's so the owner is going to order a new 12 volt coil. I guess those coils get weak - it will give a "blue" spark - but it a weak spark.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

That's good news, glad you got it sorted out!

[@modracer55]

Great work thanks for posting!

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@modracer55]

My first time with a 2n with an 8n engine they are all new to me,love the simplicity

[@CanadianRedneck15]

@@modracer55 Yeah, pretty easy to work on.

[@LibrastarLibrastar]

Thanks! Excellent video.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@jamesdaugherty7138]

It's just "rotor", not "rotor button", and it's keyed so it only goes on one way, just like the distributor. No need to remember which way it's pointing when you remove the cap.

[@danabarre5778]

Very helpful. Glad I watched

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching!

[@pjiri961]

What is the clearance for the point? Gauge?

[@skipstein744]

Thanks next time I do this will be first time and hope it goes as easy as your did...

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+Charles Stein Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@carlosdurney2813]

I did this job once, after I took to alcohol.my wife left me and my kids don't talk to me, but... the tractor run great

[@CanadianRedneck15]

LOL, yeah, there are definitely days. :) Thanks for watching!

[@WayneMockus]

When re-installing coil pak, care is needed to make sure little cone shaped spring is not bent or it may touch sides of its' port and short out...these coils can be a bit difficult to re-install.

[@lindberghc34]

Thanks for the video its very helpful

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+lin cox Glad I could help, thanks for watching!

[@billstmaxx]

you don't lubricate any of the bushings?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

No, I figured the rear one would lube from the engine and I didn't want contaminants around the points. Thanks for watching!

[@maryherald4159]

Thanks for the video it’s very helpful

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@johnthomas4435]

On the 8n the screw on the side of the front distributor for timing, where should that be set and could you do a video on replacing bushings in front mount distributor. Can't seem to find a video. Thanks John

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Hi John, honestly didn't know about the screw on the side and for the price of a new distributor I wouldn't bother replacing the bushings with the wear on all the other parts in there. Thanks for watching!

[@elreilero100]

thank you your video helped a lot.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you found the video helpful, thanks for watching!

[@nilesgillis4548]

Is there an electronic ignition conversion kit for the old front mount ignition systems? and if there is does the 6V coil have to be changed to a 12V coil ? do they make a 12 volt coil replacement for the front mount ignition system? it sure would be convenient, I guess if they don't it all comes down to the cost of manufacturing them seeing there are only so few tractors with the front mount I guess? Oh excellent video. Thanks

[@CanadianRedneck15]

There are conversion kits available in either 6 or 12 volt. The kits I saw came with a new automotive style coil, because of the way the ignitor is wired you have to use the new coil provided with the kit.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Great Video as always...Love that Home Made Front Grill too, is that Your handywork? I'm trying to fabricate my own now.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video. I can not claim the grill as my work, this was a customers tractor and I was only doing a tune up and general maintenance. New grills are available through A&I Products for a reasonable price. Thanks for watching!

[@tomsensible3999]

Hello again from sunny Florida! I have a question that you may have the answer for. Which bolt (long and short) goes on the bottom (Right side? Starboard side?), and which on the upper, left (Port side)?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

It's been about a year sooo, I can't remember, I thought they were the same length? Neither one should be overly long as you stand the chance of punching through the front cover as they are blind holes. Sorry I'm not much help here.

[@joehawkins3153]

Great help thanks

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@ericsmith8961]

What is the gap setting?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I don't have a book for an 8N but I went with .025 Thanks for watching!

[@ericsmith8961]

Thanks for getting back with me

[@xaviermartz9119]

very very good

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@docnez8562]

Did it start?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Yes it did, ran very nicely. Thanks for watching!

[@docnez8562]

I am having an issue with the distributor cap not fitting. The top unit with coil spring doesn’t seat right and it’s preventing spark.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Sometimes there are quality control issues with the new caps causing fit issues, you may have a problem cap, sorry.

[@docnez8562]

I’m considering just buying a new entire assembly; distributor, cap and top coil. I’m sure the points come aligned already.

[@desotofiresweep58]

Good video Too bad you didnt mention what point gap is supposed to be

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Didn't I? I think it's .020" Thanks for watching!

[@glengritton3601]

very helpful as my 8n not getting fire & i not know how to replace

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Awesome, glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@greghorn1021]

you never said what the point gap should be?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I'm sorry I slipped up on that, I don't remember 100% but you would be safe at .020-.025. Thanks for watching!

[@williamholton1227]

sooo.what is the point gap, that was left out. very critical.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+William Holton I don't actually have a manual for that one, I think I went with .020 or .025. Thanks for watching!

[@leoheadbands7621]

have one more question if I replace the distributor and not adjust the points will it still start??

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I assume you mean the distributor cap? If so, as long as you get the plug wires back on correctly, yes, it will fir right up. Good luck! :)

[@CanadianRedneck15]

sorry, fire right up, not fir. LOL

[@bicepsca]

What part of canada you from? I am from montreal and want to know where to order parts for a n2? Any canadian suppliers?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am in NB near Sussex. Check for a New Holland dealer near you, or your can contact me, [e-mail] Thanks for watching!

[@leoheadbands7621]

what filler gauge size do you use for The Gap??

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I don't have a book on the Ford N tractors, but I would go with .020-.025. Thanks for watching!

[@tinkergene]

I have a nice blue spark, BUT it isn't to strong ( 1/8 th inch spark) It idles nice, But when you open the throttle, it misses and carries on - the point gap is .018 I will try your ,020 - .025, MAYBE - - the points will stay closed longer to fully charge the coil ?

[@tinkergene]

I don't know of a way of checking to see if the coil is bad, is there a way to do that ? AND - -those old tractors are 6 volt, I put a ceramic resistor to the coil, I tried to put 12-volt (by-pass the resistor) and still the same short-blue spark, I was wondering if they make a " electronic ign- system" for the 9N ?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Some shops might have a tool for testing the coil, but probably not many any more. I would try opening the point gap a little, blue spark is a good sign.

[@davidbarnes9132]

Try it with the fan guard in place lol

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Yeah, definitely would not help! Thanks for watching!

[@wigspliter9]

good video this might sound dumb but can you make a video on the same ignition system but how to wire the amp meter and altenator into it?

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+Blake Wohlford Glad you enjoyed the video. Not a dumb request at all, unfortunately I don't have an 8n around right now. If I get the opportunity I will certainly make that video. Thanks for watching!

[@robertwells3054]

Need the camera on the same side as the light, not opposite side. Thanks

[@bigjoker4u]

thanks much help

[@CanadianRedneck15]

+bigjoker4u Awesome, pleased I could be of use. Thanks for watching!

[@davidnewbrough4878]

The camera did not show what you were doing. No help.

[@ramonrodriguez4387]

not enough lighting when setting gap and you did not say what gauge to use. Didn't help at all.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Yeah the shadow was bad there, sorry for missing on the gap info, seems to me is .020

[@maryharrison203]

Thanks.

[@CanadianRedneck15]

I am glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@MistyAdkins-k3w]

😊

[@mikedradburn4172]

I have a 8n Ford graeter piping oil out filler tub

[@CanadianRedneck15]

If your 8N is pushing oil out the filler tube and it's not over full then you likely have a blow by problem, time for a rebuild. Thanks for watching!

[@dennistominski2533]

Out of fucus. No good close-up of points and work being done. This video would not be all that helpful for a first-time front mount point changer.

[@riversfinestfarm3905]

How do you make sure the pointsI are on the highpoint of the cam when the points are on the tractor

[@johnjones-fu9hn]

All I saw was shadows and the back of your hand

[@mathewdavid2895]

I would've took off the hood, and removed the radiator

[@CanadianRedneck15]

You certainly can, makes it a lot more work than it needs to be. Thanks for watching!

[@williambeckham491]

DOES NOT SHOW HOW TO SET TIMING> JUST THE POINTS!!!!

[@CanadianRedneck15]

Right, I wasn't changing the timing, just the points, everything went back together exactly as it was, no change in engine timing. Thanks for watching!

[@davidskroch7151]

not much info

[@MistyAdkins-k3w]

.