Ford 8N Electronic Ignition Installation

Today we find out together just how an electronic ignition is installed in a Ford 8N tractor. Here is an Amazon link: amzn.to/3lDxRiM

[@micrys2002]

The distributor on the 2n 8n 9n has offset keys on the engine side to the cam so it will not seat unless the keys are in the right position. You can't put it on wrong.

[@danaeverhart6487]

I chased this same problem over and over and I finally fixed the problem! I disconnected the ignition switch’s wires and just twisted them together . It cranks ever time now! Installed a new ignition key switch no more issues whatsoever! It cranks cold, hot, wet, dry! No more issues!!! Period!

[@Mike--K]

At 21:15, the two tabs that mate with the end of the cam gear are intentionally off center. This ensures the distributor will mount to the motor only when the rotor is in the correct position. It helps to remember about where the rotor was when you removed it, but it really doesn't matter. All you have to do is get the distributor in position with the bolt holes aligned and then turn the rotor until the tabs mate with the slots. The distributor will press into place perfectly. If the rotor is 180 degrees off, you can still mate the tabs with the slots, but the distributor mounting holes will not match with the threaded holes in the motor.

[@larryhewitt1078]

My experience with 8n front distributors is taking the distributor out on the right side opposite the generator you may have to turn the fan blade but it comes out easier. Also we would tie sewing thread thru the bolt holes to make sure the gasket stays in place. The end is offset that mates to the engine its makes it fool proof to get it back in place. The bolts that hold the distributor on is 9/16.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Good tips! Thanks Larry!

[@joebrunette5594]

Your video convinced me that I could do this conversion without taking off the hood since you were able to. I had been looking at my tractor and thought I could. Thanks.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

You absolutely can leave the hood on. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@johndowe7003]

It's less than 2hrs of work with the hood on easy.

[@jacquespoirier9071]

If you wet the HT wire sheath with a bit of dielectric grease( or petroleum jelly ), the installation of the boots is much much easier. good video.

[@Ozarkprepper643]

I've had mystery stalling with my 9 N for years. Finally decided to go electronic. That was the first time I had the timing Advance cam out. Bushings were very worn. But I do believe my problem was a missing spring for the timing Advance weights. And there were no pieces so it had been missing for a while. They don't sell Springs anymore. So I ended up buying a new distributor and it came with another cap and rotor condenser and a set of points. Oh well nice to have spare parts. It works fine now. I initially watched your video before. I dropped back in to let everyone know check the return Springs for the advance. My issue was every now and then I would make a hard left turn at speed and it would stall it wouldn't start. 🤠🏞️🐂

[@joedirt9600]

Good job, I had the same problem with my 49 8n just quit. Had fuel no spark the guy before me put a 12 v alternator on it and I assume it fried the 6v coil or condenser. Ordered a new 12v coil, electronic ignition and a 1 wire ford alternator. Thanks for posting helped me out on how to install it when it all shows up.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Happy to help! How'd the install turn out?

[@joedirt9600]

@@MrJustinWheeler I am waiting on more parts, ordered the plug wires needed for electronic ignition. Shipping sure has slowed down due to Covid, but they do thier best.

[@joedirt9600]

@@MrJustinWheeler got all the parts in finally, fired right up after sitting most of the summer. Just went to roll it over, no choke and it came to life.

[@donaldd.293]

Great video I watch it twice and will probably watch it again tomorrow when my kit arrives. Lol when you had left the key on that’s the sorta thing I’m always doing. Thanks for the information

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Good luck with the install!

[@donaldd.293]

All went well today I guess I did it right due to it cranking up immediately Thanks again

[@MrJustinWheeler]

@@donaldd.293 good job, Don!

[@badassbees3680]

8n and bees? Subbed.i have 49 8n

[@perryrivenburgh8343]

Nice 8n here a goot trick to gain max traction. On ours my grandpa filled the back tires half full of water....... It works

[@Mike--K]

It's normal to see 9N on parts of the 2N and 8N tractors. The front mount distributor was common to all 9N, 2N, and mid-1950 8N tractors, so Ford used the 9N version for all of these. That is why your distributor has 9N stamped on the parts.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Gotcha, yeah thats what I was thinking. I seem to have a hodge podge of parts on this. I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@budkingston3347]

If you didn’t, put RTV sealant on that hole you made in the distributor for the wire. It will keep water out to prevent grounding and failure.

[@joetterolison1286]

My 1948 8N front mount distributor broke the same cap plug I replaced the Axle center pivot bushing That seems to have stopped the breaking cap issues Silicone the wire to the cap Water tight seal

[@joetterolison4093]

Before You put that new cap on maybe You have the same problem I had The CENTER Bushing for My front arms was bad It let the front wheels travel to much and HIT THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP and break it

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Thanks for the feedback Joette! I didn't even realize that. I am going to replace those bushings ASAP.

[@paulpolochock4323]

Justin - This is totally weird. I'm having the same problem as of right now on my 8n. Replaced the distributor and cap because it failed the spark test. Noticed that I had a gouge in wire number 3 from the belt. Replaced the wires and plugs. Still will not start. I ordered a coil and hope it helps. I'm tempted to try the old coil, but, new one will be here in a day......

[@Miguel_Travels]

The ballast resistor will cause it to stall out too.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Good call. Thank you Miguel!

[@patgilmore1853]

you have to use graphite core wires with electronic ignition the copper core will burn it out.

[@joebrunette5594]

I have seen other videos that talked about the spring on the bottom of the coil is sometimes a little compacted and does not make connection.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Yep and I think I had that problem. I shouldn’t taken my time to begin with but I was excited. Haha

[@staceyward777]

It wasn't that your coil wire became more flexible. The ballast resistor reduces the voltage to the coil as it heats up so more "fire" gets to the plugs when the engine is cold. After it warmed up, you had less voltage to jump the break in your coil wire.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Yeah, that makes sense. You are probably right. I appreciate the feedback!

[@charlessowardii9246]

How did you wire it to the ignition resonator?

[@houstonjones3581]

The front bushing on main axle has too play let's axle hit dist.cap

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Very good observation. I think you're right. I appreciate you pointing that out. Thank you!

[@mattman6161]

I need to do this to my tractor. I’m dreading trying to set points etc. electronic ignition and 12 volt conversion incoming!!!

[@MrJustinWheeler]

It’s the way to go. Good luck!

[@thomasblackwell9507]

When you have that beer please put a shot of bourbon in it for me!

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Thomas it would be my pleasure to do that for you. What kind of bourbon do you like?

[@jojo82861]

I want to convert my 8N. Which model of Pertronix did you buy so I get the right one? I know there are different models

[@MrJustinWheeler]

It’s the 1247. I’ve got a link in the description. Just make sure your tractor is the same as mine before getting that one. Some tractor have the side mount distributor. Good luck!

[@jojo82861]

@@MrJustinWheeler I actually have the side mounted distributor on a 1952 Ford 8N. Will the one you have not work. Or rather how do I find out which one WILL work on it? Thanks for your help sir

[@kennywooldridge2276]

Where did you find the chrome breather tube? Pretty badass.....

[@extraextra4380]

Ac DC welcome to machine