Magneto or Distributer ? Which is Better?

[SuperA]

I presently am working on a 1953 Farmall Super A, all original, 6Volt NEG POS. GROUND Magneto system. I have been thinking about replacing my Mag with a Distributor, here's why... I have been watching a lot of Videos of Guys Hand Cranking their engines with ease and I wonder why I Can't do it so easily with my tractor. I noticed that tractors with a Distributor system seem to hand crank easier and I'm wondering if it's because the Coil on a Dist. System always has JUICE to it already before cranking and does NOT have to Build up and Create it's own JUICE as is the case with a Mag. It makes sence to be that would be the reason they start easier. Am I Right about this?
On the other hand, I know a BIG Plus with the Mag is that a Mag System, Making it's own JUICE, needs No Battery to be dependent on to start, it will hand crank without a battery.
What do you guys think about the two systems, is one better than the other or not and why and is one always easier to hand crank than the other???
Thanks for your input, DanO'

 

[DJ54]

I have two tractors, and A, and a BN with Mags. Both start very easy. Like everything else, keep it maintained, and it will work. I've read many threads with guys having problems and needing to replace the coils in Mags. My BN is a '47, and it's still the original coil. The A engine, is actually a C-123 power unit off a 55-T baler, and probably the best running of the smaller tractors. Both aren't used that much, probably the A most. The battery went dead, probably 7-8 years ago. But 3 cranks, and it's up and running. And actually, I can crank it very slow, and once it gets to TDC, and the impulse trips, it will fire right up. 99% of it is getting the Mag timed properly.

I kinda' like my old Mags, simply for the fact, if I need one of them, no need to hook up a battery charger, or do a bum start with jumper cables. Simply turn on the gas, set the choke. Two cranks at full choke, with the throttle set about 1/3, knock the choke off before the 3rd crank, and it's running.

Even the one Super C at the other place with a distributor may set for over a month without being started in warm weather. The battery will be down enough, to not turn the starter properly, so I hand crank it. Same thing, two cranks at full chole, knock it off, and it starts on the 3rd crank.

If your A sets outside, it's best to cover the mag. You want to cover it, but allow it to be able to breath to dissipate moisture. In rainy, or damp weather, you will get condensation under the cap, and it will not start.

 

[SuperA]

Thanks for the response DJ, I'm NOT SURE if my Mag is Perfectly Timed or Not, tried to follow procedure in manual but still just not sure. Perhaps that's why mine won't hand crank.. starts quickly with the starter, no missing and no pre-ignition on shut off, so I think it's times properly. Any tips you might have on checking that would be appreciated.
Thanks, DanO'

 

[pmsmechanic]

Is the impulse trip mechanism working properly? Just a thought.

 

[Soundguy]

mag or distribuitor will not make but an ounce of difference when you are trying to hand crank over 4 cyls worth of engine compression.

frankly.. you are chasing a ghost on that one.

get a good working mag or battery ignition, practice safe hand cranking techniques, or get a starter. heck.. get a starter and keep a mag... that's how my JD B is.

My farmall 3 is battery ignition, handcranks fine.

remember.. hand cranking like stuff to be in good working order. good timing, good ignition components, good compression, good carb, good fuel, good air, good strong/fast arm , and knowing where to roll the engine to before yanking on it to give you best start attempt with least chance for a broken arm!

 

[whizdbiz2]

I'm thinking the question is self answering... if a mag was better, all tractors would have been built with magnetos.

 

[Soundguy]

it's cheaper to build a dizzy...

 

[DJ54]

Thanks for the response DJ, I'm NOT SURE if my Mag is Perfectly Timed or Not, tried to follow procedure in manual but still just not sure. Perhaps that's why mine won't hand crank.. starts quickly with the starter, no missing and no pre-ignition on shut off, so I think it's times properly. Any tips you might have on checking that would be appreciated.
Thanks, DanO'

I just used the manual instructions to time it. Points set @ .013, plugs, .025. Check inside the dist. cap for buildup on the lugs, and good bright end on the rotor button. All of mine have 7mm copper core wires.

Part of the problem may be choking, or not choking enough. From a cold start, two cranks at full choke is enough to get it up to the plugs. Unless it is below 35º, I knock the choke completely off. 99.9% of the time, it starts.

I always crank mine pulling up. And always lay your thumb on the same side as your fingers. Don't grip the crank. If it would ever kick, it will lay your thumb back in a position you don't want. Not that it happened to me, but words of wisdom from my Dad that worked for farmer's when he was a young man, that it did happen to. I know back in the 80's, many times when at tractor shows, I'd just have to turn around, and not watch some guys round housing the cranks to start their tractors. And yes, some did kick, and throw cranks. And usually followed by the guy walking around with his hand tucked under his arm...

If I used it a lot more than I do, I'd put a new battery in, and let the starter do the work.

 

[Soundguy]

I just used the manual instructions to time it. Points set @ .013, plugs, .025. Check inside the dist. cap for buildup on the lugs, and good bright end on the rotor button. All of mine have 7mm copper core wires.

Part of the problem may be choking, or not choking enough. From a cold start, two cranks at full choke is enough to get it up to the plugs. Unless it is below 35º, I knock the choke completely off. 99.9% of the time, it starts.

I always crank mine pulling up. And always lay your thumb on the same side as your fingers. Don't grip the crank. If it would ever kick, it will lay your thumb back in a position you don't want. Not that it happened to me, but words of wisdom from my Dad that worked for farmer's when he was a young man, that it did happen to. I know back in the 80's, many times when at tractor shows, I'd just have to turn around, and not watch some guys round housing the cranks to start their tractors. And yes, some did kick, and throw cranks. And usually followed by the guy walking around with his hand tucked under his arm...

If I used it a lot more than I do, I'd put a new battery in, and let the starter do the work.

yup. 2nd thing I fixed on my C was the starter.. first thing was the oil pressure gauge.

I like the concept of being able to hand crank it.. but.. the starter is a nice touch.

 

[SuperA]

Thanks for the input Guys... I really want to keep this tractor as Original as possible, so I think I will definitly stay with my Mag. I was just considering the Distributor if it was in fact known to be a better choice for ease of starting but from all I heard here, that's NOT true at all, despite what some think. Thanks again , DanO'