TO30 Backfire

[1952Ferguson]

I think I have timed my tractor properly after changing out the distributor cap and plugs but it starts and runs and constantly backfires now. What did I do wrong?

 

[TractorTech]

You probably got the timing retarded too much. Or you put in incorrect plugs.
Did you try and time it again?

 

[FordnMassey]

Hi,
Potentially not something you did. The aftermarket parts supplies are not all good quality and you may have installed parts that were worse than what was already in there. I replaced all the electricals on a Massey Ferguson 35 1962, only to find the spark arcs thru the lead boots and the distributor cap centre crumbled away at around 1 year.
Try putting back some of the old parts to isolate a possible bad new one.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I think I have timed my tractor properly after changing out the distributor cap and plugs but it starts and runs and constantly backfires now. What did I do wrong?

Do you have a timing light? Buy or borrow one and check the timing. Your timing is retarded, your distributor bushing maybe worn, or your advance mechanism is not working. A timing light makes timing it easy but I can walk you through a timing it statically (without a timing light) if you need me to.

 

[FordnMassey]

Do you have a timing light? Buy or borrow one and check the timing. Your timing is retarded, your distributor bushing maybe worn, or your advance mechanism is not working. A timing light makes timing it easy but I can walk you through a timing it statically (without a timing light) if you need me to.

The timing light has the advantage of diagnosing erratic timing, which can arise with distributor bearing issues.

 

[big bubba]

in addition to timing light, also check points with a dwell meter. readjust the carb, maybe even check the valve clearances good luck

 

[rScotty]

Backfire and running backwards? If you didn' remove the distributor, you proably replaced the spark plug leads in the wrong order. Its easy to do, either on the plugs or in the distributor cap. If you loosened and pulled the distributor itself up and out of engagement with the cam gear you will have to retime the distributor to the engine. There will be marks for this, but you'll need the manual.
good luck,
rScotty

 

[DJ54]

One of the causes of backfire is having a wire, or wires 180º out of rotation making it fire on the exhaust stroke, with the exhaust valve open.

 

[1952Ferguson]

I bought a $32 set of good points and condenser. Not the Chinese junk online. Runs like sewing machine now. Only took me 5 months to fix something that simple

 

[big bubba]

& welcome to forum, glad it's running smooth

 

[FordnMassey]

I bought a $32 set of good points and condenser. Not the Chinese junk online. Runs like sewing machine now. Only took me 5 months to fix something that simple

Hi,

I'm hearing you. Been there too.

Sadly in Australia the low quality imported parts dominate the market place and it's hard to purchase better quality.

 

[rScotty]

Here's a tip for some future mechanic working on old gasoline engines:
If it backfires through the intake, look to the carburation. If it backfires through the exhaust, it's most likely to be ignition related.
rScotty

 

[WilliamTO-35]

Condensers are odd things . I've found , over the years, that a good used condenser is more likely to function well than a foreign made new condenser. That's why I have a large collection of used ignition parts. As for ignition points, I've had lots of trouble with them , and I'm getting ready to replace them on my TO-35 with an electronic type.