intermittant starting

ronnk · Post by **ronnk** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:45 pm

I have a 420c with an emotional problem. When she decides it is a non work day she takes it off. if I fiddle with the points it usually will start but then it could be the two way switch for the ignition. I want to believe it is the points. So does anyone have the NAPPA part number for the points? After it is running there is no issues just at start up. Also where can I find a new 5 or 6 way semi original main switch. Your prior help was graetly appreciated on the filters and oil and part numbers.

Ron

Post by **Lavoy** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:43 pm

I stock ignition switches and tune up kits.
Lavoy

Howard Yoder · Post by **Howard Yoder** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 6:08 pm

I have an mc that if the switch isn't just in the right spot it won't fire

gregjo1948 · Post by **gregjo1948** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:09 am

Either put a test light on the switch or hot wire around it to determine if that's your problem. Is there a chance of moisture in the distributor? Is the machine under cover? Could be crack in cap, bad condenser, bad points, plugs, wires, or the coil. I always start with these possabilities. They're easy to check and not too expensive to fix. gregjo1948

Willyr · Post by **Willyr** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:46 am

Try changing your spark plugs lately? If you have Champions in there I would definitely change the plugs. I have had good results with NGK's myself.

Tigerhaze · Post by **Tigerhaze** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:58 am

I don't know if my sugesstions would apply to the distributor on a 420C but I have a 8N tractor and would assume it is somewhat similar.

Oftentimes intermittent starting problems will be the ignition switch or points (as previously mentioned). However the insulator on the distributor body for the small wire from the top of the coil through the distributor body to the points can also cause intermittent starting problems. It took me a while to figure that out on my 8N.

Also agree with the comment on Champions- we have had a number of discussions on this board about that subject and some swear by them but my opinion is that Autolites peform significantly better, especially with hard starting.

Lu47Dan · Post by **Lu47Dan** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:27 pm

Tigerhaze wrote:I don't know if my sugesstions would apply to the distributor on a 420C but I have a 8N tractor and would assume it is somewhat similar.

Oftentimes intermittent starting problems will be the ignition switch or points (as previously mentioned). However the insulator on the distributor body for the small wire from the top of the coil through the distributor body to the points can also cause intermittent starting problems. It took me a while to figure that out on my 8N.

Also agree with the comment on Champions- we have had a number of discussions on this board about that subject and some swear by them but my opinion is that Autolites peform significantly better, especially with hard starting.

+1 on the insulator through the wall of the distributor. I have a friend with a Case tractor, I forget the model, it would start on some days and not start on others, once it was running it would start every time until it set overnight again then it might not start the next day.
I do not know how many sets of points and condensers he went through, before I was there wiring the lights on the new flat bed his dad and I built. It would not start, cranked fine but would not fire off, he said he had to run into town to get a set of points. I told him I would diagnose the problem. I checked the power at the points and had none, then checked the power at the bulkhead bolt and had power, I turned off the power to the coil and checked the connection through the bolt and had continuity, shimmed the points open and checked the power to ground and had a short to ground in the insulator. I took it apart and cleaned everything up, assembled it, and started the tractor.
It was setting outside running when he got back. I told him to get a new insulator for it and install it and the problem would go away.
A lot of people miss that step to check the insulator.
Dan.

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