Repair Magneto or go Distributor

[PaulNKS]

I have the following:

1. WD with a distributor
2. WD - 45 with a magneto (and front loader)
3. WD - 45 with a distributor (parts tractor)

All three were converted to 12v several years ago. The WD has no problems whatsoever. But, the WD - 45 has always had a problem with the condensor. I have had the magneto reworked 3 times. The condensor is out again, I'm thinking by the way the tractor acts. Anyway....

Questions:
1. Would I be better off trying to replace the condensor myself or should I replace the magneto with the distributor from the parts tractor?

2. Is it easy to replace the condensor? Can you give me any pointers or tips and tricks?

3. If I was to just put the distributor on it, is there anything I should know besides just pulling the magneto and inserting the distributor? lol

Thanks,
Paul

[kmccune]

this is a good question- we had a WD-45 with a distributor no problems easy to service and fix ,a magneto is of no particular merit if you have a source to supply the DC for the ignition system. One thing I have noticed on older mags is a tendency for the windings to get damp- sometimes a little drying helps these things.If you install coil ignition you will probaly need a ballast resistor.
These old tractors are horses and very stout-but you really have to be careful backing up because of how far the operator sets back on the tractor.
Got powersteering on any of yours Paul? we put a Char-Lyn unit on ours-Kevin

[PaulNKS]

No, I don't have any power steering on them. As small as they are I haven't really seen a need for it. They seem to turn easily enough for me.

[kmccune]

That old 45 we had with the narrow front end and loader was a bear to turn in soft ground with a bucket full of heavy stuff-Kevin

[Cuznguido]

Replacing the condenser in that mag is so easy a cave man could do it. Take the cap off and look and you will see it is very self-explanatory. The problem with magnetos usually comes from them sitting around for extended periods and accumulating moisture. Take the cap off an use a hair dryer on it if has been sitting for a long time. Put the cap back on give her a spin and see if it helped. Sawpping the mag out with the distributor should be real easy since you have a donor tractor with all the parts. Before you start, remove the cap and make a mark on something close to where the rotor is pointing, and install the distributor with the rotor pointing to the same place and your timing should be close enough to start when you get everything back together.

[PaulNKS]

Cuznguido,
Thanks for your input.
Paul

[johnny]

Some know while some dont but check for fire before blaming condensor because if there is fire then for sure it is not a condensor prob.

One last check--drive gear or shaft--if they are both the same--dist vs mag