[chevy2003]

I have a JD 60 with the VH60 engine. It will not spark. I have installed new battery, new spark plug, new coil, new condenser, and new points. Plug and points have properly set gaps.

It will not make a spark large/strong enough to jump the spark plug. If I hold the spark wire really really close to the block it will make the smallest spark when cranked.

I have had that fly wheel on/off multiple multiple times. I lightly sanded and cleaned the inside (magnet) side of the flywheel. I lightly sanded and cleaned the post the coil is on. I removed all the wires and sanded/cleaned the connection surfaces. This thing should make a vivid gap-jumping spark. (and I actually have replaced the coil twice...it technically is on the third coil... all the same response.)

The only thing I notice, which I can't do anything about is that the post that the coil is impaled on and the two posts either side of the coil, as shown in the picture, seem to be de-laminating a little. Don't have a clue if that is an issue.

ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS? This is a nice little tractor that is in really good shape except for the no-spark thing. I'm not looking to engine it.

THANK YOU!

[rayg]

 

[woodpecker41]

Use a spark tester plug wire and see what that shows in a darkened room when it is cranked. I doubt if anything you did is wrong but suspect you have more spark than you think. The test wire will show the spark better than holding a spark plug against the block or a wire near the block. I have a 70 engine that doesn't start and have replaced all that you have. It will occasionally start when it is cold and I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't have enough compression when it warms up to restart. Rings will be the next step when I get to them. Roger

 

[chevy2003]

GO IT TO RUN FINALLY!

Since (and before) posting initial message above starting this thread, I have been tinkering, adjusting, researching, talking to way smarter people, etc. FINALLY, I put the flywheel on for the multiple-hundredth time, connected the battery, sprayed tiny bit of fuel in the carb, cranked and it started right up.

I went to a tractor/steam show this past weekend, and sat and talked to all the guys there displaying their 110's, 112's, etc... (including a 1963 110!) and they all agreed... replace the condenser AGAIN, use newspaper to clean the new points, reset the points again, remove all the wires that connect the magneto to the tractor (the kill from the key/rectifier) and go for it.

IT WORKS.... feels like Christmas!!

Yes, now I have to figure out what exactly was causing the problem... bad key switch? small nick in a wire insulation? But at least it runs now!

[rayg]

 

[david_louw]

Glad you came right. It is really a PITA with these engines when one has to remove the flywheel every time the points, condensor or coil needs attention or inspection. BTDT. The only consolation is that once they're running, they do so for an extended period of time. Enjoy!