Ignition Coil
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=188664
Printed Date: 13 Sep 2025 at 4:53am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Ignition Coil
Posted By: AveryD12
Subject: Ignition Coil
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2022 at 3:12pm
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I have a D12 series 3 which doesn’t get used much. A few ago it was running pretty rough (missing). I pulled the distributor cap and found the points in pretty bad shape. Since it had been several years since I replaced the ignition parts I decided it was time for a “tune up”. I replaced plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor cap, points and condenser. It ran better than it had in a long time. I’m thinking that was long overdue. Like I said it doesn’t get used much. A couple weeks went by and I needed to use the tractor and it would fire but not stay running. Since I had read on the forum about the quality of condensers, I decided to replace the condenser again. I did and the tractor ran good for about 1 hour. I shut it down for a few minutes and when I got back on the tractor it was running terrible. I thought I would not make it back to the barn. I decided there has be something else wrong besides the condenser. I’m my attempt to eliminate the switch (key) I ran a wire directly From the battery to the coil and found one of the coil terminal post loose in the coil. I replaced the coil and the tractor still ran rough but would run. I then replaced the condenser again. Now the tractor runs a good as ever. My question is could the defective coil cause the condenser to go bad. I am not very knowledgeable in the electrical side of things. Thanks Avery |
Replies:
Posted By: PaulB
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2022 at 4:09pm
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Not necessarily. Quality Control, on things like condensers, is a thing of the past. For the time and aggravation you will have trying to keep a tractor that doesn't get used much, you'll be ahead of the problems if you just install the electronic ignition conversion and be done with it. Your tractor will start like it's new for the rest of your lifetime. Be sure to use the proper coil for a 4 cylinder and the suppression wires. I get anything electrical I need from http://www.brillman.com" rel="nofollow - www.brillman.com ------------- If it was fun to pull in LOW gear, I could have a John Deere. Real pullers don't have speed limits. If you can't make it GO... make it SHINY |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 7:21am
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Thanks for the response. I had considered going that route before replacing the ignition parts. However as I am not familiar with the conversion process, I decided to stick with what I was a little familiar with. I already spent a few $$ on the new parts and don’t want to just throw that away. But if the new coil doesn’t fix the problem, I will do more research and bite the $$ bullet. Thanks for the advice, Avery |
Posted By: Oldwrench
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 7:36am
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As PaulB said, condensers today are definitely hit or miss. At least try to buy the best brands, like Blue Streak or something from NAPA, etc. (although they are all still made overseas probably). Even then, it isn't unusual to have one go bad fairly quickly. On the other hand, once you get one that works, it should work for a long time. In the old days, a tuneup would always be points/condenser, but now, I change the points but leave the condenser alone if it isn't missing. So planning on possibly going through several condensers until finding a good one is just part of the procedure. |
Posted By: IBWD MIke
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 7:40am
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Since I started buying ignition parts at Napa, I've not had a condenser go bad. Knock on wood? |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 7:49am
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The last condenser I bought came from Napa. Hopefully it will last a long time. But if it doesn’t I know which route I need to take and put all this behind me. Thanks Avery |
Posted By: Ed (Ont)
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 8:44am
| If you have an old original condensor put it on and leave it. It will last forever. Change the points and leave condensor alone until you have an issue. |
Posted By: Play Farmer
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 9:04am
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PaulB gave you great advice. In my case it was my Massey that was hit or miss. One day it would run spot on, the next it would hardly run. I did no less than (3) sets of points, condenser, cap, rotor, coil, and wires. I was having a real hard time believing all of the parts were junk - they were. These weren't cheap eBay parts either, most of it was from my local NAPA store, mid grade to top of the line stuff, no difference. I finally decided to try the electronic conversion, if it didn't work I was getting rid of the tractor. $99.00 and a 5 minute installation later the tractor has been perfect ever since. After the installation it literally fired up on the first 1/4 turn of the engine. You can chase parts all day long and get mixed results or you can do the conversation and start enjoying the tractor again. Needless to say I'm a big fan of the conversion kit.  Good luck in whatever way you decide to go. |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 10:38am
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Play Farmer, Where did you find the conversion kit for $99 Thanks Avery |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 12:33pm
It all depends on WHO you are buying it from and what model distributor you are buying it for... ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2022 at 1:27pm
| I know what you mean! |
Posted By: Play Farmer
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2022 at 6:19am
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Steve is right, depends on where you buy it. I don't remember where mine came from, it was a few (3-4-5?) years ago. |
Posted By: JimD
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2022 at 7:52am
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We have the kits on our website also. ------------- Owner of http://www.OKtractor.com" rel="nofollow - OKtractor.com PM for an instant response on parts. Open M-F 9-6 Central. We have new and used parts. 877-378-6543 |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2022 at 8:15pm
| Thanks. I will let you know if this new coil doesn’t solve the problem |
Posted By: DaveKamp
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2022 at 5:26am
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Don't ignore that bushing in the distributor base... they wear out. If the shaft is sloppy, it won't matter what you do to points, condenser and coil... it won't run 'right'. ------------- Ten Amendments, Ten Commandments, and one Golden Rule solve most every problem. Citrus hand-cleaner with Pumice does the rest. |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2022 at 6:11am
| Thanks Dave. I will be sure to remember that. |
Posted By: AveryD12
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2022 at 11:42am
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Update on coil and condenser Sometimes I read on the forum about problems folks have with their AC but sometimes I miss the solution. I have run the D12 a total of 4 times since I changed the coil and installed a NAPA condenser. So far it has run perfect each time. I guess I will never know if the coil was causing the problem or if the condensers were faulty. But regardless it is good to have it going again. |