Electrical Problem(I think)

What size starter connect cables do you have. 0 or 00 wire are the best especially for 6V systems. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and the connections are "bright and tight".

When you get the starter working, then check out the primary ignition circuit by removing the center wire from the distributor cap, holding it near a good ground and trying a start. You should have a FAT, BLUISH-WHITE SPARK. If you don't, most lkely something in the primary circuit is faulty. It could be the point setting, the point condition, a bad connection, a bad coil, etc. You'll have to get theat right to get a reliable start and good running.

If the spark is right, then move on to the fuel system. there are a lot of these old machines whose fuel tanks are filled with all sorts of crap and corruption that restrict the fuel delivery.(I doubt that this is you problem because you said the tractor died abruptly.) Check the sediment bowl,sediment bowl filter, and the "secret filter" in the carb fuel inlet elbow. Better yet, open the big plug at the bottom of the carb and holding a suitable container under the carb, open the tank valve. Fuel should CONTINUOUSLY POUR OUT LIKE A COW PEEIN' ON A FLAT ROCK. If it does that at least you have a good fuel supply to the carb. Check the sediment bowl and the filters i mentioned earlier. If they are clear and you don't havethe requisite continuos gush of fuel, the float may be sticking on the inside of the fuel bowl or the fuel bowl is full of sediment and won't drop. Rap the sie of the carb with a wood block and sometmes that will unstick the float.

Do these checks in the order that I have outlined them, write down the results for future reference and you should find the cause of your problem.

For your current problem, charge your battery & check your ground connection to the back of the dash to make sure it is clean & shiny. Dirty/rusty connections is the # 1 cause for poor starting, charging, and ignition in these old 6V systems. If you have an automotive style ignition/starter key switch, I would guess it's probably shorted out.

If you decide to buy another battery at some point, I recommend buying a 6V and cleaning-up your current wiring (shiny connections, 14 gauge wire or better, good terminals & grounds), or going all the way with a 12V conversion (much more expensive), and try to get away from the 8V battery.

George

George

An engine must have three "3" things to run, they are.

fuel - air @ about 16 parts to gas @ one part
spark - at the right time
compression

Always remember the above and you can test them very quickly on an old engine.

First take out a spark plug, put the sparkplug wire back onto the plug and ground the plug where you can see the electrode; look at the end of the plug, is it wet or dry? Make sure you cant/dont get run over! Now you can turn over the engine, even put your finger into the clyinder / spark plug hole "you can hold about 30-35 psi before it leaks past your finger; more than enough to start an engine.

What is it you have found out from this 2 min exercise? Do you have spark?
Do you have fuel?
Do you have compression?

Now just start where you have a problem; for example,

Do you have spark? No - put plug back in, check wire out of coil, is there spark when you turn the engine over? yes/no
if no check points, if yes check cap, plug wire, spark plug.

get the idea???

If you need more help just ask.

Paul

Do you have a short? No, maybe a bad conection, yes?

Your generator will charge a 8 volt battery "not very good though" BUT,,, you need to change your regulator to an 8 volt type, still pos ground.

Your tractor can and will die like you explained when you loose all electric if your generator isn't working.....

Paul