Repainted the tin on my 850 Ford.Did a better job prepping with my sand(glass) blaster and good primer this time.
Gone with Caterpillar Yellow (brighter than Ford's "Industrial" yellow) this time just because I had a couple of cans of that and it's a good,quality paint.
Took the starter off (just clicking/motor not stuck/new battery at 12.70 volts.
Turned it by hand to get the brushes in a new spot and spun it right over with jumper cables.
Put it back in and it cranked over strong.
Old points and condenser are getting replaced tomorrow.I'll probably go uptown and get a new set of plugs,too.
Might drain the hydraulics and put in new juice.
Haven't run it in over a year.
Nice to know there's people still keeping their vehicles running.
It goes both ways,Mike.
I've been to town 4 times in the last 2 days for my old pal.
Went to 5 jobbers yesterday and couldn't buy the old "grippy" screwdriver for points screws.
I changed more points with a regular screwdriver,but I seem to drop things a bit more frequently these days.
I'll stuff any through holes with a bit of paper towel to keep from having to pull the distributor.
Paid $30 for 4 NGK spark plugs,$37 for points and condenser.
If I still have to buy a rotor button I'll have near $90 in it.
I can convert to electronic ignition (no points/condenser) for around $100.
I almost did that 10 years ago and it got shelved.
Very tempted to convert this coming year.I already went 12v/neg ground/alternator in the 90s.
Edited by - steve davis on 09/20/2025 13:57:07
Pics when you can please..
I'll let your request get me going on running my new phone,Al.
Nice job cap’n! I’d keep the points just because…seems to be less and less machines with ‘em these days, everybody’s gone electronic just about. I guess for good reason though.
Those NGK’s sure are good…I run those in all my stuff too.
I can’t remember, is your 850 gas or diesel?
It has the big 4 gas,Dow.
I like the idea of a stronger and more consistent spark with no danger of failing in a snowstorm,way down in the woods.
I converted it to 12v/neg ground in the 90s.I have no hesitation in making it more user friendly.
I'm also fine with having my original tb-2 Gibson banjo rim turned down for a full weight tonering.
I don't mind making stuff fit my life.
If it had a diesel I'd be returning these NGKs.
I'll 2nd the NGK's ! In just about everything I've owned needing plugs including the Rotax motors I flew in ulltralights for aout 11 yrs . !
Edited by - heavy5 on 09/25/2025 12:57:08
C'mon Steve, show us your tractor. I'll start it off with my barn queen.
quote:
Originally posted by steve davisIt has the big 4 gas,Dow.
I like the idea of a stronger and more consistent spark with no danger of failing in a snowstorm,way down in the woods.
I converted it to 12v/neg ground in the 90s.I have no hesitation in making it more user friendly.
I'm also fine with having my original tb-2 Gibson banjo rim turned down for a full weight tonering.
I don't mind making stuff fit my life.
If it had a diesel I'd be returning these NGKs.
Ha! What a bozo....and I was a Navy submarine diesel mechanic years ago.
Good discussion about points and electronic ignition on Facebook. Specifically, the part about using the GM 4 wire HEI module. I have been resistant to change because most of the kits are 'specialty' parts.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/486333472963627/posts/1199027585027542/
I've also been pleased with Bosch plugs.
When I worked at an AMC dealership in Woonsocket,R.I. the first thing we did with a new batch of cars,Jeeps or trucks was throw away the spark plugs.
They (AMC) were running on such a tight (losing) budget that the original plugs would only start once during the initial running test at the factory.
They also put their engines together with no gaskets...just silicon paste.
As soon as I figure out how to use this new phone I'll post lots of pics.
A good friend has offered to school me on it very soon.
I'm nervous about losing my land line,but that's just fear of the unknown.
