Well,I went out and evaluated my ignition system on my tractor. After following the path of the primary ignition system it was apparent that I must have a short at the distributor. It turns out that on the inside of the distributor there is a little non-conducting material under the head of the little screw that protrudes from the side of the distributor. This little insulator was old and had split. It allowed the 12v going to the "moveable side" of the points to conduct through the entire distributor casing, the points baseplate, and the "fixed side" of the points. I fixed this and felt I had solved my problem. I turned the key, hit the starter button...no start. In frustration I pulled the main coil wire and decide to flip it around. I then was able to get a nice blue spark when I held it up to the engine block and hit the starter button!! Turns out the boot on the coil wire was slightly farther down on one side. This caused a less than optimal connection when plugged into the top of the coil. It must have been connected adequately for some time but finally lost its connection from the vibrations from operating the tractor. I slid the boot up and this allowed for a full connection of the coil wire at the top of the coil....tractor fired right up! So, I think the coil wire was the original issue. I think the short at the distributor was a second independent issue and the result of reinstalling an old part. When I reinstalled the points I must have torn this old insulating washer. I used a small piece of flat cardboard from the lid of my new coil box to make an insulator "in the field". For the record I'm sure my Pertronix electronic ignition was not the issue. But, I'll leave the points in for now. The tractor is running and I don't want to push my luck! Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions. Paul.
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