I converted my 64 model 4020 to electronic ignition going on 25 years ago. I used Chrysler EI system because it is a good system I am very familiar with and all the local parts houses have all parts for it(coil, module, dual ballast resistor . It would have been easier to buy a Pertronix unit, but while those I have installed, have worked well, I don't like that no one local stocks Pertronix modules, as the module is 95% of the cost of a complete kit. The Chrysler setup has been very reliable, near 25 years untouched. This summer the 4020 began to start harder and ran a bit rough at low rpm, very rough to the point of being unusable at high rpm. Troubleshooting proved the problem was a weak coil. I replaced it with another used Chrysler coil and all is well again. You don't have to use the EI builders coil as long as you replace it with one of the same primary impedance, usually 1.5 ohm with a ballast resistor, 3 ohm if 12V without a ballast resistor.
One big problem I had with the 64 4020 gasser was that the ballast resistor built on the rear of the ign switch was weak from new,(only supplies 4-5 volts to the coil, which degrades even more with 2-3 years use on the switch. Easy on points,yes, but causes the chronic weak spark / hard starting / bad running / plug fouling problems those engines are known for. I wired in a 30 amp cube relay to supply power to the ignition system directly from the battery through short 12ga wires, so ignition is much stronger than stock. The original ign switch, resistor and wiring is only used to close the cube relay to power the ignition. With this hot ign system, starting / running is so much better than stock, that it along with the smaller U Moline carb, totally changes the character of those tractors. They run and pull with the enthusiasm of the diesel models. Those gas tractors lack mostly in 3 departments that are quite easily fixed,1 the weak cranking is fixed by replacing the far too small Delco MT10 starter with a much stronger MT25. 2 replace the weak stock ignition and ballast resistor system with a much stronger and reliable electronic ignition.3 Replace that nasty troubled oversize carb with the smaller U Moline unit. You now have a tractor that cranks so fast that it has to slow down to idle, It starts and runs without spitting / missing and a set of plugs work reliable for 10+ years without fouling. Replacing that oversize carb with it's troublesome accelerator pump, gives you a tractor that pulls strong from idle through mid rpm with great torque ,and still makes good power at full speed. BTDT , hated the tractor before, love it after the mods.
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Today's Featured Article - Restoration Story: Fordson Major - by Anthony West. George bought his Fordson Major from a an implement sale about 18 years ago for £200.00 (UK). There is no known history regarding its origins or what service it had done, but the following work was undertaken alone to bring it up to show standard. From the engine number, it was found that this Major was produced late 1946. It was almost complete but had various parts that would definitely need replacing.
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