Cletrac IXK3, Won't start

yorkyjer · April 30, 2012, 04:26:23 PM

I have spark at the points, but none at the Spark Plugs. The suspected problem is the worn rotor. Any suggestions ? Also, can you tell me what the direction of rotation the rotor turns ? Thanks Jer

Found the problem.. Pulled the Magneto, and discovered the Coil burned out.. Apparently. the previous owner tried to start it using a 12 Volt battery.. My Cletrac has an 8 volt Battery, is this the right Battery for this crawler ? ---- The " blob " in front of the grill is the Auction Tag..

1956oc3 · May 01, 2012, 05:53:59 PM

did you by any chance hook the battery to the magneto?

hotratz · May 02, 2012, 09:15:29 PM

The 12 v battery shouldn't have been an issue. The magneto produces it's own current independently.

1956oc3 · May 02, 2012, 10:13:03 PM

thats why i asked him

Blake Malkamaki · May 02, 2012, 11:37:44 PM

The model of your Cletrac is an HG. IXK-3 is the Hercules engine model. Originally the tractor would have had a 6 volt battery - if it came with electric start. Switching to 12 volts should not hurt the starter any, though other items in your lighting and charging system will have to be changed. The magnet has no connection with the electrical system, except perhaps for a ground switch to shut it down.

yorkyjer · May 03, 2012, 12:12:14 PM

Of course you are all right.. Stupid of me to think that battery was needed. Dad had an old Mc Cormic Deering lug tractor without a starter.. I pulled the Mag off my Cletrac, and took it apart. Used match marks for reassembly.. The inside metal parts were all caked with rust and residue from the Coil.. all cleaned up now, getting a new Coil and Points from NAPA Auto Parts,,, $113.35 Now, I would like to have an owners Manual. Can anybody help me with this ? Jer

Jethrow · May 03, 2012, 01:03:08 PM

Manuals for your crawler are available from various sources. Do a search on eBay for "Oliver Crawler"or Zimmermans @ http://www.olivercletrac.com/zocmanuals.html or check out the Yesterday's Tractors site which has a number of vendors for doc on old iron.

Jethrow

yorkyjer · May 03, 2012, 10:30:43 PM

This Tractor is causing me to pull my hair out... The new Coil isn't the same as what I took out. Also. no magnetism on eather one.. I went back to the shop, and traced a wire from the Amp meter post that is connected to the EIGHT volt Battery. to the ignition switch, and from there to the side of the magneto. The magneto doesn't snap like the one on dads old McCormic.. Is it possable that my IXK3 is newer than a 45 ? I never saw it run, I bought it at Auction and it was marked as starting good, and running good. but acording to the condition of the Magneto. It couldn't possably have been started.. Also after reading the post on IXK3 Bad news,..... I am concerned if the rods are out of this also.. Don't know how to download a picture on this Forum.Jer

1956oc3 · May 03, 2012, 11:50:38 PM

disconnect the wire at the magneto, connect it to a volt meter, ground the other meter lead, turn on the switch, if you get a voltage reading, then that is why the coil is toast, the lead from the mag is a ground lead to stop the engine

Blake Malkamaki · May 04, 2012, 01:59:26 AM

Perhaps your magneto is not a magneto at all. Maybe it's a replacement distributor or someone made it into a distributor?

yorkyjer · May 04, 2012, 11:57:25 AM

$:-\$ I understand that for a Magneto to work, it has to have a magnet, that an armature spins past to cause spark.. this magneto doesn't have that. the Armature spins past a brass point on the side of the Magneto housing a wire from the Coil connects outside. I would be interested in buying a good used Magneto for my Tractor if one can be found. Fairbanks Morse, Type B4B, B11502.....

hotratz · May 04, 2012, 09:27:35 PM

I wonder if you have a converted mag to make a distributor. We need some pictures.

yorkyjer · May 05, 2012, 11:46:06 AM

My Son went to HANDS HARDWARE in Glen NY..13 miles from here.. That is a Farm machinery parts Store out in the country.. He met an employee there that rebuilds magnetos..$ 65.00 an hour + parts. I will keep you informed about progress. ---------------- Just got a call from the Hands Employee.. The Coil in the Magneto is not a Magneto Coil. Its an ignition Coil, and cant be located for replacement. He is going to see if an exterior Coil can be rigged..

Doug424 · May 05, 2012, 10:33:48 PM

If all else fails,,, just change it over to a distributor. Eay & cheap to maintain compared to the pain in the %$$% mags,,

yorkyjer · May 05, 2012, 11:26:43 PM

$:-\$

... Not getting anywhere with the Automobile coil hook up. The Coil that I need is the B4B type It has legs and a brass contact strip on top. Where can I get a Distributor. ?

Next Day... I made some modifications. now have good spark to the Points.. No spark comming through the Rotor.. .If and when I get this " toy " running, I will let ya know what all I did..