how to test a coil on a 8n ford tractor

The ignition coil is a crucial component that ensures the proper function of a tractor engine. If your Ford 8N tractor is having starting issues, then it might be due to a faulty ignition coil. To diagnose the problem accurately, you need to know how to test a coil on an 8N Ford tractor. Testing the coil will help you determine if it needs a replacement or repair. This guide will outline the steps involved in testing the ignition coil.

Materials Needed for Testing

Before you begin testing the ignition coil, you need to gather the following materials:- Multimeter (Digital or Analog)- Screwdriver- Safety goggles- Landline phone or another person to help youEnsure you have all the materials to avoid stopping midway through the testing process.

Process of Testing the Ignition Coil

The following steps will help you test the ignition coil on an 8N Ford tractor:Step 1: Prepare your tractor for testingFor this step, you need to switch off your tractor and open the hood. Use the screwdriver to disconnect the four spark plug wires from the coil. Ensure that you label the wires correctly to avoid confusion when reinstalling them.Step 2: Set up the multimeterSet the multimeter to the ohms setting and connect the red and black cables to the respective terminals on the coil.Step 3: Test the primary coil windingTouch the multimeter probes to the ground terminal and the positive terminal on the ignition coil. The reading should be between 0.4 and 2 ohms. If the reading is significantly high or low, then it indicates that the primary coil winding is faulty.Step 4: Test the secondary coil windingConnect one probe of the multimeter to the ignition coil positive terminal and the other probe to the center terminal. The reading should be between 6,000 and 8,000 ohms. If the reading is out of range, then it means that the secondary coil winding is faulty.Step 5: Test for sparkReconnect the spark plug wires and hold one of the wires near the engine ground. Ask a friend or use a landline phone to crank the engine while you observe the spark plug wires. If you see a spark, then the coil is working correctly. However, if there is no spark, then the coil is faulty.

Conclusion

Testing the ignition coil on an 8N Ford tractor is crucial if you want to maintain its optimal performance. It helps you identify the problem accurately, thus avoiding unnecessary costs. This guide has outlined the steps involved in the testing process, and by following them, you can identify whether the ignition coil needs a replacement or repair. In case of any doubts or complications, it's advisable to seek the services of a qualified mechanic.