Farm Equipment - Ignition Question

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Ignition Question

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140327
Printed Date: 31 Dec 2025 at 6:40am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Ignition Question

Posted By: cnafarms
Subject: Ignition Question
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2017 at 8:22pm

I have an electronic ignition on my D17. Have had it on there for almost a year no problems. Has started right up and ran like a top. Used it with the electronic ignition last year for 3rd cutting hay all winter putting hay out as well as 1st cutting hay this year. Went to start the other day have nothing. Pulled plug wire to see if there was spark nothing. Got a test light and have juice going into the distrubotor but nothing coming back out to coil. So has the electronic ignition gone bad or is it something else. The coil is one of the flame thrower coils.

Replies:

Posted By: DougS
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2017 at 8:30pm

It could be the coil. Put an ohmmeter across the two coil terminals and see if it reads around 3 ohms. The odds are greater that it's the electronic ignition.

Posted By: Hubert (Ga)engine7
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2017 at 8:55pm

Had basically the same problem with my D15, ran great for about a year and a half, then only intermittent spark about two months ago. Went back to points and condenser and it runs great.

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Just an old country boy saved by the grace of God.

Posted By: GregLawlerMinn
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2017 at 7:59am

Try pull starting your D17 before starting to chase down the cause.

Recently fixed the neighbors D14 W/ Petronix and Flamethrower (I installed it and sold him the tractor several years ago). It has started and ran great all these years for him. Then all of a sudden, and with no prior symptoms, would not start with the starter; started right up and runs great with a short pull. Did a voltage test to the coil; 12.5V w/o starter. 8V with starter. Re-installed the points/condenser and now starts and runs great. I told him the starter was dragging too much and lowering the voltage to the ignition. The Petronix ignition is more sensitive to voltage changes than points. Told him that pulling the starter and working on it was in his future, could be as simple as cleaning the groves and/or emorying the commutator and/or replacinf the brushes. Once he cures the starter drag issue, he can reinstall the Petronix ignition.

Others here can provide a real good description of the electrical theory and fixes for significant voltage drops.

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What this country needs is more unemployed politicians-and lawyers.
Currently have: 1 D14 and a D15S2.
With new owners: 2Bs,9CAs,1WD,2 D12s,5D14s,3D15S2s, 2D17SIVs,D17D,1D19D;1 Unstyled WC

Posted By: DiyDave
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2017 at 6:26pm

Also check your battery connections, and voltage. Pertronics are voltage sensitive, as noted, above...