MF35 Utility Question

Hello all, Glad to finally get signed on, have always enjoyed reading the vast knowledge base, and have always found my answers until now.

I have a MF35 Utility tractor with the Z134 Continental Engine. I am in the process of trying to convert this tractor from a 6v positive ground to a 12v negative ground and convert it on over to electronic ignition. I am also wanting to go ahead and replace the distributor, due to slack and wear on the gear.

Now here is the question. The number on the current distributor in the tractor 1112589 9A21 delco. All the research that I have done, shows this distributor fitting a MF65 tractor with a G176 engine, which is a totally different size. I would like to order the proper distributor for this size motor, especially if there is a significant difference. There are so many different part numbers that go along with distributors for these motors, I'm not sure which one I should buy. If they make one that already has the electronic ignition module installed, instead of points,that would be even better.

The serial number on the tractor is UGM655000466
The serial number on the motor is 733078

Any info or expertise with this will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe

might get a better response by posting on the Massey-Harris Massey-Ferguson forum. MY MF 35 (1962) is 12 Volt negative ground. Maybe earlier models were 6 Volt negative ground. Go to AgcoPartsBooks dot com and enter as a guest, model 35, brand = massey ferguson, 35 tractor. Shows two different distributors prior to serial # 245033 and #245033 and up. Hope this helps.

I don't have my shop manual here, but I was looking at them the other day. There were several distributors
listed for different applications, like gas, LP, and high altitude. There was minimal difference that I
could see, just a few degrees difference in total advance.

You'll probably have to take what you can find, the part listed on this site covers a lot of different part
numbers. At the age of the tractor, unless you know the history, any number of things could have been
changed through the years.

I haven't seen one that was already converted to electronic. I have installed some conversion kits on some
really sloppy distributors and they worked fine, the electronics are much more forgiving of bushing wear
than points are. Possibly disassembling and packing the bushings, going through the advance weights,
replacing the gear would give it some new life.

Why not just replace the bushing? I had mine replaced and the distributor curved for $100 plus shipping. Philbingroup.com

The recommended air gap between the magnet
and module on EI is pretty big. Like .060 or
so. Means you can have a Lot more slop in
the distributer bushings than you can have
with points.
We're it me, I would install the EI with the
distributer as is. You'll likely get by just
fine without buying a new one or rebushing
the one you have.

Thanks for the input, I thought about this, but wasn't sure how sensitive the EI would be. Have never installed one. I may give this a try!

That would be an option, but I have found similar distributers for the z134 for around 160-200$New and they come with a new gear, but they are aftermarket. Looks like most of these old distributors are obsolete.

Thanks,

Ive had the tractor for around fifteen years, but do not know what all has been done to it prior to that. I have tried to adjust the timing by ear on this one, but the miss just kind of moves around almost as if there is no sweet spot. I was assuming that the advance for this one had to be at least a little different, being it was for a different engine. This will be my first EI conversion and I wasn't sure if it would make a difference. I have also had trouble with the number three cylinder fouling plugs, and completely quit firing almost like it is just barely getting a spark. The tractor doesn't use a drop of oil and I was also assuming that this was due to the distributor.

I have never changed the bushings/gear on a distributor, but I am a maintenance technician/machinist and should have all the tools necessary. Is it a big deal, or would it be better to send it somewhere, or just buy a new aftermarket.

Thanks for your input!!

Thanks, Ill check it out

Your tractor serial # seems to have 3 extra digits. Do you know what year it is? I thought they switched to 12 volt in 1955.

(quoted from post at 16:58:37 03/11/16) Your tractor serial # seems to have 3 extra digits. Do you know what year it is? I thought they switched to 12 volt in 1955.

Click to expand...

No idea what year. I've tried to decode the SN, but no luck. I'm guessing early 60's