Tractor Repair: 1949 Fergeuson Model 2085, massy ferguson, ballast resistor

Question
I am working on a friends 1949 Ferguson Tractor. The problem I am having is that I am not getting any spark to the spark plugs. I have installed new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and points. The Points are clean and gapped to specs.If I pull the coil wire off and crank the engine I have a strong blue spark. I have also checked the points for spark. It too is strong. P.S. I have changed the Condenser too but I still have no spark to any of the spark plugs. Lastly I installed a new ballast resistor located above the ignition switch. Do you have any advice that could help me with this problem. I am ready to pull my remaining hair out on this issue. I understand that you are not a Massy Ferguson expert but any advice would help. Thanks Joe

Answer
Hello,

  If you pull the coil wire out of the center of the distributor cap and there is spark from the coil wire, there has to be a problem with the distributor cap or rotor.  I'm sure that you have already double checked to make sure they are the correct ones.  I have had parts people give me the wrong combination of cap and rotor and they didn't work together.  I recently had a friend that was missing the dust cover that goes over the points before the rotor is installed.  That made the distributor cap not fit properly.  I have also seen dust covers that rub on the points and will hold the points open and won't let them close until you take the cap off, then the problem is gone so you can't figure it out.  If the rotor is the type with the flexible metal tab, make sure it is bent up high enough to touch the center contact of the cap.  If you have the type of cap that has a spring loaded center contact, make sure the spring is pushing it out all the way.

                         Good luck,

                               Arnie