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Ignition condenser.

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Joined
Jun 15, 2021
Messages
16
Location
Seymour Tennessee
Hey guys I've got a question.
I'm haven't problems with my 86 Cub Cadet.
The ignition points are sparking really bad and pitting the contacts.
I've been told the condenser is supposed to take away some of the sparking . I have replaced both points & condenser and after running 30 minutes the contacts were pitted so I took a points file and cleaned them up .
Would 2 condenser help to prevent this ?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Ronnie
 
Is the condenser on the points side of the coil? Are you using an OEM condenser? Is the coil of the correct type that does not require an external resistor.
 
Yes the condenser is on the negative side of the coil . The points , coil and condenser I purchase from I Save Tractors .
My question , will 2 condenser reduce some of the sparking ?
 
The wrong Ignition Coil can cause the issue, in that it may be drawing excessive amperage. Are you using the correct Kohler Coil (KH-231281) ??
Thanks for the reply
I guess, thats the one I got from I Save Tractors .
I'll try another coil, you never know what you're buying these days .
Thanks .
Ronnie
 
Talking about non-OEM substitutes.

I just completed static timing adjustments on my newly rebuilt K321 and tested non-OEM beaker points and real Kohler part.
Static adjusted timing resulted in exact 0.020 gap on Kohler. Non-OEM gap was as measured 0.017. Same plunger.
That means if you use filler gage to adjust timing on non-OEM breaker points you will be off.
In the picture- Kohler on the right.
They do look very close, like clones though.
 

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Talking about non-OEM substitutes.

I just completed static timing adjustments on my newly rebuilt K321 and tested non-OEM beaker points and real Kohler part.
Static adjusted timing resulted in exact 0.020 gap on Kohler. Non-OEM gap was as measured 0.017. Same plunger.
That means if you use filler gage to adjust timing on non-OEM breaker points you will be off.
In the picture- Kohler on the right.
They do look very close, like clones though.
That's interesting ! How is this done ?
Thanks .
Ronnie
 
You can Google “ K-Series Static Ignition Timing”.

While slowly rotating crank shaft you need to catch the moment when points go open by monitoring ohm-meter resistance between them.
Correct timing will be when “SP” or “S” mark on the flywheel lines up with line-marker (next to viewing window on the bearing plate) at the moment breaker points go open.
 

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  • B5E7BC3B-643F-4112-BE5C-CDD380DDD49D.jpeg
    B5E7BC3B-643F-4112-BE5C-CDD380DDD49D.jpeg
    1.4 MB · Views: 0
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You can Google “ K-Series Static Ignition Timing”.

While slowly rotating crank shaft you need to catch the moment when points go open by monitoring ohm-meter resistance between them.
Correct timing will be when “SP” or “S” mark on the flywheel lines up with line-marker (next to viewing window on the bearing plate) at the moment breaker points go open.
Thank you so much.
 
It truly is, as long as the part was stored properly. Some of the current issue OEM parts are now produced offshore. I prefer USA made parts on my machines.
 
Who makes oem parts for the Cub Cadets ?
So, many different companies supplied parts to IH, then later to CCC, and now to MTD. Examples of this are the switches that were made by Indak, bulbs were made by GE, relays and lenses were made by Delco, seats were made by Michigan Seat, hydro pumps were made by Sunstrand, engines were made by Kohler and Briggs and Statton, and on and on.
 
So, many different companies supplied parts to IH, then later to CCC, and now to MTD. Examples of this are the switches that were made by Indak, bulbs were made by GE, relays and lenses were made by Delco, seats were made by Michigan Seat, hydro pumps were made by Sunstrand, engines were made by Kohler and Briggs and Statton, and on and on.
Yeah when MTD took over the Cub Cadet line it was down the tube from there .
The newer Cubs are not built nothing like the old International Harvester Cubs. Might as well purchase a Murry or Snapper that's the quality you're gonna get with a newer Cub .
 
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