140 distributor

[lolbell]

I’m trying to find a distributor for a ‘76 140. The number on the distributor is 353898R1. Cannot locate a distributor with those numbers on them. I have found two others that end in R11 and R91. Will those work? If they will not are they any that will cross over?

[tst]

what is wrong with the old one, most of it can be repaired

[lolbell]

The cam is pitted and rough. It wear the composite tab on the point’s pretty quick

[tst]

the earlier distributors will work, the springs may be different for the curve

[lolbell]

I’ve been doing some research on this distributor I have and it’s starting to look like it’s for a 12v positive ground tractor. What I have is a 12v negative ground. Could it be that I have a rebuilt distributor converted to a negative ground?

[tst]

distributor does not matter, it is how the coil is wired to make it positive or negative

[Jim Becker]

The part numbers you are quoting are all the same thing. 353868R1 is the base number of the bare casting. R11 and R91 are the same casting with other parts added to it. The same part was used in virtually every 4-cylinder IH engine. Unfortunately, as TST said, springs and the shaft are different for different advance rates and advance limits used by different engines. Some are even for opposite rotation.

This is explained in more detail in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61553

To get the right distributor, you need to check the code letters stamped into the flange at the base of the distributor. An early 140 uses symbol "AB" and a late (serial103557 and up) uses symbol "T".

A distributor doesn't care which way it is grounded. You just need the wire from the distributor connected to the coil terminal that is marked the same as the ground. The coil is the only part that cares what the voltage is.

Edit: The serial number above is the engine number. Corresponding tractor serial is 23301 (August 1963).

[lolbell]

Thanks Mr Jim