Points not engaging but cam works
 

My 1650 failed to start a few weeks ago when I pulled it our of winter storage. Sputtered and popped but would not run. After a bit of troubleshooting I realized the points were not moving at all. The pin that rides on the cam wasn't moving when I turned the engine over by hand.

I pulled the cam gear cover off and it was turning.

So I'm at a loss.. What does this mean ?

Maybe the "push rod" is worn down. In the K Series Service Manual, there is a specification as to how long the rod should be.

It is possible that the points just need adjustment.
If you push on the point push rod, does it follow the cam lobe when the engine is rotated or is it bound up?:bigthink:

>> If you push on the point push rod, does it follow the cam lobe

No.
The pin that rides on the cam wasn't moving at all when I rotated the engine.
However the pin is very loose and easily moved.

pull the pin out with your fingers and check length.
it is either broken , or the lobe is worn off the cam, or the cam is broken and/or not rotating where the point rod sits.
None of these are common problems.:bigthink:

Check you points to see it the arm is broken on it, BTDT

I agree with you, but he said the push pin/rod is not following
the cam in post 4.
So I'll try to be more specific, or put it in other words:
Does the point push rod move in/out of it's bore as the motor is turned over?
Remember the camshaft turns 1/2 crankshaft speed so you have to rotate the crankshaft 2 times for the push rod to move in/out one time.:bigthink:

If the tractor sputtered and pop then the points were likely moving at the time....

the movement of the push rod for the points is very subtle..... that is, it does not move as much as the points open up.

I would do two things to be sure. 1) Adjust the points as per manual AND 2) clean the points.

You should also verify you have good power +12 volts to the coil and that the coil is good.

I would go through the procedure for static timing this unit using your test lamp or better yet a VOM
I have never failed to have one start after doing this be it a fresh rebuild or just a tune up.
Well worth the extra effort involved and you will be amazed at how quickly it starts providing the fuel system is up to snuff.
Once you find the "S" mark on the flywheel, it's just a matter of setting the points to just crack open at that point.
Forget the feeler gage,
By all means make sure the condenser is properly wired and the points are CLEAN

Good luck!!