Re: low tension magneto question

[johnyrude200]

I am trying to understand from a conceptual standpoint how the system works. I get the 2 magnets with the N-S and S-N configuration, and that accounts for the ‘shared’ charge coil with the rest of the system similar to the universal magneto. So current is produced by the magnet passing the charge coil with both points closed, then a 1/3rd to 1/4 turn further (the gap between magnets) of the flywheel the timing cam opens the appropriate points and disperses this voltage to the respective top or bottom coil?

I mean, I could have easily just reversed the magneto leads to the respective coils and problems solved. But I refuse to send out a motor with my name/reputation that is set up wrong. It may ‘work,’ but at the end of the day somebody would see it and it would hurt my reputation down the road.

It was throwing a 1/2" spark on both cylinders using the timing fixture, and by looking at the timing cam protrusion this did not correspond to where the stator plate index would open up the actual points. It made no sense on Friday (just got back to it earlier today). When I saw the timing was OFF by 180° using the timing light (and when it would only spit randomly using the electric start when I threw it into the barrel…knew immediately it was backwards), I followed the directions I had for the fixtures and that made it so all I had was a 1/32 spark on cylinder #1 and nothing on cylinder #2.

After building this unit from scratch from 10-12 donors, I said the heck with it, spent 20 minutes, and installed CD ignition.

But regardless, I need to know what I’m missing here so I can work on these motors as there are a heckuva lot of 1974-76 OMC’s that pass through my doors so it isn’t something I am going to avoid due to lack of knowledge.