No Spark - Magneto

[Chris.Owen]

Does anyone have a set series of checks to carry out when they can't get a spark on a magneto bike? (In this case, '46 Red Hunter 500.)

[chris.vredenbregt]

I think you need some proffesionel help not for yourself but for your magneto of course ,there may be all kinds of problems like condensator or contact between the wiring somewhere, has it ever been overhauld? let someone who knows these things have a look at it.....chris

[Chris.Owen]

Well in the case condensation is the chief suspect. Any tips on drying it out?

[keith.hodgenia]

Chris, if you are dead lucky you could try putting it in the airing cupboard for a few days. Chris Vredenbregt is right though, it could be all sorts of problems other than damp. Keith.

[Chris.Owen]

It was running fine a few weeks ago. I went on holiday, and... Well, cold and rain eh? Maybe a hair dryer would help.

[chris.vredenbregt]

It does not solve your problem if the isolation is not good it will happen again and then on a place or at a time that you do not want it. your choise

[Keith.owen]

Hi,
I know that money is tight these days but when it comes to the mag the cost of getting it overhauled as oposed to breaking down and being faced with getting your machine home is I think no contest.

Your mag is probably at least 40 years old (even if not original eqipment) and more likely getting on for 60 (or more)!! Insulating materials will decompose (assisted by heat) and given that the thing generates high voltage the coil can break down....... even if just between some of the windings and this is enough to make performance erratic. The condensor (capacitor in modern terminology) will certainly be suspect: again these always break down eventually and even if drying it out appears to restore operation I'd personally not risk it. And let's face it, it's given great service and probably owes you nothing!!

I agree with Chris 100%

Keith

[nevhunter]

All above is true. BUT Check point gap and cleanliness and that the pivot is free and then the pick up brush and holder for cracks and freedom of brush movement. You need an angled screwdriver there. Nev

[Eero.Korhonen]

First check that points are closing, when they should be, with multimeter. If not, use file or sandpaper to clean. Then both brushes, ground too.
If you can take off the pick up brush, you could see slip ring and clean it carefully with soft stick. Then take couple of good spark plugs and
try it. Should have some kind of spark.
-Eero

[barry.swanson]

...first up and easiest, check the points are clean, then all of the above, Barry.