Moline Z distributor/Magneto help

Guys on a ZT (185 engine) can the Mag be converted to a distributor?? Will one from any Z or R work??? thanks

be carefull with that. I thought I could just bolt the distributor on in place of the mag, turns out that the mag drive gears turn the drive shaft at crankshaft speed, needless to say that didn't work, I had to change the oil pump drive shaft and the gear on the end of the camshaft to make it run.

Sir,
To switch from a magneto to a distributor you need to remove the 24 tooth #RE454 pump and ignition drive gear from the cam end. You then need to instal a #RE454A sixteen tooth drive gear.

The #RE578 twelve tooth drive pinon, on the oil pump drive shaft, must then be swapped for a sixteen toothed #RE578A pinion. This will complete the ratio change necessary to go to a one to one drive for a distributor ignition.

Don't blame Moline for the mag company's insane need for special ratios to drive their mags. I personally love a distributor ignition for the hot spark and rugged simplicity. When it comes to true batteryless simplicity, the mags are where its at. Most mag swaps today are just fear of the unknown anyway. If grandpa could do it I can surely master it too.

The parts from any R or Z will work as the EE,RE, and side valve 206 engines all were pretty much the same. The main differences were in the lower end, rods, and pistons, to achieve different stroke lengths.

I advise you pick up a repair catalog. I recommend the #R-782L as it has both ignition systems. The transition parts books are great for swapping parts and listing dimensions.

Happy wrenching.
Charlie at
Moline Parts

Thank you very much very detailed answer. One old minni i am looking at has a mag and runs so i would probably leave it.