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A magneeto points problem

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BigJ

08-07-2000 17:01:51




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I want to know why I have to file the points on my 50 A with a Wico X mag every time I want to use it just to get it to fire.This is my second set of points and I cleaned the inside of the mag and blowed it out with air.This is a pain every time I want to use it.I'm trying to find a distributor right now.I am sure there is dependable mags out there but mine has not impressed me any.Thanks for any input,thanks Jack.

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G Taylor file points only to get home for new ones

08-09-2000 13:13:07




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
The electrical contacts on the points have a thin layer of silver. As soon as it is worn or filed through the points will have to be filed and gapped everday. The copper underneath is much "softer".



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John T

08-08-2000 17:59:07




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
Big J, One of the main things the condensor does is to prevent premature point burn out, so instead of spending any money testing one, I would simply replace the points and condensor and start all over. Filing points isnt all that great, because once all the silver coating is gone, they burn and corrode and carbon up very quickly. It will spark with no condensor at all or an open one, but weaker, and if the condensor is too big or shorted however, it will never fire at all. Its true whats been said about oil etc being hard on the points, because the arcing in its presence really puts a nasty high resistance coating on the whats supposed to be a good conductive surface. Get a new set of points and condensor, gap points at 0.015 and let us know what happens. Ol John T Engineer in Indiana

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DPOST

08-08-2000 15:41:55




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  

BigJ

Gee I would try a new condeser if you haven't played that card allready. I think a bad condenser can cause the points to burn to a peak and hole as well as cause the mag to quit when the engine is hot.

For cleaning off slime from the points try paper like a peice of grocery bag, it's mildly abrasive.

Also check the shaft of the mag. If it's sloppy accurate point adjustment isn't possible. If its sloppy, fix it or try setting the points a bit wider to compensate.

Be paitent, it is about 50 years old.

Have fun, and let us know what you find out. Giving out free advice is almost more fun than fixing your own stuff.

Take Care

D.D.Post

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Spokerd1

08-08-2000 14:54:17




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
BigJ not all mag caps have holes in it to vent. Now the guys all had good points to check out and each of the guys were right . One thing that has not been mentioned and is not in the manual is to clean the points real good with Alcohol ( Rubbing type) use a Q tip and Alcohol to clean the points. You can get the oil of your finger tips on the points and cause a week spark. Serveral years ago I worked for a Deere dealer, and that was made standard practice after we had a few problems with some points we installed in Mags. If you can take the coil out which is easy, and take it to an outboard repair shop they have a Coil and Condenser tester, or should have a tester. Let them check the coil and capacity of the condenser for you. They should be able to test the mag cap to see if it is not carbon tracking (cross firing). Make sure the terminals in the cap are not corroded. I scrap all terminals clean and use the Alcohol on any part of the mag parts that the spark will travel. Something else make sure the impulse spring is working and not broke, you should here the impulse snap as you turn the flywheel over. I hope this helps you out.

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BigJ

08-08-2000 15:07:15




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 Re: Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to Spokerd1, 08-08-2000 14:54:17  
The snap is there when it turns over and I like the idea about the alcohol on a Qtip.I'm going to try this tonight.Thanks.



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BigJ

08-08-2000 06:24:15




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
Ok I'm going to let you all know what I am going to try before I get a distributor.Ok Todd the points looked fine before I filed them and didn't look crusty,and Clooney I made sure there was no oil residue in the mag,and Paul you might be on to something with your coil theory,maybe every thing has to be perfect just to get adequate fire.Today I ordered a rotor button and a new gasket for the cap.The rotor button(as I call it),arm as JD calls it,looked kinda rough on the contact area that touches the cap,and the gasket is broke at the top.Ok,just one more question before I wrap it up,Where are the holes that get plugged by dabbers so I can clean them out?Thanks guys,this is why I come to this board for answers.

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Paul from Michigan

08-08-2000 03:22:47




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
John, If the tractor runs OK when you do get it started, you also might want to check out the coil. Maybe the insulation is breaking down and won't make a hot enough spark to fire unless everything else is perfect. I have Wico X mags on my A, B, & D which are used year round. My experience with condensers has been that they will make the tractor run very rough, if at all, and no amount of point cleaning will change anything. I also have had coils go bad over the years. For me the tractor would start and run OK until it got hot. Then the coil would be warm and short out. Coils are really easy to replace in a Wico X mag, but are not cheap. I think I paid around $45 for the last one. Also check the vent holes under the cap. Around here the mud daubers will fill them up and the mag can draw dampness without ventilation. Good Luck, Paul

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Paul from Michigan

08-08-2000 03:22:10




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
John, If the tractor runs OK when you do get it started, you also might want to check out the coil. Maybe the insulation is breaking down and won't make a hot enough spark to fire unless everything else is perfect. I have Wico X mags on my A, B, & D which are used year round. My experience with condensers has been that they will make the tractor run very rough, if at all, and no amount of point cleaning will change anything. I also have had coils go bad over the years. For me the tractor would start and run OK until it got hot. Then the coil would be warm and short out. Coils are really easy to replace in a Wico X mag, but are not cheap. I think I paid around $45 for the last one. Also check the vent holes under the cap. Around here the mud daubers will fill them up and the mag can draw dampness without ventilation. Good Luck, Paul

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Paul from Michigan

08-08-2000 03:21:46




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
John, If the tractor runs OK when you do get it started, you also might want to check out the coil. Maybe the insulation is breaking down and won't make a hot enough spark to fire unless everything else is perfect. I have Wico X mags on my A, B, & D which are used year round. My experience with condensers has been that they will make the tractor run very rough, if at all, and no amount of point cleaning will change anything. I also have had coils go bad over the years. For me the tractor would start and run OK until it got hot. Then the coil would be warm and short out. Coils are really easy to replace in a Wico X mag, but are not cheap. I think I paid around $45 for the last one. Also check the vent holes under the cap. Around here the mud daubers will fill them up and the mag can draw dampness without ventilation. Good Luck, Paul

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Todd

08-07-2000 20:13:17




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
Hey Big J, how often do you run the tractor? Then tell me what the points look like when you have to file them. Maybe I have an answer.



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clooney

08-07-2000 17:56:07




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 Re: A magneeto points problem in reply to BigJ, 08-07-2000 17:01:51  
BigJ, if there is any oil residue in the mag you probably have a bad oil seal in the mag. If no oil you could have a bad condencer. Check & make sure the cap gasket is ok also. If the tractor stays out side cover the mag with a plastic bag or can. I have Wico X mags on some of my tractors & have never had a problem with them.



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