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Restoration & Repair Tips Board

Troubleshooting a magneto

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Oldfarmboy Jim

10-19-2003 23:52:05

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Having been off the farm some 34 years and spending the majority of that time flying jets for Uncle in the Navy, I need some help with unforgetting how to troubleshoot a non-firing Magneto. This one is on a single cylinder, four stroke trench digger (ditch *itch or whatever else they're called). If you've got some experience and don't mind sharng it, I'd be happy to read about your methods. Thanks, Jim

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Glen in TX

10-23-2003 13:31:10

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Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Oldfarmboy Jim, 10-19-2003 23:52:05

Looks like they are giving you lots of good advice Jim. If you don't find the problem let me know and I'll help. Have lots of parts for those mags and can test the coils. Also have several mags for those tough Wisconsin engines.

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Oldfarmboy Jim

10-23-2003 22:46:18

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Re: Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Glen in TX, 10-23-2003 13:31:10

Thanks for the offer, Glen. The points had corroded over, so I took them out and dressed them lightly with a jeweler's file. I set them at .015" Then, I bent the copper spring tab that is screwed onto the coil so that it definitely touches the rod that contacts the spark plug wire terminal. That's all it took. when I cranked the engine over, I got the shock that I was looking for. Jim

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Glen in TX

10-24-2003 21:06:44

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Re: Re: Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Oldfarmboy Jim, 10-23-2003 22:46:18

Glad you got it going. Clean points are important more so in a mag.

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Dave S.

10-20-2003 16:28:42

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Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Oldfarmboy Jim, 10-19-2003 23:52:05

If it is in fact a Ditch Witch brand trencher then I'm going to assume you have an old "C" series trencher since it still has the mag. Even if its an "M" series the trouble shooting will be the same. Depending on which model you have, you either have a Fairbanks Morse or a Wico mag. The Fairbanks that they used on the "C" series trenchers, have a tendancy to collect moisture between the contacts on the points if they are left out and not ran for a short while. These can do this even if the trencher was ran as late as a week ago. First thing I would do is get a little sandpaper or emory cloth and clean the points. Then run a clean piece of paper or a dollar bill through them to make sure you have all the sand out from between the contacts. Another thing you can do is disconnect the wire going to the mag if it still has it connected to see if you get spark then. (Eliminating the ignition switch as the problem)

Like I said, It is an assumption that it is a C or an M model. There are so many people that call any brand of trencher a Ditch Witch.

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Oldfarmboy Jim

10-20-2003 21:55:21

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Re: Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Dave S., 10-20-2003 16:28:42

Thanks, Dave. It sounds like you are intimately familiar with these machines. It is, in fact, a Ditch Witch. Still has the original paint and markings. I'll take a closer look to see if I can come up with a model letter/number. The engine looks like a Wisconsin, 5 to 8 HP, electric starter. I'll follow your procedures and see if I can shock myself. Or, maybe I'll hook up a timing light to see if it's putting out any juice. Would you remember the gap for the points?
Thanks again, Jim

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Dave S.

10-21-2003 06:42:16

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Re: Re: Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Oldfarmboy Jim, 10-20-2003 21:55:21

I worked for a Ditch Witch Dealership for almost 22 years. Unless someone has changed the engine it will most certainly be a Wisconsin since it has a magneto. They used the BKN (7 hp) and AENLD (9hp) on most of the smaller walk behind machines. Points set at .015 on both engines.

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Oldfarmboy Jim

10-21-2003 17:28:24

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Dave S., 10-21-2003 06:42:16

Triple thanks, Dave. I'll get a new feeler gauge. Mine goes down to only .025.

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Jim in NM (was UK)

10-20-2003 15:36:29

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Re: Troubleshooting a magneto in reply to Oldfarmboy Jim, 10-19-2003 23:52:05

Sir,

Do you know the make, model/size of the engine that you have on this ditching machine? It would be helpful in assisting you with troubleshooting your problem. I also have been "off the farm" (so to speak) for a few years. Currently in the employment of Uncle repairing aircraft for the Air Force.

You most likely have either a Kohler, Onan, or Honda engine on this trencher. Don't know anything to speak of about the Honda, but have had an experience or two in the past with Kohler and Onan. If your getting spark, most likely just need to clean the magnet/contacts on the coil and flywheel. However you may want to remove the flywheel and replace the points on it. For proper clearance of the coil and flywheel, place a sheet of paper or sand paper between the coil and flywheel. loosen and adjust coil so that there is clearance for the paper but doesn't tear the paper then tighten the coil down. Hope this helps you out.

Jim

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