Replacing Obsolete Magneto

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

Hey there tractor people! I have a gravely walk behind tractor. It has a model H, (I believe), Bendix Magneto on it with a bad coil that is not only discontinued but impossible to find. I found one place that will rewind it for $130.00. My question is, Can I simply replace it with a Wico or Morris Mag without any problems?
My Mag does not say Scintilla on it. Just Bendix. Thanks! Greg

El Toro · Apr 23, 2015

Give the Mag Shop a call in Sykesville, MD. He may be able to rebuild your mag. Have you checked your magnets for magnetism? Touch them with a screwdriver. Hal
1-410-795-3734

DeltaRed · Apr 23, 2015

If you can have it rewound/rebuilt that cheap/reasonable,you're crazy not to.

jeffcat · Apr 23, 2015

I have two Gravelys. Most likely you own a model "L" machine. There are FOUR types of mags for these machines. Fairbanks morese and Wico are the most common. Any should work but they have a fiber block adapter between the drive shaft that comes out of the front of the block an the mag. I am not 100% sure if everything is the same but give it a try. Just make sure you line everything up as true as possible when you bolt it on. They all turn in the same direction and same advance etc. Wico is cheaper make with only one bearing. Fairbanks much better and HOTTER spark. They should work. Get back to us! Jeffcat

Mike(NEOhio) · Apr 23, 2015

There was a place called MAGNEERERS that rebuilt old ones, if they're still in business. There's a lot of online info on gravelys. Even if you replace it, don't throw it away.

87nassaublue · Apr 23, 2015

I've never worked on a magneto before, but I was able to rewind an obsolete hydrolic control soloniod for a convertible thunderbird once. I canabolized a couple of transformers to get the right gauge wire and chucked up the housing in a power drill to do the winding. After re-assembly, it was like new. I wonder if it's an option for you to scavange some wire to rebuild your magneto?

bison · Apr 23, 2015

I had an allis B that had a bad coil.
I wired an external automotive coil to the points and distributor
It has worked fine for years.

old popper · Apr 23, 2015

Magneeders was owned and ran by a Gentleman by the name of Jack Chandler, and located at Carthage, Mo. I am not sure if he is still in business or not, but you could not find a nicer man to deal with. I did business with Jack several times in the past.

Wayne in MN · Apr 23, 2015

Give Mitch Malcolm a call at Lightning Magneto, Ottertail, MN
2one8.3six7.28one9
He can repair any mag and ships world-wide.

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

(quoted from post at 06:36:44 04/23/15) Give the Mag Shop a call in Sykesville, MD. He may be able to rebuild your mag. Have you checked your magnets for magnetism? Touch them with a screwdriver. Hal
1-410-795-3734

Thanks for the quick reply, the info, and the tip. Getting it rebuilt would be my last option by choice. If a newer style mag can replace it I would rather do that knowing I can still get parts for them. Also, if the going price for a rewind is over $100, it would be less expensive to buy a used wico mag. I've seen them sell for around $50 on Ebay. I'll call the Mag Shop though to get his price.

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

That cheap!!! I could be wrong on this but I thought that was too much. Thanks for the input though.

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

Thanks for the quick reply, the info, and the advice. I'm going to look into that option rather then the rebuild. At least I can still get parts for them. I'll get back with the results!

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

Are you kidding! I don't throw anything away. I would sell it cheap or have the coil rewound and sell it to someone who wants to keep their tractor original. I just want mine to run and to be able to buy parts for whatever mag I use for an upgrade.

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

That is an awesome idea!!! I didn't think of that. Thanks for the input. In fact, I should do that before I buy anything just to be sure that the rest of the tractor is OK and runs!

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

Thanks for the quick reply and the info!!! I appreciate it!

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

Thanks for the quick reply and the info!!! I appreciate it.

El Toro · Apr 23, 2015

Are you sure the coil is weak? Check those magnets for magnetism. If they're weak they can be recharged. ver. Hal

gridmangreg · Apr 23, 2015

(quoted from post at 16:46:38 04/23/15) Are you sure the coil is weak? Check those magnets for magnetism. If they're weak they can be recharged. ver. Hal

Actually, after taking the cover off, I saw that the coil was swollen like it overheated. Don't know what happened, just know it didn't look normal and upon removal, the coil housing cracked it pieces. it was very brittle. Don't even know how it can be rewound but they say it can.

Blackhole49 · Apr 24, 2015

If they guarantee it will work, I would spend the $130.

Replacing Obsolete Magneto

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