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Magneto timing

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I have recently obtained a reconditioned magneto for my 1954 Dominator 88

My workshop manual for 1951-62 machines say the off-side cylinder should be used to carry out the magneto timing. Having carefully followed the instructions the engine has failed to fire. Am I missing something ?

 

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Have you tried swopping the plug leads over?    Your timing may be 180* out.

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The instructions say to time on the left cylinder and the correct way round for the magneto. Sorry, I don't remember which one is 'correct', and I don't know if it actually makes a difference.  I just time it (check both cylinders), and if I get the spark at the wrong compression, swap the plug leads over.

So am I getting something terribly wrong?

Paul

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I take it the mag does spark up on rotation its just timing it to the correct cylinder and stroke right?

Usually there three components; gas, compression, and ignition, in the right quantities and the  right time create a bang.  If it was all OK before you swapped the Mag over the output needs  checking.  Check your points gap setting, cam operation, pick ups and springs, HT ring, safety gap on the screw underneath and then the capacitor.  If  its  available  do some comparison  checks with your original Mag if you had one.  Circuit resistances etc.  if  it s your  only  one go to  Brightsparks website,  they have great diagnostics info.

If the mag is OK your leads and plug caps/ plugs may be of the wrong type (Resistor type).

Where are you located, maybe someone can come round and help.  Its always better with two...

 

Cheers

Jon   

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and smaller plug gap (15 - 20, rather than 25 thou).  Timed on the  book figure at full advance (usually tight wire on a Norton) and start on part retard.  Sorry if this is saying things you know - did you have a mag before?

ps Anna gets very cross if you don't put the top output lead from the mag to the left cylinder, but nobody else cares.

 


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