MO1L question

Previously Dan Field wrote:

I've just been trying to set the timing on my ES2 but am not a mag expert and have come across an issue that I am unsure of, when the engine is locked and won't turn it is possible to turn the end of the armature that the points sit on about 20 degrees each way. What locks this in place?

Dan

The advance and retard cable locates into a slot on the armature. You set the timing with the cable pulling the armature round to a position of full advance.

i wouldnt put your pointy hat away just yet.

only joking Dan. is the points block on the end of the shaft seated right. fitted within the horse shoe shaped groove . Baz

Hi Dan

As Barry says, it sounds like the points are moving on the end of the armature. Have you checked they are tight? Youâll need to take the moving point (the bit of spring steel across the top) off to get at the screw underneath it that goes right through the points block and into the end of the armature. When you put the spring back on make sure the buffer spring is in the right place and the right way up, you wouldnât believe the amount we see the wrong way round! It should be on top of the main spring with the little kick on the end pointing out away from the points. There is also a bit of play in the moving point to allow you to make sure the two contacts line up properly, this needs checking as you put it back on.

The points should be located in the end of the armature as Barry describes but itâs not uncommon to see these worn or broken, usually caused by someone holding the points while they tighten or undo the sprocket nut on the other end, please donât do this! Iâve attached a couple of pictures, one showing the end of the armature and the points to give you an idea of how the points are located, and one showing an armature thatâs had the end broken as I described.

You may well get away with just tightening up the screw and using it, however it is important that the points open at the right time relative to the position of the armature. So if you have 20? of play there your internal timing could be a long way out and it will seriously affect the strength of your spark! If you take the points off and see the damage you will probably find only one side has been broken or worn, you could make sure the points are pushed up against the side that hasnât worn as you tighten the screw up. Itâs not ideal and we would either fit a new armature or make a more permanent repair, but it will get you going.

Good luck, let us know if you have any more questions

Andy

Still haven't worked out to post 2 pictures in 1 post, so here is the second picture.