OT: Continental engine

However if you decide to swap for a distributor, check with your local forlift supplier. That Continental flat 4 was the standard engine in most forklift trucks for 30+ years. There's still tens of thousands of them in service so parts should be easy to find. (If memory serves it uses a Delco distributor)

Why not repair the mag that's on the engine. It probably just needs points and a condenser. Clean those points that's in the mag and see if it
has any fire then. Use a point file or 400 grit emery cloth and rub them until nice and shiny. Try setting the gap at .013. Any name tag on mag?
I wouldn't pull that mag unless you make a note where the rotor is pointing and do not move the engine then. You do not want to get it out of time. Hal

Once again try first cleaning the points and see if it throws a spark!

If you really want to go to battery ignition, a tractor boneyard should have a Delco or IH distributor conversion that will fit. MOST magnetos execept Deere turn the same direction, so common conversion units for other engines will work on your engine.

There will be some variances between distributors in the mechanical advance calibration, but unless absolutely top HP and fuel economy are at the top of your list, you'll probably never notice any difference between various units. Take note of the distance between the mag mounting flange and the outside edge of the drive lugs on the impulse, and make sure that distance matches your new distributor, as there are "long lug" and "short lug" magnetos.