Magneto -v- coil and distributor

Are there any secrets here that I am not seeing?

TW

1) The slower a mag turns the less its spark energy while the coil ignition still produces relatively high energy at idle (or hard lugged down RPM) as well as high RPM i.e. its NOT RPM dependant for its energy, it gets it from the storage battery. At low hard lugging RPM when you need a good strong spark the most is when the mags spark energy (notwithstanding the impulse starting spark) is low, but the coil still has high spark energy when the engine is lugged down.

2) The Mag HAS ONLY TWO TIMINGS its start/impulse and its advance/run timing while the distributor has a variable advance curve that is based on engine RPM i.e. it advances the timing as RPM increases gradually.

3) The Coil ignition can be a bit more forgiving of off timign or imperfect points versus the mag which has to be pretty well right for good starting and performance.

4) Of course, the Mag has the advantage of not needing any battery power so it can still start a tractor with a weak battery or even a hand cranker.

John T

The mag setup must allow for the impulse coupling action. There are several descriptions of it in the archives. Mag timing placed in the search for box will get you there. There are important elements to setting the coupling. I reread the info every time I do it. JimN

Install the mag as you said, rotate it towards the block, then away from the block until it snaps. The timming will be just right then. That's the way I set mine and I have no problems with kick back when I hand crank it.

Paul