The value of a mag re-build

[JimCT]

Have been having troubles with the cub engine for a couple of years. Would run fine then cut out for a second or two then pick up and run fine for an hour or so then cut out again, get going again and so on. Since it cut out abruptly then resumed with no black smoke or leaning symptoms I figured it had to be spark. To cut to the chase, after changing out the points, condenser, mag coil, mag cap, dist. cap, wires, & plugs with no affect on the problem, I took the mag off and drove it over to Mark's Magneto in East Hampton CT. Being the pro he is, he spotted the problem in 2 seconds. The mag shaft bushings were worn and were allowing the lobed shaft which the points follower rides on to wiggle out of true about .020". That wiggle was enough to cause the points gap to wander way off the spec. setting for the make & break.

Two days later Mark had the mag back together and ready for pick up. When I got there he had it set up on a test stand which spun the mag over at engine speed. What a spark! Blue lightning which jumped over 1/2". She'd never done that before in my memory. We've had the old girl ('49) since 1953 and this was the first mag re-build. Considering she's a working girl with who knows how many hours on her, it says a lot about the longevity built into her.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that something to consider if you have "iffy" problems with ignition, is a mag rebuild. Also, it brings to mind the quality that was built into US made tractors at one time. That mag did it's job for 64 years without a hiccup. Both Mark & I will be long gone before another re-build is needed. Hope there will still be mag. wizards around.

edit>>> Just remembered.... Mark said always use copper wire spark plug wires with a mag. Regular carbon wires have too much resistance.

[CapeCodCubs]

Jim
Thanks for sharing! Mark Magneto's sounds like a good resource for the New England area Cub owners.

[Stanton]

Thanks for sharing your experience. That's valuable information for all us who still have working mags on our tractors.

[ScottyD'sdad]

Jim
Thanks for sharing! Mark Magneto's sounds like a good resource for the New England area Cub owners.

Mark is a great fixer, for all kinds of mags, and has mag parts, for most any brand of mag.
Ed