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Switching from Magneto to distributor

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Command52
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Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Command52 » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:04 am

I want to switch from a Magneto to distributor am I correct by saying that I want to get number 1 on top dead center just like I would with a Magneto and then install the distributor .then time with a light where should be timing be compared to the mark on pulley

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Slim140
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Slim140 » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:07 am

Yes, just be sure your on compression stroke so you won't be 180 degrees off.
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Eugene » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:20 am

Since you have the J4 magneto, you can use it as a battery operated ignition system. Whole lot cheaper than buying a distributor. Works just as well.

Basically, you disconnect the magneto's coil from the points and condenser. Add a 6 or 12 volt coil, ignition switch, supply battery voltage to the terminal on the side of the magneto.

Edit. Reference the timing mark question - - same as with the magneto.
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Don McCombs » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:42 am

If you do as Eugene suggests and remove the coil, do not discard the laminated bar that goes inside the coil. If you, or someone else, decides to rebuild the mag with an internal coil, they will need that bar.
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby jsfarmall » Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:25 am

Yep, 2 ways to switch. Leave everything on and disconnect the mag coil and add battery coil or change distributor and add battery coil. Both work just as good as the other. I have both. The last one I changed needed a rotor button and as expensive as it is for a button on a j4 AND I was changing to battery ignition anyway it was cheaper for me to get a salvage distributor. Otherwise it's about a 30 dollar modification at the most.
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Rick Spivey » Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:38 am

I would offer to buy the coil bar if you choose battery ignition, and would also buy the magneto core if you choose to replace with distributor. I'm not going to make you rich, but it will be reworked into a working magneto for someone else who prefers magnetos.
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby staninlowerAL » Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:38 am

If you are going to purchase a distributor just be sure you get all the parts. The distributor has a mounting plate that connects it to the block that the magneto does not use.
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby BigBill » Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:21 pm

Why? I like magnetos. There the best once there tuned up they run a longtime.
I'm technically misunderstood at times i guess its been this way my whole life so why should it change now.

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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Gary S. » Fri Jan 12, 2018 7:14 pm

I believe you have to change the ignition switch also in case you didn't think of that.

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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Command52 » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:20 pm

I got it switched over today, For some reason I can arc a screwdriver at the points but have no fire at the plugs

staninlowerAL
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby staninlowerAL » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:34 pm

Command52 wrote:I got it switched over today, For some reason I can arc a screwdriver at the points but have no fire at the plugs
Does this mean that the points contacts are arcing when you open and close them with a screwdriver or is the arc from the screwdriver to ground? Try turning the crank with the starter or hand crank. If you don't see an arc at the points contact surfaces then you'll have to correct that before you can get the fire to the plugs.
Stan in LA (lower AL)
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Command52
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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Command52 » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:37 pm

It arc s when I put screw driver between the two points contacts

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Re: Switching from Magneto to distributor

Postby Glen » Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:53 pm

Hi,
The coil or condenser could be bad. I would put new points in it, the surfaces should be flat and shiny metal.
TM Tractor or NAPA has them, and condenser, and coil. :)


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