How do you check a magneto?

[tater76]

Hey guys, back again with a new issue on my 1973 55hp Chrysler model #555HF. I have lost spark to my upper cylinder. I know this is a commonly asked question, but how do I check the magneto to see if it?s the problem? I don?t have an ohm meter or anything of the sort, so where do I go from here? Also, I just replaced the points, but not the condensers. Set the points to 0.20 Checked the flywheel , and it looks like there is a groove where the magneto was rubbing on it. Would that short out anything? I just need somewhere to begin troubleshooting.

 

[maxum_man]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

Need a DVOM to test resistance between wires/wire sets to check the stator/magneto.

 

[tater76]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

What is a DVOM?

 

[maxum_man]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

Digital Volt & Ohm Meter...sorry!

 

[tater76]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

So where do I test from? the spark plug boot end to magneto surface?
and is there something else I should check that could be causing the loss of spark?

 

[maxum_man]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

Does your engine have the Magnapower CD Ignition? If so, heres a link for a wiring diagram.

 

[tater76]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

Not sure, how would I know? I don't have a manual unfortunately

 

[maxum_man]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

I would suggest buying one! They are great for things like this. Clymer probably makes one for your engine. You need to find the specs on what resistance your stator is supposed to have. Some, you test between the black (ground wires) and the high side AC wire, then between the other black wire and the other AC wire. Type in your engine year, make, and model on Google and you can find a wiring diagram that will show you which wires are for what. You might be able to find the exact procedure for checking the stator out.

 

[tater76]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

Thank, I will pick one up. Now I had it apart last night and had a wild idea to make sure it wasnt the condensors or a loose connection. I swapped condensors side for side, cleaned all magneto surfaces, checked points AGAIN, put it all back together andd the damned thing started firing on both cylinders! So maybe a loose connection? condensors?

 

[maxum_man]

Re: How do you check a magneto?

Loose connections have been the fix to a lot of problems!! Glad you got it working!!