Magneto sparks in wrong direction ....

Crazy Horse · Oct 10, 2012

I had some mag problems earlier but a friend of mine seems to have them ironed out for me. Just playing here with another old magneto that is kicking around and I noticed that bench-testing this mag (turning by hand) in the wrong/opposite direction to the regular impulse direction, actually produces a spark. Not as strong as the spark when turning correcly, but a spark nevertheless and at a regular location in the revolution. I guess this is normal and no reason why any mag wouldn't do the same thing? Not as hot as an impulse spark at cranking speed but a spark just the same right?

Wayne in MN · Oct 10, 2012

Turning the mag in the correct direction allows the impulse latch to catch , hold, and then release the rotor at a high rate of rotational speed thus producing a strong spark.
Turning backwards may produce a spark, but it will be weak.

John T · Oct 10, 2012

If you pass a magnet by a coil of wire a potential voltage difference is induced between the wire ends, the faster the magnet passes and the greater the field strength the higher the voltage. Its pretty hard to get much if any of a spark gap spark if the magnet is slowlyyyyyyyyy passed by the coil.

John t

Indiana Ken · Oct 10, 2012

(reply to post at 10:50:49 10/10/12)

Things with magnets are funny that way, a compass will indicate North if you are driving North or backing South.

Magneto sparks in wrong direction ....

Crazy Horse

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Wayne in MN

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John T

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Indiana Ken

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