Troubleshooting intermitent spark

[okozzy]

Hi everyone,

Is there someone on this forum that can walk me thru step by step as far as troubleshooting (test - ignition coil, points, condenser etc.) on a Wico magneto?
It seems I get a spark every 3-4 pedal cranks which is causing carburetor to flood.

Thanks,
Okozzy.

[pd]

I have a Phelon ignition , but , the system works the same .

Is your ignition completely stock OEM Wico ? Any new pieces ?

Has the motor ever ran other than what you described above and if so how ?

Are the spark plug(s) known good ?

I'd insure the points are pristine clean and gaped correctly . Check the points cam rub block for possible excessive wear .

Then , test the condenser or just try a new one .
Google : condenser test .

Then , get some readings from the ignition coil . With and without the HT wire(s) .

Pete .

[okozzy]

Here's a picture of the magneto.

[okozzy]

Hey Pete,
Let me try and answer your questions...

Magneto came from Wayne, so I'm thinking it should have all the correct parts.

Starting the motor has been an issue all along, I can eventually get it started, but I always have to mess with it, i.e,, no reliable starts.

Spark plugs are new, provided by Wayne.

The points should be brand new from Wayne & yes gaped @ .020

Ok, I'll google condenser test.

***Can you tell me how to test (multi-meter) the ignition coil?
Okozzy

[pd]

IIRC , your stator looks right .

Maybe clean the points . It only takes a finger print to foul them .
I use contact cleaner or most often brake cleaner ( leaves no residue ) . Followed by running a clean dollar bill between tight points . The bill has enough roughness to pull any foreign matter out .

Here's a link to an article on testing ignition coils . The author uses an auto type coil , but the connections do the same thing as our internal coils . The connections on our coils are obvious , so that shouldn't be a problem .
He states general values , which encompass what we want to see .

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-test-a-spark-plug-ignition-coil-by-eduardo-ruelas

My OEM coil was about 14.4k ? . But , that coil was/is slightly damaged .

Pete .

[okozzy]

Thanks Pete,

Off to troubleshoot I go, I'll let you all know how it went.

Okozzy

[Ricks]

What makes you think it’s an ignition problem?  What is the compression on the motor?  What carburetor are you using? 

[oil-lamp]

 I would also solder those connections and insolate them just to be sure.

[okozzy]

What makes you think it’s an ignition problem?  What is the compression on the motor?  What carburetor are you using?  

The motor is a rebuilt motor by Wayne.
I could be wrong, but I narrowed it down to the spark by using this little gadget. You can check for spark without removing the spark plugs.

[okozzy]

I would also solder those connections and insolate them just to be sure.

I did just that, as well as, re-gaping and cleaning the points contacts.

[Ricks]

Oscar, I sent you an email with a phone number.

[Ricks]

Oscar, I got your message and sent you one back.

[Ricks]

Did you get anywhere on this?

[Scooter4]

Good evening,
I am sorry I am late on this one, I have been distracted. 
That sure sounds like a condenser problem or connection.  I have had that problem with condensers that test proper value but have trouble working consistently.  I am interested if the problem has been solved.
Good luck,
Scooter