Reply To: Magneto Testing

[andyfrost]

Grahame , proper testing equipment is rare thesedays , and not many folk have them , I don’t actually own one myself , I rely on a good friend who happened to be the workshop foreman when I was a young lad. His is an old school tester , but is 100% reliable , incidentally it will not test the modern magnetron/electronic coil units. George is absolutely correct in what he says regarding testing with multimeters , yes you may find a circuit , but proper testers simulate what actually happens when you “load the coil up”. I note you use the word “PROBABLY” when you have tested with a multimeter , when done on a proper unit , there is absolutely no element of doubt.
I’ve had numerous people call me saying it tested OK using a MM , but still fails to start or run properly.
My advice would be to try and locate someone who has the proper eqipment , if that can’t be done George offers a service , and will advise of what you need and cost before going ahead , one other piece of advice , don’t but a MM especially for ignition testing , it will be a waste of hard earned , many folk have one(I don’t) , and I would be the first to admit that they have their uses , but not for magnetos

Andy.