[SEL] Re: IHC mag/distributor question.

[Curt]

Kim, Mike, Greg, Rob, Jim, Ben, Craig, (hope I didn't miss anyone),
Thanks for the great suggestions. Took thinks apart last night and check 
the capacitor with a VOM and it checked good. Cleaned the points with 
lacquer thinner and then polished with crocus cloth until very bright. 
Did not alter the points gap (BTW what is the correct gap? Looks to be 
about .015)
I suspect the owner of the mag had removed the rotor cap and gotten it 
out of time. I found what I think are two marks on the small metal gear 
and the rotor button. I lined them facing each other. The fellow didn't 
bring the cap so I couldn't check the rotor button timing. I rigged up a 
small piece of wire off the HT cap and spinning c'clockwise can make a 
blue arc that will light you up :-)
I tried to rotate it clockwise against the spring, but just don't have 
the strength to carry it all the way thru. So it will go back on the 
tractor this evening to see if it is working.
Thanks again guys.
Curt

Kim Siddorn wrote:

> Before you do anything else, clean the points properly by repeatedly 
> pushing between them a doubled over slip of at least 1000 grit (1200 
> is better!) wet and dry paper moistened with Methalated spirit - alcohol.
>
> Do this with the points half open to put some pressure on the abrasive 
> paper. move it in and out until the points are shiny - no more. Should 
> take about a minute of steady work. DO NOT be tempted to use a nail 
> file, 180 grit glass paper etc!! Clean with the corner of a clean lint 
> free cloth or paper. Hold points open & blow on them to finish.
>
> That may well be all that's wrong with it. The points live in a more 
> or less airtight space full of corrosive ozone. When the engine stops 
> and the magneto cools down, condensation corrodes the points adding a 
> nice thick layer of restive oxide.
>
> Regards,
>
> Kim Siddorn
>
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