[SEL] Another one lives./Update

[Elden DuRand]

 Jerry:

I'll try to answer your questions without quoting all of your message.

>          Weak spark is also my concern. As 
> mentioned previously, I'm 
> wondering if the spark from this Briggs coil is 
> not as strong as the 
> original Maytag coil.

The magnets on the flywheel may be weak.  Also, if the shape of the pole pieces on the coil where the magnets pass don't pretty much exactly match the flywheel, the spark will be poor.  Gap between the magnets and the coil should be about the thickness of a business card.

>          What would be the effect of opening or 
> closing this (ignition 
> point) gap a few thou ? 

Yes, the timing would be affected but the point gap (dwell) could have some effect on the output of the coil.

>          I had not considered the condenser - I 
> was assuming that if there 
> was a spark then the condenser must be O.K. - 

Condensers are prone to the effects of aging.  The dielectric (internal insulation) can break down, making the condenser more like a resistor - not good!  A substitute is easy to get.  Just go into your auto parts junque box and find a condenser for any point-coil-battery sy


Take care - Elden
http://www.oldengine.org/members/durand 
> 
>          I'll add new condensers to my order to 
> Mark. (Mark are you reading 
> this - make that 2 for the twin and 1 for the 
> single (92) thanks) but in 
> the meanwhile could anyone tell me what "modern" 
> condenser I could 
> substitute as a test.
> 
>          Elden remember also, that I'm quite 
> happy with the way it is 
> running (did you look at <and listen to> the 
> video) and maybe I'm just be 
> expecting too much after what other people have 
> said about it's smoothness. 
> I think it's running great considering that it is 
> not pulling a load but 
> maybe there is something better (Arnie and Dave - 
> as Peter mentioned - go 
> away!  :-))
> 
>          The main problem I have at present is 
> that it's hard to start with 
> the kick starter - I can start it with the 
> kickstarter when it's warmed up 
> but not all that easily - it also starts easier 
> (with the kick start) if I 
> short one plug to earth ie. the full strength of 
> the spark goes to one 
> cylinder (or spark plug). I've still got it 
> mounted on a bench so my arm 
> must provide the "kickstart" power - I assume 
> that my arm is not as 
> powerful as the average 1940's midwestern 
> housewives leg :-)
>          Currently I'm starting it with an 
> electric drill and it starts 
> very easily after just a few revs.
> 
>          Elden, you mentioned that you were not 
> familiar with the Maytag 
> and for that reason allow my to explain the 
> following which may influence 
> your reply:
>          The Maytag coil winding (the one that 
> creates the spark - is that 
> primary or secondary - I can never remember ?) is 
> not earthed - both plugs 
> fire at the same time - the "path" of the spark 
> is as follows - from coil 
> to first plug (the spark jumps the gap) and then 
> using the engine block as 
> a conductor (not ground) to the second plug 
> (jumps the gap again) and 
> thereafter back to the coil. Many people find 
> this hard to understand (I'm 
> one of them) but that is how it works. That's the 
> reason that, if you short 
> one plug straight to the block it is easier to 
> start - the full "power" of 
> the spark only has to jump one gap (not two). 
> Shorting one plug lead to the 
> block is not the same as removing a plug lead 
> from one plug - doing that 
> could build up too much tension in the coil and 
> cause damage to it. Certain 
> Briggs & Stratton, Wisconsin and Onan twin 
> cylinder engines used the same 
> system - which explains why I've used a Briggs coil.
> 
>          I've got other things to check on this 
> engine as well but it's 
> been a really nice learning experience so far.
> 
>          Thanks for your interest and help.
> 
> 
> Keep the revs up (or down)
> Jerry Evans
> Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.
> Etched Brass Engine Plates made to order:
> <www.oldengine.org/members/evans/plates/index.htm>
> 
> 
> 
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