AN UNUSUAL MAGNETO FAULT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 284, 21 February 1928, Page 6

AN UNUSUAL MAGNETO FAULT

EXPERIENCE OF LOCAL DRIVER A mechanic came across a curious caae a short time ago, which may be worth while recounting, as it may not be singular. After a complete overhaul in his own garage, in the course of which the magneto was dismounted, cleaned, and replaced on its bracket, the engine could not be persuaded to start. Everything xvas tried, 'but no trace of trouble could be found anywhere; everything seemed to be in perfect order until the magneto was approached. Give a spark it would not. So it was taken off its bracket and the contact breaker and distributor carefuly examined. Everything was in order, so it was replaced and the strap holding it to the bracket only lightly screwed up in case it should have to bo removed again. The engine this time started at the second or third pull of the starting handle. The trouble being apparently cured, the mechanic set to work to make a permanent job of the magneto attachment by screwing the strap tightly. The engine refused to start, and there was nothing doing in the sparking line. “We tried again,” says the garage proprietor,

“and examined the connections afresh, but as they seemed all right, we replaced the magneto again, lightly secured as before. This time the engine went off at the first pull over. Something struck me and I began to screw up the bolt on the magneto strap, and

as soon as it became really tight the engine stopped again. By slacking the bolt we got it going once more, and the mystery of why it would not run was solved. What was happening in the magneto I have not the remotest idea, my theory being that the pressure of the strap in some way caused an internal short circuit. Whatever the cause, the experience may be of value to someone.”