Scintilla Magneto Manual

A mechanical switch operated by a cam on the rotor shaft. When the points are closed, the primary circuit is completed, allowing the induced current to build to its maximum intensity (known as the -gap position).

Clean dirty points with a lint-free cloth soaked in white spirit. Every 100 Operating Hours Check the breaker point gap with a feeler gauge.

Made of thousands of turns of fine wire. It wraps directly around the primary coil. The Breaker Points and Condenser

Before mounting the magneto, you must set its internal timing to the number one firing position: Remove the distributor block cover. scintilla magneto manual

Consult your specific model's data plate (e.g., S-20 or S-1200 series) for the exact degree specification. Point Maintenance

This ensures the distributor finger is perfectly aligned with the correct electrode in the distributor block at the exact moment the points open. If this is off, the spark might jump to the wrong cylinder or "arc over" within the cap, causing a catastrophic misfire. 4. Lubrication: The Silent Killer Over-oiling is the most common cause of Scintilla failure. The Breaker Cam

: Ensure the "kill wire" isn't grounded. A frayed wire touching the casing will prevent the mag from ever firing. Test the Condenser A mechanical switch operated by a cam on the rotor shaft

Tighten the breaker plate screws securely. Remove the timing pin, rotate the drive shaft backward a quarter turn, and bring it forward again slowly. Verify that the points break precisely when the internal alignment marks match up. 3. Inspection, Lubrication, and Bench Testing

A few hundred turns of heavy-gauge insulated copper wire wound around the iron core.

Indicated by an arrow on the distributor bowl. "Clockwise" or "anti-clockwise" is determined when facing the drive end of the pump shaft. Vertex Series: Notable for its breaker gap setting. 2. Timing to the Engine Every 100 Operating Hours Check the breaker point

1. Measure spring tension; replace breaker assembly.2. Reset point gap to 0.015–0.018 inches.3. Clean distributor block thoroughly; replace if cracked.

Scintilla (a Swiss company, later acquired by Bosch) produced magnetos known for high reliability and performance. The most famous is the series, recognizable by its rounded, aluminum housing. These are "impulse magnetos," meaning they generate their own electricity through a rotating magnet and coil, requiring no battery.

Guide the magneto into the engine drive pad. Engage the coupling splines gently. Loose-fit the mounting nuts so you can still rotate the magneto housing. Step 4: Fine-Tune the Position

Routes the high voltage to the correct cylinder. 2. Pre-Installation Inspection

Turn the drive shaft by hand. You should feel a distinct "snap" or resistance (the magnetic "E-gap"). If it spins freely with no resistance, the magnets may be weak or the bearings shot.