Magneto Operation - Timing

There is a lot of information on internet regarding magnetos and operation -  Understanding the operations of a mag is vital!  
Take the time to understand the operation - your safety depends upon it.

A post here on Timing a High Tension Magneto to a Thirty reminded me of days past when the OLD Mags were replaced by newer models, many from totally different applications including Airplane applications.  As parts for the older magneto's became difficult or near impossible to obtain, this was a common practice.

The one biggest thing to remember - it does not matter if it is on a 2 cylinder starting engine or a much bigger machine like as Thirty, Sixty, Seventy-Five - etc -
Firing is dependent upon the points opening - and this is critical in the relationship to the position of the cylinder's piston!  

Proper cranking procedures are always critical -  but never any less so than with a newly installed magneto!   
Many broken arms, wrists, and worse injuries have occurred by improper body position during cranking an engine.   BE PREPARED  - KICK BACK is Serious Business! 
Stay out of the arc line of those cranking devices!

Maybe this link will get some interest sparked -

http://faculty.sdmiramar.edu/faculty/sdccd/wnorth/109b/109bthree.pdf

Stay Safe and "keep 'em crawlin'"
CTS
 

"sparked" pun intended? Lets get some schooling on use of starting ropes and bars please? hah! Thanks for sharing John. JM

JM -- starting bars are fine, so are cranks, but please - no more ropes!
"sparked" must have given you a "jolt" got you firing on at least one cylinder.
Thanks
cts

Issue 10, January, 1994 of the ACMOC newsletter contains a 7 page article entitled "Magneto Adjustment, Timing, and Safe Starting Technique for Best and Caterpillar Tractor Company Thirty and Sixty Tractors", by Donald L. Decker.
This is a very detailed and comprehensive discussion of the subject. It is not an easy read but contains a great deal of information that is applicable to manual starting of other machines.
Seems strange to be having a discussion about grey phase tractors on this bulletin board.

 [attachment=65834]issue 10 cat club newsletter.jpg[/attachment]

Coincidentally I have just added Issue 10 of the ACMOC magazine to the members library for those members who don't have that copy.
For non-members, membership costs from just $40.