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Anybody running a Shovel with a magneto ignition,I have one fitted to my dead 76,long story,but when I get round to sorting it I want to keep the electrics as simple as possible and think the mag looks cool.
What do you think?
Anygood,or expensive footpeg?
I've got a mag on a flathead and a knuckle and they are tempermental at best. they do look cool, but I have to clean them a lot, and they seem to need a lot of maintenance.
I intentionally went to a magneto because I was tired of replacing batteries---back when all the batteries were wet cell and didn't last more than 1-2 years. Fortunately, I lived just down the street from a wise(and cranky) old machinist who specialized in and had raced HD bikes for many many years.
When I wanted to start fiddling with the magneto he told me "keep your 'f'n' hands off the magneto, leave it alone, it's working just fine and if you mess with it you'll 'f' it up..." Of course, he realized I was not a mechanic of any caliber and could 'f' up lemonade on my best days...
Once the magneto is set up---points adjusted/gap set--as long as everything else inside the magneto is working, the magneto should not be a problem. I haven't had the top off mine since '98 and it still puts out quite a spark.
The biggest problem I had was the light 'flickering' at idle and that can be fixed with a newer style generator with the voltage regulator on the end or using a newer style solid state regulator.
I don't even know anyone running a mag these days. Back in the 70's my buddy and I kicked an old pan/shovel until my right leg looked like popeye trying to get the damn thing started. Fun memories.........but I'm glad they are just memories.
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