I've searched a few threads and learned a little, but I need some pointers on where to start trouble shooting my spark issues. I have a 1973 CI with a Fairbanks Morse Magneto. I have replaced the spark plug and jumped the started, but I can't get it to fire.

So I started looking for problems and solutions on here. First I tried using an inline spark tester, and I couldn't see any spark with that. So I read a little on here. I checked the wire for continuity, there seems to be good continuity, how much resistance is acceptable? My next step is going to be to remove the Magneto and service it off the tractor.

Is this advisable? What steps should I take to ensure I keep everything in time? How can I test the different components of the Magneto? Sorry for all the questions, but magnetos and points and the like are all new to me. Looking forward to getting this thing up and running. But I gotta get some spark.

Then onto fuel. Wico is the most common magneto used on Gravelys and probably has the most readily available parts for repair.

DOWNLOAD HOW TO BUILD A MAGNETO MAGNETIZER how to build a pdf Creating a PDF file is a great way to share your ideas and to make sure that they can't be altered without leaving an electronic footprint. There are multiple ways to create a PDF file and all of them are fairly quick and easy.

You might try asking Richard Juftes of Richards Lawn and Garden about an estimate if you sent it in to him. Richard's Lawn & Garden, 130 Main St. Spencer, WV 25276 800-827-4551 The timing of a magneto is pretty simple; you want to hear the impulse mechanism snap at TDC on compression. To find TDC remove the spark plug and install a small wooden dowel to track piston movement, mark the high point or TDC. A thumb in the spark plug hole can tell you when you are coming up on the compression stroke. The wooden dowel will almost stop at TDC and that is when you want to hear the impulse snap, if not adjust the coupling. Here are a couple of manuals for the FM magnetos: Roger is correct in that the most common magneto in service in the Wico and parts are plentiful.

A call to Richard is worth the time. He really knows his stuff. Before pulling the magneto from the tractor, take the back panel off and make sure that everything looks like it should compared to the manual diagrams. It could be something simple such as the points needing files or it could be a 'major surgery' such as a bad coil. Start simple and let's go from there. I tooke the panel off and everything 'looks' ok.

I don't beleive it is severely out of time while currently installed (i.e. Firing on the wrong stroke) as the Gravely ran when last parked and wasn't touched since. Right now it's getting NO spark, which is my main concern. Is there an easy way to check the coil? Owncloud postgresql could not find driver. Also the grounding wire on the outside of the magneto was cut somewhere along the way and spliced back together. It was disconnected when I got the tractor. I assume it being disconnected won't hurt anything, as all it does is go to the shut off button, which in turn grounds to short the spark.

Thanks again! Thanks for the feedback. The sideplate is fairly well worn, but it definitely shows Fai.

Nothing resembling Wico. I'll look at the points and try cleaning them. Otherwise I'll check my local Napa and see if they have a new set along with a condensor. Thanks for the tip on local shops crazyvet, I'll see if anyone around here can do that for me. As mentioned, these are new to me.

I am hoping it's something simple, and most likely is. I'm just trying to go step by step. I will probably remove the magneto so I can get a good look at everthing to work on it, right now the gravely is in my carport with poor lighting. If I take it out and clamp it down, do I understand correctly that turning the magneto while grounding the plug will allow me to test it on the bench? Sorry for any obvious questions, but I just want to cover my bases. Thanks again for all the help! Thanks for the feedback.