Ya, sounds like a magneto when you instal the new one put some vasaline on the 4 screws that hold it, to help conduct electricity ground it. Also they have a strong magnet, so you could try putting a business card on the top and bottom section to help get it centered, also, The magneto is directional make sure you put it on the correct way the wright side inbord.
This video is kind of difficult to understand, but the business card part is good shows you where to put them.

YouTube - Magneto Install