Magneto problem? McCullouh weedwacker motor

NID_FTL · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2008, 06:17 PM

Thanks to Deacon for his CL ad recomendation, Yesterday I obtained a McCullouh weedwacker motor that will be perfect for my project. However I am not getting a spark at all. The magnetic contact's on the flywheel are nice and coated with some kind of resistant polymer, I removed and sanded both magneto contact's and used an index card to put back on. still no spark.
any Ideas? I am just flandering now. Help!! LoL

deacon · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2008, 08:20 PM

Okay are you sure the magneto is dead. if you have it back installed did you check the plug in a dark room. I had one I thought had no spark. It acted like it had no spark. It wouldn't fire even when I poured gas in the plug hole. I swore it had no spark.

Then I pulled the plug, sat it on the cylinder head and pulled the cord. Sure as heck there was a tiny little spark. If you do that and there is no spark, i will send you a spare pickup, but check first. So far they all seem to be the same to me.

Also check your wiring for shorts. My plug wire had a rubbed spot. Check the kill switch as well. You might be getting a ground out there. If all that shows you with not pickup, let me know I have a spare or two around.

By far the most likely thing to go wrong is gummed up carb.

NID_FTL · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 02:55 AM

I just checked in the dark, and then I got brave and went all in. well it aint sparkin, no jolt at all, LoL. I have removed the kill, and inspected all the wires. "made in Japan, pleasent suprise" it's a MAC 80, I did not realize McCulloch was so hard to find parts for? wow, only one item come's up on e-bay. How intercompatable is this motor, what brands, sizes and or makes are intercompatable. how many diffrent types , sizes and shapes of coils? I notice some are the same but holes in diffrent places.
I would appreaite that very much. I will cover the postage for ya.
let me know what you are looking for also, I have a desent junk pile, LOL

Jim...

deacon · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 06:48 AM

Well positioning of the holes might be a problem since mine comes from a craftsman brand. I have used it on a weedeater brand as well so I thought they were all the same. When I get out to the shop a little later I will take a picture of one and post it so you can look at it. If it will work, send me your address and I'll stick this one in an envelope for you.

If the size and position of the holes are right, I expect that you could take an electric drill and slot them (fancy term for wallow them out) for exact fit.

deacon · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 07:32 AM

okay here is the one I have....

the metal bracket measures apporx 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 inches...

You can see the shape. If that will work send me your snail mail and like in the god father you will owe me a favor.

deacon · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 09:17 AM

If this one is all wrong send me a pic if you can, I have one more oddball mag that looks like it has a wing on it. NOt even sure where that one came from.

NID_FTL · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 12:56 PM

I just checked and it looks good, will just need to drill one hole or poke out the aligning stud where my hole should be. I am also posting a pic of this thing so you can see. my buddy here says I can not remove the aligning stud with out it falling apart, I say this stud was only used during the manufaturing process and no longer serves a purpose. let me know what you think. Jim...

deacon · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 01:55 PM

It looks pretty close to me. I wouldn't knock anything out till I tried this one to see what needs to be done. Worst comes to worst hand on to everything till another one like it comes up. I think this came from a craftsman but to be honest If it gets close enough to get the charge from the mags it should work. I am going to send it on hope it works. Give me your snail mail in pm and I'll send it out on tuesday.

deacon · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 04:52 PM

your mag is packed up and waiting for the mail man to pick it up.

NID_FTL · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008, 05:03 PM

you are too kind. Thanks so much/..\
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