Magneto Question

My buddy has a bike that has a 1340 Shovel in it with a Morris Magneto. The problem he keeps having is difficulty starting which basically means he has to kick the living **** out of it until his friends finally have to push him. The bike is kick only BTW.

He has had this motor and magneto for about twenty five years. So he knows how to start it and adjust it. He also built the bike and the motor himself so he also knows a little about the end of a wrench. The last time the motor was re-built was about three years ago but he used the same mag. He has been having this problem sense then but it has slowly been getting worse.

It runs fine when running but seems to have week spark when starting it. We've run out of ideas on how to fix it short of throwing out the mag and changing to electronic ignition. He changed and set the points more than once. He checked, double checked and triple checked the timing. He changed the cover twice along with the gasket to eliminate the posiblitiy of moisture. He replaced his plugs, wires and about everything else I can think of. The only thing we can think of is that the mag itself is going bad.

Someone told him he can get the magnets recharged. Is this a real possiblity and would it help?

As always, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

Thanks Chuck.

Yes, we do know it's getting fuel and we did check for spark at the plug and it usually looks pretty week with occasional spurts of a nice strong spark which is why it will "occasionally" start on the first couple of kicks.

When we watch the spark it is nice and strong and blue once in a while but appears whitish/yellowish most of the time.

We didn't check the compression but like I said, it runs beautiful once it is running so I don't think that is it. I have a guage in my garage, where the bike is stored. Maybe I'll check it anyway while I have nothing better to do.

We are just trying to explore all avenues before resorting to buying a new mag at $1100. OUCH!

Mags can be rebuilt for a lot less than new.
If it is a Morris, check this out.
http://www.morrismagneto.com/

Thanks CD. I should of thought of that. I printed out a few pages for him. We'll see what they say.

Magneto with weak spark

Update:

We sent the magneto out to Morris. They should have it today. They are going to take a look at it and get back to us. I'll let you know how we make out in case others have the same issue. Although, I doubt it. This is an old set up.

Thanks

We got word from Morris Magneto yesterday. They said the magneto is in good basic condition but it is an old style. That style only sparks on every other rotation meaining that every other time you kick it, you're doing it for nothing.

They are going to update it to the newer style which will spark on every rotation and give a stronger spark making it easier to start.

We had a hard time getting the right points too so they are also putting in a new set of those. We also ordered a spare set.

Total cost is $350. Not cheap but better than buying a new one. We should have him up and running some time next week.

Thanks again.