How to Time a Magneto

A magneto is a mechanism associated with an engine that creates an electric current as a magnet inside the magneto housing rotates past a small housing coil. The electric current is sent from the magneto to a capacitor coil where the amps are increased, then sent on through a cable to spark the plugs. In order for this progression of events to occur, the magneto and the engine must have corresponding timing. With correct timing, the magnet passes the coil at the same time the lead piston of the engine reaches its highest point in the cylinder.

Instructions

1

Turn the impulse coupling -- the cap of the magneto housing -- clockwise if the magneto is designed to rotate left, or counterclockwise if the magneto is designed to spin right. Check the manufacturer's specifications if you are unsure about the design. Align the timing marks on the magneto housing with those on the coupler.

2

Rotate the engine's flywheel by hand or with a pipe wrench until the lead piston is at or just beyond top dead center. Determine top dead center by removing the number one piston's spark plug with a socket set, then slide a metal rod -- one that is longer than the engine block is tall -- into the hole. Rotate the fly wheel. When the rod stops rising or just begins to fall, it is at top dead center.

3

Replace the spark plug, and mount the magneto to the engine bay with a socket set and nuts and bolts appropriately sized for the mounting bracket. Connect the wires from the magneto to the spark plugs on the engine. Simply slide the female end of the cables over the nipple on the spark plugs. The order of the wires is marked on the magneto, beginning with the number one piston. Moving in a clockwise direction around the engine block, connect the remaining wires in ordinal succession.