Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?

Phototone

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Threads
43
Messages
397
  • / Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?
I like to tinker with LawnBoy mowers. I have quite a few. More than once I have had issues with getting a spark, on the electronic ignition (pointless) coils, no matter what coil I put on. I was wondering if there was ever an issue of the magnets moulded into the flywheel can over a long period lose their magnetism thus not generating enough electricity in the coil to spark?
 

jp1961

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2013
Threads
39
Messages
785
  • / Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?
My Lawn-Boy repair manual (page 32) say weak flywheel magnets CAN cause weak or no spark. The 'remedy' says to see your authorized Lawn-Boy dealer, so they don't explain how to test for weak magnets.

Jeff
 

Rivets

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Threads
55
Messages
14,839
  • / Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?
Yes, magnets can loose their magnetism. That being said I have only seen it once in my 40+ years of working on engines. Does your magnet pull a screwdriver tight from a 1/4" away? If it does it is good.
 

motoman

Lawn Addict
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Threads
65
Messages
2,566
  • / Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?
Never cut one open but have read the coil pickup is electronic , meaning it may contain components such as transistor/capacitor in addition to the windings. If so the failure of the spark is more likely there due to heat damage of the transistor.
 

Phototone

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Threads
43
Messages
397
  • / Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?
Never cut one open but have read the coil pickup is electronic , meaning it may contain components such as transistor/capacitor in addition to the windings. If so the failure of the spark is more likely there due to heat damage of the transistor.


I'm getting no spark with a brand new, just took out of the box electronic coil.
 

Rivets

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Threads
55
Messages
14,839
  • / Can the flywheel magnets become weak, thus preventing spark?
Three things, 1. Is the coil mounted correctly? 2. Is the coil tapped correctly, .010"? 3. Remove the kill wire and check for spark.
 
Top