OK; I've been discussing magneto ignition conversions with several members, as well as magneto rebuilders. Most 4-cyl mags as made by Fairbanks Morse for stationary engines, tractors, etc, use an impulse advance unit attached to the mag shaft, so that when the engine starts up "It gives the magneto a quick snap over for better spark for starting and also retards the timing." There are weights to draw the advance back in when running. Pretty much just like a distributor advance.
Anyway, I have owned two Triumph ARD magneto conversions using the FM mags, and they did not use any impulse advance, or any advance unit at all. I never had any problem kickstarting my Triumphs.
Now I'm wondering what the big difference is between kickstarting a Britbike, and electric starter-motor starting a tractor/stationary engine. If the stationary/tractor engine actually *needs* a retarded ignition, is it because the electric starter motor spins the motor over much slower [RPM] than the kickstarter gearing??
BTW: As an example of a stationary engine, I used a power luber in the military to grease trucks. It had an opposed flat-four gasoline engine with a magneto ignition, but an electric starter motor. These mags are still showing up on eBay, and I may try to use one on my Honda magneto conversion.
So...Does a Honda kickstarter spin the motor faster than a starter motor?? Is that why I had no problems kickstarting a mag with no advance??
