Tec AV520 no spark

jleb

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If the magneto assy wasn't moved that's good. Moving the mag/coil assy adjusts the engine timing but the points gap is critical to timing the magnets to the coil.
I replaced the magneto, condenser and points so I did move everything. I reset the point gap to .020. The timing is probably off and I will have to adjust that, But would I still get spark (at the wrong time) if the point gap is set correctly? I am not and that is what I'm trying to figure out.
 

Rivets

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You must understand the relationship between the points, condenser, and coil which most work together to produce voltage to cause a spark plug to fir. Timing on the Tecumseh engines with the magneto and points mounted under the flywheel will affect spark. Incorrect timing on a small engine with points can definitely cause a weak spark, as the timing determines when the spark occurs in relation to the piston position, and if it's off, the ignition coil may not have enough time to fully charge, resulting in a weaker spark.
 

jleb

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You must understand the relationship between the points, condenser, and coil which most work together to produce voltage to cause a spark plug to fir. Timing on the Tecumseh engines with the magneto and points mounted under the flywheel will affect spark. Incorrect timing on a small engine with points can definitely cause a weak spark, as the timing determines when the spark occurs in relation to the piston position, and if it's off, the ignition coil may not have enough time to fully charge, resulting in a weaker spark.
Thank you. I appreciate your help.
 

jleb

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So I broke it all the way back down. Found the timing cam has a crack in it and was installed upside down (I imagine from the person i bought it from trying to get it to run). Cleaned all the rust off the armature the coil goes on. Reinstalled the new coil, condenser and points. Set the point gap to 0.20 per tecumseh manual, set the timing to .070 btdc per manual.
And I'm still getting a weak spark. All wires are good and have good connections. Magnets in flywheel are strong.
I'm at a loss. I even checked and compared all readings and set points to my running av520 and everything looks good.
Can the laminate armature go bad on these ignitions?

Reply
 

Rivets

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I’ve gone to my archives and there are a couple of things you should know about the AV520 engines. First, the AV520 engine was only built as a 3hp engine in 1975&1976, before and after that they were 3.5hp. Second, they were made as an outboard engine, Eske manufacturing was the primary user, with a small number also used on other pieces of ground equipment. Adjusting and setting the ignition systems on these engines was different depending on where they were used. Third, spark plug needed for these engines was either a Champion J13Y or RJ13Y or AC 45S. Using a hotter plug will produce a weaker spark. Can laminations cause a problem, yes if they become separated.
 

jleb

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I’ve gone to my archives and there are a couple of things you should know about the AV520 engines. First, the AV520 engine was only built as a 3hp engine in 1975&1976, before and after that they were 3.5hp. Second, they were made as an outboard engine, Eske manufacturing was the primary user, with a small number also used on other pieces of ground equipment. Adjusting and setting the ignition systems on these engines was different depending on where they were used. Third, spark plug needed for these engines was either a Champion J13Y or RJ13Y or AC 45S. Using a hotter plug will produce a weaker spark. Can laminations cause a problem, yes if they become separated.
Thank you for the info. My engine is from a 1980s model 30 jiffy ice auger. It is running a rj13y plug. I could not find an engine model number and assumed it was the same as my older 76 auger which has a metal engine tag as the look identical. I will have to track down where to find the engine model number and start over.
I really appreciate your time and knowledge.
 

jleb

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Thank you for the info. My engine is from a 1980s model 30 jiffy ice auger. It is running a rj13y plug. I could not find an engine model number and assumed it was the same as my older 76 auger which has a metal engine tag as the look identical. I will have to track down where to find the engine model number and start over.
I really appreciate your time and knowledge.
Sorry my plug is a RJ17LM
 

jleb

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I’ve gone to my archives and there are a couple of things you should know about the AV520 engines. First, the AV520 engine was only built as a 3hp engine in 1975&1976, before and after that they were 3.5hp. Second, they were made as an outboard engine, Eske manufacturing was the primary user, with a small number also used on other pieces of ground equipment. Adjusting and setting the ignition systems on these engines was different depending on where they were used. Third, spark plug needed for these engines was either a Champion J13Y or RJ13Y or AC 45S. Using a hotter plug will produce a weaker spark. Can laminations cause a problem, yes if they become separated.
Sorry, correction
My plug is a RJ17LM
 

Rivets

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Ok, now I feel like a fool, because I ASSUMED what was posted was the truth. Another DIY got me to fall for the switch and bait trick. Looking back I should have realized that things weren’t really as posted. Clue was when he stated timing doesn’t affect spark, good mechanic would know better. Guess my age is affecting my judgment, congratulations you got me.
 

jleb

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Contacted jiffy (Feldman co.) And they confirmed my engine is an av520 670, 3hp. Set timing and point gap to correct values. Swapped each component out one at a time (checking all gaps each time) and still the same outcome every time. Getting only weak spark. Enough to feel but not enough to produce spark at plug. So unless anyone else has an idea I think I'm giving up on this one.
 
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