1066 Sans Souci Way Clarkston, GA 30021
Make and Break Ignition Manual by T.R. Ward, Jr. Published by
Lone Oak Distributing Company, Premiss, Mississippi, 39474, 1984.
Soft cover, 8 x 11, spiral bound, $8.75 from publisher.
Finally.. .and not a moment too soon. .. someone has produced a
manual about ignition systems which will answer all of the
questions you were afraid… or ashamed to ask. Or as in my case,
didn’t now enough to ask!
Simply titled Make and Break Ignition Manual, this work contains
a wealth of information invaluable to both the novice and the
advanced restorer of antique engines. Excellent cuts and line
drawings are carefully keyed to the text so that it is never
necessary to search to find the proper illustration.
Chapter I is a brief history of the make and break ignition
systems beginning with the earliest experiments in internal
combustion engines. It cites several problems encountered and
traces the development of numerous types of igniters and magnetos.
A simplified explanation and a good illustration of a hammer type
igniter clearly describe the construction and operation of this
all-important but vastly misunderstood part.
The section entitled ‘Theory and Design of the Igniter
Coil’ contains much for the do-it-yourselfer who wants to try
‘rolling his own’ coils. It can save untold hours the
first-time coil-winder would waste using the cut and try technique.
As Mr. Ward points out, ‘It becomes apparent that the original
coils (and later reproductions). . .just can’t duplicate the
performance of a ‘state-of-the-art’ design in the areas of
battery life and ignition quality.’
Possibly the most exciting chapter is ” Igniter Repair,
Timing and Setup.’ Hints for cleaning, repairing and assembling
igniter mechanisms precede a section which explains in detail the
actual timing of the ignition system. Drawings and photographs show
how to mark the flywheel for timing and an in depth explanation
using language anyone can understand. A discussion of advancing and
retarding ignition and suggestions for setting advance when the
engine manufacturer’s specifications are not available is of
infinite value. ‘Tips on Igniter Operation’, a detailed
list of important dos and don’ts for successful ignition system
operation is also useful. Concluding this section is an easy to
understand wiring diagram for each of the three kinds of ignition
set-up: Magneto ignition; Battery ignition; and Dual ignition
(battery start, magneto run).
The author examines the three types of primary dry cells in
common use today as well as the lead-acid storage battery. Testing,
charging and suggestions for improving battery life are covered in
detail. A table lists the specs of three types of dry batteries and
a comparison of initial and operating costs, desirable features and
limitations.
The final chapter is devoted to detailed plans for making a
handsome box to house your battery and coil. A table saw is the
only power tool required, according to the author. Simple wiring
hook-ups are shown using the hardware and coil available from Mr.
Ward. Included as a part of this do-it-yourself battery box is a
full size template for marking and drilling, making the
installation of box hardware a snap.
Engine restorers of all levels are sure to learn form this
book.
