The following comes from a recent topic on SmokStak, which can
be found at www.enginads.com/smokstak.cgi. Various individuals
started, commented on and concluded the following bulletin board
thread.
I need some advice on my Maytag twin. I have replaced the spark
plugs, checked the contact for proper gap (.020), cleaned the
inside of the flywheel and magneto, inspected the plug wires and
tested it per the instructions found in the owner’s manual. No
spark. I was told that it had spark when I bought it, so I feel the
problem might have occurred when I took it apart. I admit that I am
a novice at this and may be missing something obvious. Suggestions?
-Tom
You didn’t mention it, did you change the condenser? What
kind of shape is the coil in? – JD
Hi Tom. I would first suggest checking the condenser. You can
use an Echlin FA 66 condenser available at NAPA parts stores. The
bracket is different, but the condenser will work. It will run you
$5. Next, check the spark on your coil by grounding the spark plug
with the wire attached to the top of the fins. BE SURE TO ground
the other wire. These coils where made of one piece of wire so if
not grounded on both sides it goes looking for ground and will burn
out the one side of your coil. Next, if you have spark at both
sides try using a power drill with a socket to turn the crank shaft
over. I’m not sure why this works, but I replaced a coil before
and had similar problems, tried the drill after everything else
could be checked and it started sparking. Good Luck – Lonnie
Since you say you feel it may have happened when taking it
apart, check how you put the ring on the shaft that opens the
points. It will be round, of course, with one side flat – I believe
it is keyed. If put on turned around I am not sure it will open the
points properly. – David
Have you tried cleaning the points? If it hasn’t been run in
awhile they may be oxidized. To clean, use emery paper or a points
file, then drag a clean business card through to finish. You can
check them with a continuity tester. With them closed you should
get a reading. – Bob
I once had an old Clinton engine on a used rototiller I picked
up. After I got the engine cleaned up I tried to start it. It fired
once, but after that it had no spark. I tried cleaning the points
with a points file and adjusting them to spec afterwards. Still no
spark. I tried changing the condenser and magneto, still no spark.
Finally, not thinking of what else it could be, I took the points
off and touched them to a grindstone lightly, put them back on,
adjusted the gap and presto, it started up on the first pull and on
the first pull every time after that. -Bill
The point breaker cam has an arrow on it and the arrow has to be
visible when installed on the crankshaft. The arrow will indicate a
clockwise rotation. To test the coil and condenser make sure the
points and condenser are well grounded to the backing plate.
Install a piece of insulating material between the points, such as
a piece of thick paper. Make sure all wires have a good connection.
Remove one spark plug, leaving the wire connected to it, ground it
to the engine. Remove the other wire and ground it to the engine.
From the negative side of a battery connect a jumper wire to the
backing plate. Another jumper wire connected to the positive side
of the battery I brush quickly against the screw that connects the
coil wire to the points. A spark should occur at the spark plug. If
it does not, disconnect the condenser wire from the points. If a
spark now occurs by brushing the wire at the same location the
condenser is at fault. I always set the points on a twin maytag at
.020 and the spark plug gap the same. I do not suggest nor
recommend that anyone do the same, only relating how I do it. –
Ed
SPARK FOR THE MAYTAG! It is too long of a story to post here,
but I finally got it. Isn’t discovery great. It still isn’t
quite running yet, but I suspect it must be something other than
the mag. I will check the fuel lines, etc. Thanks to all of you for
your input – I learned a lot with this project and am definitely
hooked on old gas engines. – Tom
SmokStak is an engine conversation bulletin board with over
15,000 messages on file and is part of the Old Engine series of web
sites that started in 1995 as ‘Harry’s Old Engine.’
Harry Matthews is a retired electronic engineer and gas engine
collector from Oswego, New York, now residing in Sarasota, Fla.
