Wico X Magneto Repair

[@adamwheeler07]

So so helpful. Took notes and added them to my phone so I can reference when I work on one. About to work on the Wico on my JD H. Weak spark.

[@jonelsonster]

I hope you got it working properly!

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

Great video-you have de-mystified the magneto! Thanks for providing ohm and farad ranges. And…nice to see your mag tester machine again!

[@jonelsonster]

Yeah, I'm always messing around with magnetos. They really aren't too complicated. Checking condition of condensers and coils before you replace them is nice... Then you're not just spending money on new parts when they may not even be bad. And that tester is so useful for making sure the mag works before you put it back onto the tractor or troubleshooting bad spark.

[@stephenstead6333]

You are 100% right mate someone wire to a battery that how burnt the connected burnt out it been a short to ground. Great job done mate nice video.

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks 👍

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

Very good, Question, My Mag has two threaded plugs on each side that says use light oil, What kind of oil shouid use and how much? Second question doesn't the felt pad that rubs the lobe need a drop of oil also.

[@jonelsonster]

I don't think there is a right or wrong oil to use... But I always use that all purpose setting machine oil. I think it's 3 in 1 oil... Or something like that. It comes in a little rectangular can with a red spout. I use that oil in both places.

[@VernePomraning]

That is a great informative video.

[@jonelsonster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@corsairsmitty9691]

I am working on my own Wico X magneto from my 1941 John Deere model A. I am getting no spark from the magneto. I tested the primary coil and have 6.5 ohms, is that bad ? You state that there should be 1.2 ohms on the primary coil, and between 6 and 8k ohms on the secondary. I have 7k on mine. I am assuming that with the higher resistance that there is some problem with the primary. The center core was also a little rusty so I have taken it out and cleaned it.

[@jonelsonster]

A lot of the of time (maybe most of the time) points and condenser are the culprit.

[@michaelwhite6110]

Fantastic video! Thank you. Have you ever seen someone convert an engine away from a magneto?

[@jonelsonster]

It's not hard. I'm actually thinking of converting my JD Model A. It's one of the videos I'm planning on doing in the near future.

[@michaelwhite6110]

@@jonelsonster I have a Bobcat M500 with a Kohler K662 engine. If it isnt too much, I'd sponser the video. lol

[@michaelwhite6110]

@@jonelsonster Not sure whats needed. do you modify the existing magneto?

[@CarlJohnson-ry3gc]

Nice work, thank you for sharing. Where can I get a mag tester like that?

[@jonelsonster]

I couldn't find any for sale that were reasonably priced. So I designed and built this one.

[@CarlJohnson-ry3gc]

@@jonelsonster that's amazing that you built it, good job. I have a JD L and LA. with mag problem. Also they have a gear instead of the lug and are very difficult to reinstall.

[@robertmueller3355]

I don’t have a comment I have a question, why does the nut on the back of my wico x mag keep coming loose

[@jonelsonster]

Sometimes there is a captive washer that prohibits the nut from being able to turn. Sometimes it's missing. If this is the case, red loctite can help prevent the but from backing off. But it also makes future disassembly a bear.

[@terryraymond7984]

The Felt wiper do you put Oil on that or grease?

[@jonelsonster]

I use a light multi purpose oil... The stuff my mom used to use for her sewing machine.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

No doubt you have that figured out on how they destroyed that Ground connection. When people work on things who don't seem to have a clue how they operate. As for me, you have let me know what Wico Mag we had back on the farm. I had commented in another video of our JD's that had 2 different looking Wico mags. I had said that one was temperamental depending on how bad it rained. The one that never had a problem had a cover that looked like this one. The other one was different but whether it was a gasket problem? So long ago now BUT would expect one to know if it was just that. All i recall is if it had rained hard and it wouldn't start, take the cover off, you would see moisture in the cap. Wipe it out and then it would start, of course. At least i think the other was Wico too. Assume JD just had Wico's? Way back in the early 60's to mid 70's for me and i sure don't have the memory my Dad had!!

[@jonelsonster]

This is a Wico X. They are a good mag. The Wico C is a little older and has a different cap. I wouldn't be surprised if the one you had issued with was a C. But Deere also used Fairbanks Morse and Splitdort too. Not often, but sometimes.

[@robertarmstrong8994]

Do you rebuild mags and distributors for other people I have a few I need rebuilt 9/13/23

[@jonelsonster]

I do locally. And I have had people mail me stuff in the past. But sometimes shipping can get expensive. Email me if you're interested. I could maybe help you out. [e-mail]

[@rgplpc]

Great video. the only thing I didn't see is how to set run timing.

[@jonelsonster]

Yeah, I didn't mess with the impulse timing. I probably should have addressed it.

[@shaneharrison4775]

Dads 54 JD H had two mags that came with it one like that and one that had a rounded off set cap also a Wico mag. Both were self sustaining although his H had a generator and electric lights and a eletric starter we couldnt keep batteries in it as resident hippy rastafarian types would boost them to sell or use them in their ford pinto. Which only barely started it with 6volts. So haveing a magneto was a good thing

[@jonelsonster]

I really like the simplicity of an engine with a magneto. It's nice being able to start the engine without a battery.

[@shaneharrison4775]

@@jonelsonster I agree between many Deere and FarmallDeereing and McCormacks never really had any issue with the cranks starters and stem winders Dads H was electric start but the engine was mag fired

[@philliphall5198]

Seems to me that these are the hardest to work on and getting parts But they stand up Well

[@jonelsonster]

The wico model x is a good magneto. Magnets are stronger than a model c and I prefer working on them to any other magneto.

[@davidandshelleyvandenbos5696]

Awesome thank you

[@jonelsonster]

You bet!

[@montiraruba2831]

Yeah, people, make sure you know what you are doing!! Don't connect your 6-12Volts to ground. If you are not sure, ask those who know.

[@jonelsonster]

I'm just glad it didn't fry more than it did.

[@LyleBrand]

you are creating a dead short.

[@jonelsonster]

There owner of this magneto hooked the battery up to the kill switch... So either 6 or 12 volts was shooting through the kill switch strap, which burned through it in a hurry.