Maverick Spark – Magneto Ignition Timing
Old School racing engine magneto ignitions have been replaced by modern electronic ignition systems. Today’s electronic ignition systems are precise, and can be programed with a defined ignition advance curve (varied timing over the full rpm range). What many people do not know is that a type of automatic ignition advance system was inherent in the old point-condensor magneto ignitions of years ago. Basically, these old style points float at higher rpms, when the return spring dynamics of the points no longer allows the points to close after opening. At these higher rpms, the fast moving flywheel magnets build voltage in the secondary coil winding fast enough to deliver a high voltage ignition spark. Sharp racers of years ago used this point floating phenomena to advance ignition timing at higher rpms, by placing the coil relative to the flywheel magnets in an advanced position, usually at least 5-10 degrees more advanced than the point timing setting. However, there were some drawbacks! ….
….below is a link to a compilation of article scans that explains in detail, the Maverick Spark and how it can be used to a create an automatic ignition timing advance in a magneto ignition system:
