Had a nice drive today in the old T and stalled it when I got back to the driveway. I hit the starter button not thinking the switch was in the Meg and not BAT position. It fired righr up. Any issues with starting in the mag position on a car with a starter? Just looking to learn. Thank you.
Andy
Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
No issues as long as it starts readily on magneto. If it requires a lot of cranking, best to use battery. It may start more easily on magneto with the spark lever advanced a few notches. (Nice picture!)
Last edited by TXGOAT2 on Sun Aug 28, 2022 1:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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BobShirleyAtlantaTx
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
It is perfectly fine to start your automobile on the Mag, in fact theoretically you have more cranking amps to the starter.
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Retro54
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
Thank you both, it popped right off. I guess my concern was regarding potentially overloading a circuit or something. All is good!
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Humblej
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
No issues with starting on mag, but a mag start requires the spark lever to be advanced 3-5 notches vs a bat start with spark fully retarded. So, if your car started right up on mag, and if you always fully retard the spark for starting, then your timing may be off. If your timing is slightly advanced you could damage a starter bendix when using the starter, or risk serious injury when hand cranking. Worth checking out your timing.
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Stephen_heatherly
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
There is nothing at all wrong with starting on mag using the starter. I pretty much always start my 23 runabout on mag both when hand cranking and with the starter. As others have said though it should require you to pull the spark lever down a few notches. I would verify that your timer does not make contact until 15 degrees after top dead center with the spark fully retarded.
Stephen
Stephen
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Retro54
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
Thank you gents for the follow-up. Yes, it popped off just fine the the lever advanced slightly, not fully retarded. Like I said, was more unsure of any improper loading of the electrical circuits if starting in this manner. Thanks again! The car runs like a top on mag. Dad did a good job tuning her up!
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jsaylor
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
"was more unsure of any improper loading of the electrical circuits if starting in this manner."
The starter is powered from the battery at all times. When you switch to the magneto, it only powers the ignition.
The starter is powered from the battery at all times. When you switch to the magneto, it only powers the ignition.
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jiminbartow
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Re: Is it OK to use starter when switch turned to magneto?
I think that is evidence of a very healthy, well tuned engine. Magneto starts on MAG have happened to me when starting my ‘26 coupe with the starter and with the crank, which is very satisfying when it happens. Jim Patrick