I am not getting a spark and suspect a faulty Magneto - is this an item that can be repaired by a novice or is there a simple test to confirm Magneto failure?

Larry, April 2009

Still no spark, whats next Andy and John. Plug is OK.
How can I test the Magneto?

Eddie, July 2009

remove the recoil starter and shroud, this will expose the flywheel which should have a little plastic cover near the centre, prize this plastic cover off with a screwdriver, now if you turn the flywheel (whatch ya fingers) you will see the contact points which open and close. now the repair begins, cut a small peice of very fine sand paper about 1cm by 8cm (the black one is best i think they call it hydracarbide or somthing like that) fold it in half then gently rub it inbetween the points for a little while (your just renewing the surface, your not trying to sand it down) now blow out with compressed air, then repeat, now finish with a final blow of compressed air. now remove the plug if you havnt already, and put it against some fresh metal on the engine, now turn the flywheel by throwing it round with your hand (again whatch fingers) now you should have spark, if this didnt work let us know.

Andy lee, June 2009

If its an ancient machine with a grey engine, there are contact breaker points behind the flywheel which will need attention. If its the later black engine the ignition was electronic and performed by the coil itself. Make sure the thin black wire isn't touching earth when you try for a spark.

John, April 2009