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Atom vs. Points

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:37 am
by Todd
Gents,
I've got a 40+ with marginal breaker points and I've got an Atom ignition module for this type engine. However, the Atom unit typically replaces the points and condenser, but the Wipac condenser is inaccessable inside the coil. So, my question is will the Atom unit work okay with the condenser in the circuit? I do get a great blue spark but I wonder if the condensers' presence in the circuit affects the spark timing adversely.
Temps here are dropping to -23deg F. tonight, so even bin cruising is out of the question.

Todd-on-Stillwater

Re: Atom vs. Points

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:55 am
by Charles uk
I've only seen a Wipac with an Atom once & that was a brown one & that ran ok.

I belive different colours different firing times.

Re: Atom vs. Points

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:40 pm
by Todd
Yes, from what I was able to discern from the patent description, the different color coded modules are spec'd for various magneto characteristics, however the brown one is intended for small air cooled engines - chainsaws, brushcutters, etc.

The purple one is for outboards with fixed timing. Great for a Villiers mag perhaps, but for the Wipac? I won't know 'til the river, or at least my cruise can thaws in Spring.

But if your example ran well with the "wrong" module installed, maybe mine will do okay with correct one + a superfluous condenser.

These modules were apparently manufactured in Australia - I thought I'd have tapped into a vast well of experience from down there. Perhaps my query should have had some 'roo content ...

Re: Atom vs. Points

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:54 pm
by Hugz
Just had roo snags for brekky....yum, doesn't help you tho!

Re: Atom vs. Points

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:56 pm
by Charles uk
If you've got a spark, your magneto aint broke, why fix it?

Re: Atom vs. Points

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:08 am
by Todd
I try to leave stuff alone if it ain't broke, I really do. But my points are less than perfect and I've got this Atom unit, you see, and ...