BT-H Magnetos Ltd.

Extended Bench Test

We have set up a dedicated long term bench tests of our magnetos.  The simple test rig, specially commissioned from Heath-Robinson, comprises  an electric motor driving the magneto via a "v" belt and pulleys.  
Currently on test is a Vincent "V" twin unit.  We created a large load by clamping the ends of the plug leads so that the sparks are jumping an 8 mm gap to a large, earthed washer.  You may be able to see the sparks (arrowed ) in the photograph on the right.  The rig is running at an equivalent to 8,400 engine rpm and this unit has logged 230 hours so far.  We have now taken it off the rig as we are fed up waiting for it to stop.  We have a stripped it down and found all the bearings and electrical parts to be in excellent condition.  We also checked the timing which is still spot on and if anything the low speed performance has improved as the unit has been run.

(Probably not too many Vincents running that kind of rpm but hey, you never know.  What kind of distance would one of the big black beasts have travelled in that time at those sort of rpm?) 

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Copyright © 2008 E. Grew