Wico Magneto Cycle of Operation (Type EK)

The cycle of operation for Wico magnetos Type EK, and charging magnets with your homemade magnet charger

GEM Staff
January/February 1978
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1. When laminated steel armature is in contact with ends of the stationary cores, a complete magnetic circuit is formed which is energized by a set of bar magnets at opposite end of stationary cores.

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2. When armature is pulled away from the ends of the stationary cores, the magnetic circuit is broken, and the magnetic field generated by the bar magnet collapses, cutting across the two primary windings, causing a current to flow in these two windings. This current builds up the primary magnetic field.

3. As the primary current reaches maximum value, which will be when the armature clears the ends of the stationary cores 3/32 of an inch, the breaker points, one of which is actuated by the moving armature, break the primary circuit, causing the primary magnetic field to collapse and cut across and generate a high voltage in the two secondary windings to which the spark plug is connected. A condenser connected across the breaker points speeds up the collapse of the primary magnetic field and at the same time reduces arcing across the breaker points.

CHARGING MAGNETS

1. Remove outer sheet brass housing.

2. Wedge armature open with wooden wedges 1/16 of an inch thick.

3. Determine N and S end of bar magnets.

4. Set entire magneto across magnet charger as shown in diagram with N end of bar magnets on South pole of magnet charger.

5. Turn on charger current and charge for 20 to 30 seconds. Strike magnets lightly while charging.

6. Remove wooden wedges.

7. Remove magneto from charger, and in-install outer sheet brass housing.

Magnet Charger

LIST OF MATERIAL

2 Soft iron cores (round) 4" x 2".

2 Soft iron tops, 3-3/4" X 3-3/4" x 1/2".

1 Soft iron keeper, 8-3/4" x 3-3/4" x 3/4".

4 Fiber or Bakelite Washers, 3-3/4" dia. 2" hole 3/16" thick.

4 Flat-head Machine Screws, 3/8" dia, 1-1/2" long.

4 Hexagon-head Machine Screws, 3/8" dia. 1-1/2" long.

500 Turns #14 S.C.E, Magnet Wire on each core layer wound.

9-1/2 lbs. Copper Wire are required for the windings which are connected in series

Courtesy of Leslie E. Good, 30 W. 13th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630. 



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