Magneto Installation

INSTALLING A WICO X or C MAGNETO
ON A HORIZONTAL TWO CYLINDER JOHN DEERE
(note: updated May 08, 2009)

Result: Spark will occur and fire the left side spark plug (flywheel side) on the compression stroke when the LH Impulse marking on the flywheel passes the three o'clock position. Most models have a matching mark (or tab) on the crankcase.

FLYWHEEL-----Turn the flywheel in the normal direction (counter-clockwise) until the left side piston is coming up on compression, and facing the flywheel the "LH Impulse" is at three o'clock. The drive notches in the magneto drive should be horizontal at this point.

MAGNETO-----WICO X OR C... With the magneto cap off and the rotor removed, turn the magneto drive coupling until the drive lugs are horizontal and the flat on the rotor shaft is on the left. Install the magneto. Initially, rotate the magneto case clockwise against the governor housing as far as the slots will permit.

Again, slowly turn the flywheel in the normal direction until the LH Impulse mark aligns at the 3 o'clock position. Next, slowly rotate the magneto case until you hear the magneto impulse trip or "snap". Tighten the magneto attaching bolts at this position.

Again, slowly turn the flywheel in the normal direction and listen for the impulse to trip when the flywheel impulse mark passes the three o'clock position. If it doesn't, rotate the magneto case to achieve the impulse trip.

If the tractor won't start or backfires through the carburetor, the spark plug wires may be reversed, or the magneto may be 180 out of time. If the magneto is installed 180 out, switching the spark plug wires is not the fix. Remove the magneto and re-time the drive coupling 180 degrees (one-half turn).

ON WICO "X" The LOWER plug wire nipple is for the flywheel side spark plug

ON WICO "C" The UPPER plug wire nipple is for the flywheel side spark plug.