Keep Magneto Safe from elements

[Sharif]

A better title would be keeping the whole engine safe from the elements in particular rain and snow.

So the other day I was getting any spark, assumed it was just me not placing the spark plug properly on a ground, but it turned out to be actually dead.
Took my cover off the next day all confused to check the resistance, and it was 1200 Ohms, but I didn't need to check really, because apart from the water pouring out when I took my cover off there was rust all over the magneto and a little on the center magnet thankfully.
I know the included gasket was rubbish, but I didn't know it was that bad.

My question being once I find a magneto locally somehow (shipping will take forever here in St. John's) and seal it off with a high temperature gasket,

• Is that the end of water getting inside?
• What about the other cover where the clutch is located, should I apply the new gasket there as well?
• In general how can I keep it safe from the elements?

This was completely my fault for not replacing the gasket sooner and not putting it off for the $13 the rtv gasket cost

 

[gary55]

seal the mag cover and the hole where the wires go into the mag cover. I have often thought of dipping just the coil section of the mag in liquid rubber like flex seal to completely seal it, but have never tried it. I believe it's called potting the mag.

 

[Sharif]

seal the mag cover and the hole where the wires go into the mag cover. I have often thought of dipping just the coil section of the mag in liquid rubber like flex seal to completely seal it, but have never tried it. I believe it's called potting the mag.

Thanks for pointing that smaller hole out!

I have been wondering, if I was to get less restricted air filter floating around the internet, wouldn't that let water get in when it's raining, because of how open it is?

 

[Sharif]

I used to live in a temperate rainforest. Would coat epoxy all over the coil area to water proof it. Then sealed the wire boot by sticking hot glue gun nozzle in using half a stick. It's also a super crude way to keep going if your magneto seal is leaking.

My bike is currently out of service until I get a new magneto, that aside when you meant sealing it with flex tape liquid as above or epoxy, are you referring to the copper winding or the whole magneto?

 

[gary55]

My bike is currently out of service until I get a new magneto, that aside when you meant sealing it with flex tape liquid as above or epoxy, are you referring to the copper winding or the whole magneto?

Just the winding. The rest has to be able to ground to the engine via the mounting screws.

 

[gary55]

Thanks for pointing that smaller hole out!

I have been wondering, if I was to get less restricted air filter floating around the internet, wouldn't that let water get in when it's raining, because of how open it is?

These are what I use. No problem.2 Stroke Engine Products - Sick Bike Parts

 

[Sharif]

These are what I use. No problem.2 Stroke Engine Products - Sick Bike Parts

Perfect, glad I don't need to worry about the rain with those.

 

[inspectorcritic]

Just lost my 2nd mag in 2 weeks guess rain knock it out.
Soon as I get out my lazyness I'll seal it with ATV.

 

[GreasyChris]

A better title would be keeping the whole engine safe from the elements in particular rain and snow.

So the other day I was getting any spark, assumed it was just me not placing the spark plug properly on a ground, but it turned out to be actually dead.
Took my cover off the next day all confused to check the resistance, and it was 1200 Ohms, but I didn't need to check really, because apart from the water pouring out when I took my cover off there was rust all over the magneto and a little on the center magnet thankfully.
I know the included gasket was rubbish, but I didn't know it was that bad.

My question being once I find a magneto locally somehow (shipping will take forever here in St. John's) and seal it off with a high temperature gasket,

• Is that the end of water getting inside?
• What about the other cover where the clutch is located, should I apply the new gasket there as well?
• In general how can I keep it safe from the elements?

This was completely my fault for not replacing the gasket sooner and not putting it off for the $13 the rtv gasket cost

Motorizedbicycle.ca wil have everything you need. They are located in Canada so you won't wait long and shipping isnt expensive

 

[Sharif]

Motorizedbicycle.ca wil have everything you need. They are located in Canada so you won't wait long and shipping isnt expensive

Ended up getting it locally, doesn't get faster than that