John McEwan Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 HiMy '23 Dodge is fitted with a magneto and it runs perfectly. Is there any performance advantage in running a distributor setup?Why did some models of the same year come with different ignition systems?ThanksJohn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oldodgeboys Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 By the way John, a '23 distributor setup just listed on eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 In those days magneto ignition was considered better and more reliable but more expensive to buy. Luxury cars often featured magneto ignition, as did race cars, fire engines, and aircraft.As long as it is working correctly there would be no advantage in changing it. But if it fails it might be cheaper to put on coil ignition instead of having the mag rebuilt.Batteries and generators were expensive and not as long lived or reliable as todays. Self starters, improved batteries and improved coil ignition systems came into use along with other electrical accessories and magnetos went the way of the Stanley Steamer.Tractors offered magneto ignition as an option into the 50s. So did Harley Davidson, until around 1970.By 1923 it was rare on cars, it was probably a special order option on your car.You might want to watch out for a disease called "shellacitis". On old magnetos the shellac can fail. When the mag gets good and hot the shellac insulation can melt and run down. When the engine cools the shellac hardens. Next time you go to start the engine the mag is frozen solid.The only way to prevent this is to have the mag rebuilt by an expert who can rewind the mag if necessary, using new wire with modern insulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gundog99 Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Up to about 1926, most Australian Dodges were supplied with magneto ignition.A few years ago I also owned a 1923 Dodge, distributed by the same Sydney garage as your car, it also was fitted with magneto ignition . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Lawn mowers and outboard motors still have em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian1925tourer Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I believe the difference between the 2 would be the amount of voltage giving a better spark with a coil. I never bothered changing mine as a I've never had trouble with my magneto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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