Magneto or distributor

[John McEwan]

Hi

My '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?

Thanks

John

[Guest oldodgeboys]

By the way John, a '23 distributor setup just listed on eBay.

[Rusty_OToole]

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.

[gundog99]

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 .

[JACK M]

Lawn mowers and outboard motors still have em.

[brian1925tourer]

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.