'Brightspark' condensors can solve the problem if the condensor is the only problem...Bear in mind though that there can be other causes for a lack of spark...Fitting a Brightspark does nothing to address the potential problems of worn bearings, oil pentration, deterioration of the armature windings and insulating washers, pick up brush and earth brush condition, slip ring condition, strength of the magnets etc...
There is a good reason for the price difference between a 'Brightspark' condensor and a complete magneto overhaul...Ian
In about 2011 I took the plunge after speaking at length with Ken who originally had created the Brightspark device
At same time - I had an armature rewound without an integrated condenser & used the externally fitted Brightspark
It was a huge improvement over my old mag - that was quite tired - and since then has covered big miles with my m20 being my only old bike for many years
So - from personal experience- it works & works very well
Be it with my good armature
Whatever route you go down - a rebuilt armature is best route - with a condenser or with an externally fitted Brightspark - that will be your choice
If you have the mag apart - new bearings - cheap - with new insulators are highly recommended- watch that the bearings haven’t spun in the housing & are not arcing to ground
Brightspark website provides oversize insulators for this reason
Jo’b
In about 2011 I took the plunge after speaking at length with Ken who originally had created the Brightspark device
At same time - I had an armature rewound without an integrated condenser & used the externally fitted Brightspark
It was a huge improvement over my old mag - that was quite tired - and since then has covered big miles with my m20 being my only old bike for many years
So - from personal experience- it works & works very well
Be it with my good armature
Whatever route you go down - a rebuilt armature is best route - with a condenser or with an externally fitted Brightspark - that will be your choice
If you have the mag apart - new bearings - cheap - with new insulators are highly recommended- watch that the bearings haven’t spun in the housing & are not arcing to ground
Brightspark website provides oversize insulators for this reason
Jo’b
Thanks for all the excellent replies as ever chaps, most helpful. I've ordered a bearing puller that slots onto the ball race, actually not that expensive. New bearings coming and I'll get the insulating washes too. Slip ring and pick-ups all look good and still with plenty carbon left.
I bought the bright spark ages ago so will use it. However, I'm going to try a minor bodge and not remove the old one. IE don't do the full 'condensosectomy' procedure as the bright spark blurb calls it. My logic depends on the old one being open circuit so putting new one in parallel should be ok ? I guess if it failed short circuit I'll still be where I am now and will be forced to dismantle the armature. Can anyone say if removing the old one is easy or not?
Are there any winding resistances/ isolations to check?
I do not want to start a long discussion about Bright Spark condensers but carry a spare if you are using one.
The following quote is from Bright Spark Magnetos:
".....to provide a magneto condenser that could be treated as a simple, regular service item by the home mechanic. Whether the thing lasts for five years or fifty-five years is not a concern for the market we're aiming at."
So they are admitting it is an item with a limited service life and will require replacement one day. If I am going to the trouble to replace a magneto condenser, I want one that will last forever. Modern condensers are much better than anything Lucas ever used and better than what Bright Spark is offering. As Bright Spark is mounting it to the points plate, they have to use what will fit in the available space instead of what is the best condenser for the job.
If you can take the armature apart, the condenser is easy to replace with a proper one.
