Our Refurbishing Process

We don't just repair magnetos, we refurbish them. When we are done, our magnetos perform like new! How do we know? Because we thoroughly test them to make sure!

Once we receive a magneto to refurbish, our process generally goes like this:

• Initial test for spark or other signs of life.
• Complete tear down of magneto.
• Test coil for correct operation.
• Clean all components. In general, this means non-electrical components are cleaned in the parts washer, then select components are soda blasted to remove paint, scale and rust.
• Once cleaned, all components are inspected for wear, pitting, and other anomalies that could negatively effect proper operation of magneto performance.
• The rotor is recharged in one of our magnet chargers.
• The trip arm assembly is degaussed to eliminate any residual magnetism that may have accumulated over decades of use.
• New parts are pulled from inventory and the magneto is assembled.
• Once assembled, the magneto is tested for proper lag angle and electrical output parameters.
• The final step before packaging the magneto for return shipment, is a 20 minute workout on the 'magneto treadmill' where the magneto is placed on a test stand under approximately the same RPM range as it will be subjected to under real-world conditions.

If you have a Fairbanks-Morse 'X' or Wico 'XH' series magneto you'd like refurbished, please print out and complete this form and ship to the address on the form. Labor cost (including magnet recharging) is typically between $85 and $125 with single cylinder magnetos being on the lower end and 4+ cylinder magnetos on the upper end. Broken and/or rusted pieces may effect the labor cost as well. Parts are quoted seperately after an initial inspection. Typical turn-around is generally 2 weeks. Rush service is available.

American Magneto Service warranties refurbished magnetos for 13 months from the date of shipping. Why 13? We figure you need time to receive it, install it, and still get a full year of run time. Most shops give you 12 months and the clock starts ticking while it's still in the box. Naturally, misuse or abuse isn't covered under warranty.

We use a mix of vintage and modern test equipment. The classics — Merc-o-tronic Model 98, Graham Model 51-RP Coil & Condenser testers — alongside modern meters, oscilloscopes and custom diagnostic tools we've developed in-house. We're always refining our testing capabilities.

The Allen E-535 Electric Servicer (AKA 'The Treadmill') shown above was a mainstay in numerous service shops across the country in the 1940's, 50's, and 60's. It was built to test generators, starters and magnetos. We've had this particular unit for over 15 years now. It came with all the bells and whistles. It even has the highly desireable Adjustable 12 Point Spark Gap rack.

This shows the optional Magneto Reduction Drive that provides a 10-to-1 reduction in speed to test the lag angle using the integrated protractor scale. You'd be surprised how many magnetos arrive maladjusted.