Which Magneto is it?

As a newbie here I am on a steep learning curve - but enjoying it.

It may seem like a daft question but how can I tell which magneto I have on my Lister D. There do not appear to be any manufacturer's marks and I haven't taken anything to pieces yet!

Thanks for your help.

Easy answer is to pop a photo up but as a newbie you can't.
Most D types had the Lucas RS1, latter ones had the Lucas SR2 and earlier the Lucas ML.
The RS1 is square, looks a bit like a loaf of bread (Wholemeal, not white) and has a Bakelite top, the SR1 is also sort of squarish with a rounded bottom and the whole end of that is either Bakelite or pressed tin with the HT lead coming out of that end, the ML is a much rounder mag in general and has a round deep points cover.

That's assuming it still has the original mag. It could have a Wico, BTH, Thompson Bennett, Hills and any one of a number of different ones been codged on over the years...

If you bought David Edgington's book,"The Lister D type Story", it would be an invaluable reference and would help you identify the magneto.
E

Thank you for all of that. The magneto I have is an offwhite colour on top - definitely not metal possibly bakerlite. One side has a half circle and from the other side runs the HT lead. That's as far as I have got!

Sounds like a Lucas RS1 https://www.themagnetoguys.co.uk/lucas-magnetos#&gid=1407295911&pid=60 top is usually black but I have seen them looking quite faded.

Pretty sure it's a Lucas RS1. The bakelite cover is extremely faded. When I've replaced the spark plug and HT lead I'll know if it's working!

ajcooper4 wrote:When I've replaced the spark plug and HT lead I'll know if it's working!

Just attach any old wire to HT and hold other end about 5mm from casing and flick it over by hand. Fingers crossed.

The existing HT wire is still attached to the top of the magneto casing. Can I use that for now for this test.

No probs. Go for it!

Also....sorry such a dim question but I've never had a Lister before...which way do I rotate the fly wheel as the original arrow markings have gone.

If you are just turning it it doesn't matter, if you are trying to start it use the handle that came with it, assuming you have one? Standard rotation is clockwise as you look at the flywheel. Assuming you don't have a reverse rotation one...

I do have the starting handle and of course, now I think about it if I am checking for a spark it doesn't really matter. Unless I am being dim - again!

If you have the handle it will only turn it one way.....

No spark across HT lead but...turn the handle quickly enough and there’s a clear spark across the points. There’s some life in it it would seem!

Probably the condenser has failed. There should be two screws holding the bakelite top of the magneto on, be careful not to crack the top if they are on tight. The coil and condenser are underneath. You can replace it with one of the older style car condensers obtainable from motor spares shops but make sure it has the right terminals to fit where the old one comes out.

Condenser here

Also check resistance of HT side - between HT terminal and body.

A lot of resistance and no continuity. HT lead u/s without a doubt. Unfortunately in trying to remove it I have discovered how brittle and crumbly the bakelite top is. Can these be purchased separately does anyone know please?

Probably, don't know of any offhand but Google might.

photograph of top please, I cant promise but I might have one but need to see yours first.

Maryalice

Thank you so much. Here's the photograph.

AJCOOPER4,
I checked my stock of bits and pieces but sadly
i dont have one.

Maryalice

maryalice wrote:AJCOOPER4,
I checked my stock of bits and pieces but sadly
i dont have one.

Maryalice

That's ok. Thank you so much for looking.

I had the Lucas RS1 from my Lister D rebuilt and it came back to me like new but sadly the top was smashed as the parcel hadn't been handled very carefully. I spent quite a bit of time searching the Internet for a replacement but couldn't find a supplier. As they are so brittle I'm not surprised that many will have broken over the years. In the end I managed to glue the puzzle back together and used some car body filler to sort the holes and cracks which remained then gave it a spray with black paint and it looks fine.