oh make sure the plug wires run to the correct cyl or it wont run either. I learnt the hard way.

I had seen this problem only one time but I think it needs mentioning. The spring points of the mag were set correctly but were bent and sprung and would not close correctly. Drove me nut until I figured it out. A bad coil can throw you off too. They run great when cold but runs rough, loss of power or just quits once warm and can take years to completely go out.
Luck

Thanks guys! I have new wires, plugs, double and triple cleaned stuff and still just a pissey yellow spark when taken to the mag housing, still no spark at the plug. I have just ordered an exchange mag from Brillman so I should have one to try tomorrow evening. Looking forward to hearing the pony and the main engine for the first time!! I have never heard this machine run, it will be fun! Elton

if the exchange unit doesnt make a difference its the kill switch or its wire use wire cored plug wire to wire it due to the voltages involved. also to give best spark rub the pencil on the mating faces for the mag what would be better is conductive grease but that can be hard to get.

if the exchange unit doesnt make a difference its the kill switch or its wire use wire cored plug wire to wire it due to the voltages involved. also to give best spark rub the pencil on the mating faces for the mag what would be better is conductive grease but that can be hard to get.

Sounds like you've been inside that problem at least one time... Great info Thanks
I bought a 955 w/ pony and the internal mag coil had been bypassed... innovative 

no. i just understand electrics a bit better than the average bear.
its faily simple mags need a good return path to work properly anything that interferes with that can be a problem.
plus mucking around with antique machinery and being around older blokes some of whom are willing to pass on a few tricks to young buggers like me.

as the saying goes old age and treachery will beat youth and enthusiasim.

elton clean any paint from the plug hole threads and the area the plug seats on. that can stop it working.

this is a dirty trick that i have heard of people doing is to draw a line down the insulator of a spark plug it will stop them working

Thank you all for your helpful information. My replacement overhauled magneto arrived yesterday from Brillman. With any luck I hope to have a report in the morning for the group. On Monday evening I got my main engine started with the electric starter, but the governor was not responding. Tuesday evening I got the rack un-stuck and the engine ran well. So if I can get the pony started tonight and start the main with the pony I will be very happy! Next I get to see why I couldn't get it in gear, likely an adjustment. The saga continues! Elton

Neil,
I hope I don't have to take the gearbox cover off, unless you mean the shifter portion only. I have coming today the brake pads that go on the drive coupling, I hope they help. Last evening I took off the clutch cover and pushed the main clutch to the disengage position and pushed it forward and was able to turn the clutch shaft with my hand. I hope it is just the brake pads.

Elton