Maytag Help Please

Hi everyone-

I am having problems with my Maytag 92. No matter what I do I can't get any spark. I have replaced the points and the condensor. The points are gapped at.020. I'm not positive on the point gap thought because I can't ge a feeler gauge in there straight because the governor weight is in the way. is there an alternitive way to gap the points with the flywheel off? It's really hard working through that little hole. . . Where do I connect the ohm meter to check to see if my points are grounded out or not? And finally could it be the coil? And how do I check that?

All suggestions are welcome, Thanks,

Joe

Here's some good pictures that may help you out.




http://oldengine.org/members/allen/Maytag/Maytag01.html

The point setting on your Maytag is not that critical. I never use a feeler guage, I just adjust to a setting where the spark looks the hottest. When messing with running original engines that haven't been apart for years I have found that the setting varies from engine to engine but am assuming most are at around .020. Some are only gapped a hair, and others are nearly at 1/8". This leads me to believe its not a big deal to have them right at .020. Are your point contacts good and clean? You may have to file them or clean them good if they have been sitting around very long. Out of well over 100 92's I have worked on I have had to replace maybe 2 coils. Your coil definately could be bad, but chances are it's in your points. Have you followed the testing procedure outlined in the repair manual? How are your magnets? This can make a big difference. Ignition problems can make you want to pull your hair out sometimes, but I am sure you will get it eventually!

Also check your hi tension lead wire. I had one that would not fire a plug, but would give you a hell of a bite if you held it. Turns out the wire was shorting to the backing plate under compression. the wire must also fully seat in the mag receiver end. Andrew