1934 Magnetos

[saluki42]

Hi the entire electrical system is missing from my Model Z project bike including the Lucas MagDyno. Is there anybody who may know what model of Lucas Magneto is likely to have been fitted to this and the Z1 Powerflow. Any information which would allow me to narrow my search would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

[saluki42]

Hi had a bit of luck and it looks like it should be a Lucas MN2 fitted with an appropriate dynamo. All I have to do now is find one.

Chris

[EW-Ron]

The Lucas Bible lists an MN2 (also ?) as being for the late 40s Douglas 350cc bikes.
(It doesn't go back far enough prewar to show anything for 1934).

Its possible the only real difference between an MN and the far more common MO is the ring pattern vs face pattern cam ?
(and the cosmetics)   The local magneto guru converted an MO for me vice versa to the above, for v-twin use.

Choose carefully ... ?
https://central-motor-cycles.myshopify.com/products/lucas-mn2-magneto

Remember that the generator is optional - you can always run constant loss electrics, and recharge the battery as required.
Unless you don't have a magneto !

[eddie]

Having looked through my 1936 -57 Lucas catalogue - the only bike listed with an MN2 magneto was the '38/'39 Triumph 5T. A model MN2E was fitted to '37 - '50 Scott twins, and an MN2L fitted to '49 - '57 Enfield 500 twins and '53 - '57 700 'Super Meteor' twins.
  The more readily available MN2L from a Mark series Douglas may provide the basis for your mag, but will need the ears (for bolting to the back of the timing chest) removed to provide the correct appearance - also, the rotation may need reversing.

  Hope this helps,
                            Regards,
                                            Eddie.

[saluki42]

Thanks for the feedback on this issue. I've just found some photographs from an auction sometime ago of a Model Z and although not initially clear it looks like the magneto fitted is an MO2 as opposed to an MN2. I've attached a copy of the picture so see if you agree.

Chris

[eddie]

No, that mag is an MN2 (with a ring cam for the points). The MO series mags have a face cam and no provision for a cutout lead.

   I had a quick look on ebay for an MN2 mag - there is one listed, but you will need to sit down before looking at the price!

   Regards,
                   Eddie.

[saluki42]

Yes I saw that one Eddie thanks  and thought at the time that that was over half what I paid for the project Model Z to start with. Ive got a few years of searching and building bits of this project so hopefully I'll find one at a better price by then.

Thanks
Chris