Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Nova II ignition, rotary number, degree wheel

Question
QUESTION: Hi John,  I just bought a Nova II electronic ignition to replace the points.  The directions say nothing about where to place the unit, only the wiring.  Where is the sensor itself located on the module, how close and what orientation to the flywheel must it be and how is the timing set?  Thanks so much for your wisdom, Paul

ANSWER: Hello Paul:

I Usually Drill a Small Hole in the Blower Housing and Mount the Nova ll (Rotary Number 8786) to the Outside of the Housing. Be Sure to Route the Wires so the are Not Going to get Caught in the Flywheel During Engine Operation. The Nova has No Sensor, it Uses the Coil to Determine when to Fire the Plug. The Plug Firing is Timed by the Flywheel Key and is a "Fixed" Timing. The Valve Timing is Set by the Marks on the Crankshaft and Cam (this is inside the engine) when they are Lined Up Together. Just Follow the Directions for Hook Up and the Engine Should Run. No Timing to Worry About. The Coil is Set at .020 from the Flywheel. This is the Only Clearance you Need Worry about. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again John,

I have the Nova ignition installed and operational.  I am noticing, however, with a timing light and degree wheel in place that the timing retards as engine rpms increase, perhaps about 10 degrees through the rpm range. Normally ignition advances as rpms increase on other engines I have dealt with.  Have you had opportunity to check the Nova unit in this manner?

Sincerely,
Paul

Answer
Hi John:

No I haven't. But now; since you have brought this to my Attention, I will Look Into it and Let you know what I can Find Out. I do Know that the Older Farm Tractors would Retart the Timing for a More Torque from the Engine. This May be the Same Purpose of the Nova ll Design. Thanks for Bringing this to my Attention. Thanks for the Ratings and Good Words. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Happy Holidays. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Respectfully