Look for hairline cracks in the Bakelite distributor blocks. These can cause "carbon tracking," where the spark jumps to the ground instead of the plug.

Before cracking open the housing, perform a visual and tactile "health check":

Use a hard-finish paper (like a business card) soaked in a little solvent to white away oil or oxidation between the points.

However, a Scintilla magneto is only as reliable as its maintenance. Whether you are holding a Bendix-Scintilla S-20 or a classic V-AG series, this guide serves as a practical manual for understanding, timing, and preserving these mechanical masterpieces. 1. Understanding the Scintilla Operating Principle