Slick Magneto Issue

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by Fearless

Vlad,
In response to the other posts I used the same method to setting the flywall for the right mag for BTDC that I do for the left which is just fine.

You didn't quite answer the question: did you verify you were on the #1 compression stroke? Just setting it to the flywheel marks, you have a 50-50 chance of getting it right.

[Raymo]

Originally Posted by FlyingBanker

Not my understanding. I believe the mag will tell you whether it is left turning or right turning on the data plate. Whichever way the mag turns, that's the slot you should use for timing. Has nothing to do with whether the mag is mounted on the L or R. I have two left turning mags on my 6A and just replaced both of the distributor gears in conformance with the service bulletin Raymo references.

Haven't seen that setup before. Good to know.

[Fearless]

I use the rite system starting with cylinder number 1 on the compression stroke for finding the 25 degrees BTDC for my Lycoming.

[lr172]

Originally Posted by Fearless

I use the rite system starting with cylinder number 1 on the compression stroke for finding the 25 degrees BTDC for my Lycoming.

Don't know what the rite system is, but will assume you know what a compression stroke is and how to find it (if unsure, research is prudent here). Check again with the paper clip. If the spark is firing the paperclip, but not running the engine, you are either 180 off, as we discussed, timing is WAY off, you got the ignition wires running to the wrong cylinders, or you found a way to get the cap on wrong (mag has an embossed "1" near the #1 terminal), though I don't remember this being possible on a slick.

While possible, it seems quite unlikely that only one plug would fire with the paper clip. That said, your ear should pick up that one cylinder is firing when it dies.

Be sure the disconnected p lead wires are not touching any metal or each other.

Larry

[arffguy]

Thread drift here. I'm not familiar with this paper clip trick. How is it done?

[RV8Squaz]

Originally Posted by Fearless

I use the rite system starting with cylinder number 1 on the compression stroke for finding the 25 degrees BTDC for my Lycoming.

The Rite System is unnecessary for engines with timing marks on the fly-wheel and adds unwanted complication. Most Lycomings have timing marks on the flywheel on the front and on the back. The front timing marks line up with the little hole on the starter and the rear timing marks line up with the case split on the spine of the engine. I could see how the Rite System would be advantageous on Continentals where use of the "flower pot" and cylinder pin is necessary.

Remove all top plugs. Rotate the prop in the normal direction until you find the compression stroke on #1. Use the timing marks on the flywheel. If prior to reaching 25 BTDC continue turning until 25 BTDC. If past 25 BTDC, rotate prop backwards until well before 25 BTDC and then move forward until 25 BTDC to remove gear lash. Insert magneto with pin inserted in the hole designated on data card L for Left Mag Rotation and R for Right Mag rotation. Then take it from there. If you've never done this before, it would be best to be shown by a competent mechanic. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there has to be plenty of videos on Youtube and most importantly don't forget about the publications by the manufacturers, Lycoming and Slick manuals and SB's. Those should be your primary reference.

[lr172]

Originally Posted by arffguy

Thread drift here. I'm not familiar with this paper clip trick. How is it done?

I have never used a paper clip, but if you take a plug out with the lead connected, you can ground the plug to the engine via a wire with aligator clips and be able to observe spark activity while the engine is running or spinning via the starter.

Larry

[Fearless]

Thanks for all the feedback. It was the timing all along. Today I got it timed correctly.