Which mag to ditch for single EI

[RV8Squaz]

Originally Posted by Kokemiller

Thanks for the input so far everyone.

I have spoken to Brad at Emag and he said he prefers to replace the left mag with pmag but I have decided not to go with his system.

Klaus said that he would pull the left mag and leave the right and leave all the starting up to the plasma as well.

Personally don't know anyone that runs this way but it does have merit. Just want to make sure there isn't surprises I haven't thought of.

Kelley,

I have the LightSpeed Plasma III and installed it exactly as Klaus recommended as stated above. I have the LS on the left firing the top plugs and a non-impulse mag on the right firing the bottom plugs. I have almost 1000 hours on my plane and I have never had an issue starting on the LS only, cold or hot. I have had other issues with the LS, intermittent missing due to a bad Hall effect, but never starting problems. I have toggle switches and on my checklist flow I come to the LS first and leave the mag off. You could do some fancy wiring to ground the mag when the starter is engaged, but it isn't necessary.

Also, I have a 200 hp IO-360A1A angle valve motor. Even if I had an impulse mag, I don't think I would want to hand prop it. Being fuel injected, it does take a few rotations during a hot start. So even if I dared hand propping, I doubt I would be very successful starting on just an impulse mag. It would take a while at the very least. If I should ever have a dead battery, I would put it on a charger and go have lunch!

If the LS goes bad prior to start, well then I guess I'm grounded. I shouldn't be flying on a single ignition anyway. The good thing about the the RV and the VAF community is that help is usually right around the corner. Parts can be shipped overnight. The trip could turn out to be a nice adventure!

Jerry Esquenazi
RV-8 N84JE

[osxuser]

I find it somewhat comical how each manufacturer thinks their system is better for starting. Leaving the impulse mag gives you an out. Either way the mag should come off at 500hrs for inspection. My vote is for always keep the impulse. On my Citabria, I converted the Lyc to dual impulse.

[epaslick]

Originally Posted by osxuser

Leaving the impulse mag gives you an out.

An out for what, may I ask? Not trying to ba an ***, but I have to agree with Jerry. Why would you consider taking off with only one ignition system working?

[N427EF]

An out for what, may I ask? Not trying to ba an ***, but I have to agree with Jerry. Why would you consider taking off with only one ignition system working?

1: An out for a dead battery
2: If your battery is dead and your alternator is not working you really wouldn't take off but that scenario would be rare.

In Jerry's situation with an angle valve and probably high compression piston
I agree, out of luck.

I am thinking of the more common scenario, sitting somewhere for an extended period of time and your battery going dead on you and out of cell phone range of nearby RV friends.