Start Proceedure

tracy · #1 12-25-2013, 11:24 AM

Is there a specific way to start o360 with one lightspeed and one slick? I have a toggle starter as the lightspeed is a II only(not plus). Does the slick need to be turned off for start? I've put 70 hrs on it starting with both on with no problems. I'm worried about the kickback.

Kevin Horton · #2 12-25-2013, 03:08 PM

If the voltage gets low enough during the start the Lightspeed ignition may fire at the wrong time, causing a kickback. Initially, I was starting with both the Lightspeed and Slick mag activated, and I had a couple of kickback events. My starter is a SkyTec permanent magnet starter - permanent magnet starters characteristically drag the voltage quite low as the engine starts to turn, but the voltage comes back up once the engine is cranking. The engine is an IO-360-A with stock compression ratio (8.7:1).

After the two kickback events, I modified my start procedure to have the Slick mag on, but the Lightspeed off when I hit the starter. I turn the Lightspeed on after the engine is cranking, so the voltage has come back up. I haven?t had any kickback events with this start procedure.

springer · #3 12-25-2013, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Horton

I modified my start procedure to have the Slick mag on, but the Lightspeed off when I hit the starter. I turn the Lightspeed on after the engine is cranking, so the voltage has come back up. I haven?t had any kickback events with this start procedure.

I started my O-360 the same way. After 500 hours, never a problem.

DanH · #4 12-26-2013, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracy

Is there a specific way to start o360 with one lightspeed and one slick? I have a toggle starter as the lightspeed is a II only(not plus). Does the slick need to be turned off for start? I've put 70 hrs on it starting with both on with no problems. I'm worried about the kickback.

Does it have an impulse coupler? If yes, see the above. If no (without impulse) you need to start mag OFF, Lightspeed ON, or as Kevin said, get the prop spinning before you turn the Lightspeed to ON.

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #5 12-26-2013, 06:40 AM

The original instructions from Mattituck were to start on the Slick and then bring the Lightspeed online. I doublechecked with Mahlon a few years ago and he said Klaus had changed whatever the potential problem was and he recommended starting on the Lightspeed, which I've been doing without any problem, and then bringing the mag online after engine start. I also have an impulse coupler on the mag.

Mahlon has never led me astray.

Mel · #6 12-26-2013, 07:00 AM

If the Slick mag has impulse coupling, there's absolutely no reason not to have it on during start.
As far as the EI goes, follow the manufacturers instruction for it.

tracy · #7 12-26-2013, 08:34 AM

Thanks guys, my aero sport has ei on left side and mag on the right. I'll have to pull cowl to see if its got the impulse on mag, but it's usually standard to leave it of when mounted to right ignition. the odyssey 680 battery is weak on starting power, especially when it's cold. I think I'll leave both off and turn on ei when prop starts spinning.