The Structure: O-360 A1A with a Slick mag on the left side and the ElectroAir, electronic ignition operating on the right. This ElectroAir system was installed at 640 hours during a panel rebuild and now has over 700 plus hours on the system. It was wired with a toggle switch for ON/OFF on the panel and in series with the key ignition operating the “Right” mag selector.
The Problem: During a run-up the right side would delay (or not return to power at all) coming back on line after it was shut off either through the ignition switch or via the panel toggle. Leaving me with the Slick on the Left doing all the work.
Diagnosis: Check all connects between the mag timing housing (MTH) the toggle switch, and the ignition switch, as well as confirm no visible wire chaffing. Found all secure with no visible chaffing. The oldest electrical component - the ignition switch at 25 years, then the toggle switch at about 9 years. Now I know there are those of you out there who have the gift in being able to do an electrical check on the ignition switch - I’m not one of you. I was sent here to stimulate the economy, buy a new ignition switch and replace the old. Done, and of course no change. On to the toggle switch, and once it was replaced I’m still dealing with intermittent power on the (EI) right side during run-ups. Some coordination with Mike at ElectroAir, who suggests since the ignition and the toggle are wired in sequence disconnect the ignition switch. Same problem still exists.
On to the MTH sensor which I have already purchased a spare because crossing Cuba many years back Jimmy B & Gary (Seismo) Zilik said “You might need one out here in the islands”. That’s also why Rosie carries 1 or 2 alternators depending on the trip over water.
I attempt to remove the back plate on the MTH because the sensor needs to be gapped once installed, but I can’t get the plate off after removing the 2 screws. On to the sensor and completely remove the 2 set screws, but the sensor can’t be extracted either. Fine, I’ll remove the MTH. With the 2 nuts removed the MTH disconnects with ease. So then I remove the cover plate and this is what I find:
(I had a picture of an oil covered back plate of the MTH} But still learning...
After a conversation with Mike at ElectroAir I’m told the Garlock seal has failed and that a new MTH is in order. Since the old one is at 9 years on the engine, well they did swing a 20 percent discount for a new one.
So if you are running with intermittent firing of your ElectroAir mag after several years of no problem flying suggest you have a look behind the cover plate of the dry side of the MTH. If there is oil why, your “Garlock seal” has failed and it is time for a new Mag Timing Housing. Tell them Jailbird sent you.
Has this fixed the run-up failure? Will have to get back with you when the new unit arrives next week. Cheers
The Problem: During a run-up the right side would delay (or not return to power at all) coming back on line after it was shut off either through the ignition switch or via the panel toggle. Leaving me with the Slick on the Left doing all the work.
Diagnosis: Check all connects between the mag timing housing (MTH) the toggle switch, and the ignition switch, as well as confirm no visible wire chaffing. Found all secure with no visible chaffing. The oldest electrical component - the ignition switch at 25 years, then the toggle switch at about 9 years. Now I know there are those of you out there who have the gift in being able to do an electrical check on the ignition switch - I’m not one of you. I was sent here to stimulate the economy, buy a new ignition switch and replace the old. Done, and of course no change. On to the toggle switch, and once it was replaced I’m still dealing with intermittent power on the (EI) right side during run-ups. Some coordination with Mike at ElectroAir, who suggests since the ignition and the toggle are wired in sequence disconnect the ignition switch. Same problem still exists.
On to the MTH sensor which I have already purchased a spare because crossing Cuba many years back Jimmy B & Gary (Seismo) Zilik said “You might need one out here in the islands”. That’s also why Rosie carries 1 or 2 alternators depending on the trip over water.
I attempt to remove the back plate on the MTH because the sensor needs to be gapped once installed, but I can’t get the plate off after removing the 2 screws. On to the sensor and completely remove the 2 set screws, but the sensor can’t be extracted either. Fine, I’ll remove the MTH. With the 2 nuts removed the MTH disconnects with ease. So then I remove the cover plate and this is what I find:
(I had a picture of an oil covered back plate of the MTH} But still learning...
After a conversation with Mike at ElectroAir I’m told the Garlock seal has failed and that a new MTH is in order. Since the old one is at 9 years on the engine, well they did swing a 20 percent discount for a new one.
So if you are running with intermittent firing of your ElectroAir mag after several years of no problem flying suggest you have a look behind the cover plate of the dry side of the MTH. If there is oil why, your “Garlock seal” has failed and it is time for a new Mag Timing Housing. Tell them Jailbird sent you.
Has this fixed the run-up failure? Will have to get back with you when the new unit arrives next week. Cheers
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