As everyone else was heading home we too decided it was time to depart. We got the airport, loaded up and did the pre-flight. We taxiied out to 24 for departure and performed a run-up. Our luck had run out!!! On the run-up I discovered the right mag (P-mag) was not firing on the Number 1 cylinder. Without my engine monitoring system (AFS 2500) i would have never pinpointed the problem down that quickly. On the right mag the number 1 cylinder would lose all CHT and EGT. I knew it wasn't firing. So we had to taxi back to the GA ramp.
I didn't know what to do so I called the builder....surely he would have an idea. No answer, I think he is in Peru. Hmmm, I could make a post on VAF but that would take awhile and I didn't know how long a window I had with this weather. I decided to call Walt
http://expaircraft.com/. he diagnosed the problem on the phone and talked me through what I should check. He suspected a bad plug and I could try running the engine hard to clear the lead deposits but if that didn't work I had to pull the plug for a closer look.
I ran the engine hard for about a minute but the problem persisted. I had to uncowl on a busy ramp at MVY. (Note to self: put together a traveling tool kit IMMEDIATELY!) I had a screwdriver, some various nuts and bolts, 2 spare plugs, some duct tape and a spark plug socket (but no rachet).
I was in trouble! I was able to decowl and I had the FBO searching for a rachet so I could pull the plug. After uncowling, the problem was obvious, the ignition wire had come off the plug and was just dangling there. How did that come off??
I looked at the plug and discovered the screw on tip was missing. Hmmm. Well, all I needed was to install a new tip and secure the plug wire. I was relieved at this point thought. Easy fix!! The spare plug tip was on tight so i had to get pliers to twist it off. Well, I twisted the entire inards of the plug out. Appearently this plug didn't have a screw on tip even though it is the same model as the one already installed (NGKs). I had to intall a new plug afterall.