Ignition System

Question 1

A device used to produce a spark in the cylinder

Answer 1

SPARK PLUG

Question 2

Device used to create high voltage electrical production for spark plug

Answer 2

MAGNETO

Question 3

How can single point of failure be avoided in an ignition system

Answer 3

SYSTEM DUPLICATION

fail safe

Question 4

What are 2 effects of spark plug fouling when trying to produce a spark

Answer 4

1. No Spark
2. Weak Spark

Question 5

What are 3 causes of spark plug fouling

Answer 5

1. Low RPM
2. Too Rich Mixture
3. Excessively dusty environment operations

Question 6

If you suspect spark plug fouling, what is the correct sequence of 5 steps to attempt to clean spark plug fouling

Answer 6

1. Set high RPM (2000)
2. Lean mixture for RPM drop 300-400
3. Maintain lean mixture 10 seconds
4. Return rich mixture, re-set throttle
5. Re-test

Question 7

How is current created inside of a magneto

Answer 7

Primary coil induces higher coltage in secondary coil

Question 8

what is the function of the P-wire

Answer 8

EARTH/GROUND PRIMARY COIL

When mag is turned “off” P-wire is connected to primary coil

Question 9

There are 2 magnetos. These are known as the ____ magneto, and the ____ magneto

Answer 9

LEFT and RIGHT

Question 10

How many spark plugs per cylinder

Answer 10

2

One connected to LEFT magneto, one connected to RIGHT magneto

Question 11

In engine startup, how can a very strong long lasting spark be created

Answer 11

IMPULSE MAGNETO

Question 12

What is the mechanism that allows the impulse magneto to spin.

Answer 12

SPRING MECHANISM
LOW REV ENGINE

Question 13

Which magneto traditionally houses the impulse magneto

Answer 13

LEFT

Question 14

On startup, when they key is moved to the “start” position, what 2 features are activated

Answer 14

1. LEFT magneto
2. Starter motor

Question 15

During power checks, why does RPM drop when doing magneto checks

Answer 15

FUEL NOT IGNITING EFFICIENTLY

Only 1 spark plug is firing in each cylinder as left, then right magnetos are checked

Question 16

What are the 2 “maximum” figures provided in the POH for magneto run-up checks

Answer 16

1. Max RPM drop each magneto
2. Max DIFFERENCE in RPM drop
   i.e. 175 rpm drop acceptable per magneto, 50 rpm difference between each one when tested

Question 17

Why are the magnetos tested prior to dead cut

Answer 17

Ensure each magneto is grounded

We should see an RPM drop. Does not matter how much, just ensures P-wire is working correctly