kboatright1(at)comcast.ne
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 Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:45 pm Post subject: Ignition Problem Followup |
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As a follow up on this thread, last week I spoke with Electroair's technical support folks (Jeff Rose and Mike Kobylik) regarding my ignition problem. Both indicated that the symptoms sounded like a sensor problem, so after doing a little troubleshooting, I ordered another timing sensor. This is the little 3/8" probe that inserts into the timing housing, which replaces the right mag in a single mag/single EI system.
From these discussions, both Jeff and Mike indicated that they have upgraded the timing pick-up since mine was purchased 7 or 8 years ago. They have improved both the potting material that surrounds the wires that terminate in the probe and have improved the wire wrap they use. Both of these changes are designed to improve the reliability by preventing fatigue breaks in the probe wires, which was their best guess as to what caused my problem.
Anyway, when I dug into the system this morning, it turned out that I'd suffered a mechanical failure of sorts. The probe (which determines crank position by counting teeth on a rotating gear) had slid into the gear. Eventually, the gear cut a groove into the pick-up and <presumably> failed the probe. How or when did the probe slip? No idea. As I recall, the two set screws that hold the probe in place seemed tight before I removed them today. Of course, I wasn't looking for loose set screws and may not have noticed if they were loose.
Based on this problem, I may add "check EI probe gap" and "retorque EI set screws" to my conditional inspection list. My guess is that it'll add 10 minutes to the inspection.
After fixing the problem what did I do? I went flying, of course. I am always amazed at the difference in performance when my airplane is light vs heavy. Last weekend, we were probably approaching my plane's gross of 1675 lbs, and the plane flew just fine. But today, at 1300 lbs or so, what a difference! I swear the tail was up and I was off the ground after a roll of a couple hundred feet. Followed by an amazing climb out of the traffic pattern. Yeeha!!!
All I can say is build 'em light...
Kyle Boatright
RV-6 N46KB
160 HP Aymar/Demuth
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