Has my ignition module died?
11-29-2012, 11:56 PM
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Has my ignition module died?
Hi engine gurus. I am going to post a couple of questions here as I am having no joy with my 3W 55.
Last time I ran my engine in my Spitfire the engine was strong and on song for the first half of the flight but then it seemed the engine was leaning out or getting hot so I landed and started checking things out.
First of all I checked ignition battery and it was OK at 7v with a 2 cell Li-fe battery. Next after starting the engine (3 flicks) I richened it up and tried to get full power again with no joy. A week later with some new fuel and fully charged battery I tried again but it still ran as if fuel starved. I pulled the engine and put it on my test stand after checking filters, carb strainer and in tank filter/clunk all if which were fine. Now I go to start it up and nothing at all. Fuel is drawing up to carb and I can see and smell fuel so that is OK so I pull the spark plug and give it a blow (why do we all do that??
) and test the plug earthed on the side of the cylinder head. NOTHING!!! No spark. Now I have done this test on a number of occasions and had the spark but nothing this time. I even removed the switch between the batt and the ignition to test that theory but still nothing. I tested with a volt meter and got .5v as the magnet passed the pick up.
Is my ignition dead? What other test can I do?
Thanks for any info or conclusions, good or bad.
Brad
Last time I ran my engine in my Spitfire the engine was strong and on song for the first half of the flight but then it seemed the engine was leaning out or getting hot so I landed and started checking things out.
First of all I checked ignition battery and it was OK at 7v with a 2 cell Li-fe battery. Next after starting the engine (3 flicks) I richened it up and tried to get full power again with no joy. A week later with some new fuel and fully charged battery I tried again but it still ran as if fuel starved. I pulled the engine and put it on my test stand after checking filters, carb strainer and in tank filter/clunk all if which were fine. Now I go to start it up and nothing at all. Fuel is drawing up to carb and I can see and smell fuel so that is OK so I pull the spark plug and give it a blow (why do we all do that??
) and test the plug earthed on the side of the cylinder head. NOTHING!!! No spark. Now I have done this test on a number of occasions and had the spark but nothing this time. I even removed the switch between the batt and the ignition to test that theory but still nothing. I tested with a volt meter and got .5v as the magnet passed the pick up.Is my ignition dead? What other test can I do?
Thanks for any info or conclusions, good or bad.
Brad
11-30-2012, 02:05 AM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
The 3W ignition has a coil pickup (some have).
A slow prop turning will give you no spark in that case. What did the plug look like. Picture tells a thousand words.
Maybe the engine is lean, or indeed ran too hot? Debris inside the carb? Pulse line blocked or leaking?
A slow prop turning will give you no spark in that case. What did the plug look like. Picture tells a thousand words.
Maybe the engine is lean, or indeed ran too hot? Debris inside the carb? Pulse line blocked or leaking?
11-30-2012, 03:37 AM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
ORIGINAL: pe reivers
The 3W ignition has a coil pickup (some have).
A slow prop turning will give you no spark in that case. What did the plug look like. Picture tells a thousand words.
Maybe the engine is lean, or indeed ran too hot? Debris inside the carb? Pulse line blocked or leaking?
The 3W ignition has a coil pickup (some have).
A slow prop turning will give you no spark in that case. What did the plug look like. Picture tells a thousand words.
Maybe the engine is lean, or indeed ran too hot? Debris inside the carb? Pulse line blocked or leaking?
Cheers,
Brad
11-30-2012, 07:32 AM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
ORIGINAL: closetguy
is it ok to run 7 volts to a 3W ignition?if not maybe you fried the ignition?
is it ok to run 7 volts to a 3W ignition?if not maybe you fried the ignition?
11-30-2012, 04:04 PM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
ORIGINAL: BadAzzMaxx
The older ignitions with the blue dot are for 4.8 volts.
The newer ones that the prop hub has 2 magnets are for higher voltage.
Milton
The older ignitions with the blue dot are for 4.8 volts.
The newer ones that the prop hub has 2 magnets are for higher voltage.
Milton
Can anyone tell me what voltage I would expect from the ignition across the spark plug like I tested before? .5 of a volt does not seem good. Is this a valid test even?
Brad
12-10-2012, 12:22 PM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
Brad
I just had a problem of no spark with my 3W60. To test for the spark I put the shaft on an electric drill, took the spark plug out of the plane attached to the cap and ran the drill to get good rpm's; I got no spark. I called Gerhard at 3W and he suggested it might be the plug cap and others have said this is a common problem with 3W's. I would check that first as it is an easy fix. Hope this helps. Black plug if I remember correctly is a rich mixture.
Best
Moggy
I just had a problem of no spark with my 3W60. To test for the spark I put the shaft on an electric drill, took the spark plug out of the plane attached to the cap and ran the drill to get good rpm's; I got no spark. I called Gerhard at 3W and he suggested it might be the plug cap and others have said this is a common problem with 3W's. I would check that first as it is an easy fix. Hope this helps. Black plug if I remember correctly is a rich mixture.
Best
Moggy
12-10-2012, 03:50 PM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
Just got the call from Gerhard and my ignition is fried. I bought the engine used a few years back but didn't run it until now (deployment to Iraq etc). I got hosed so I bought a used one with a one year warranty for $100. I might have gotten hosed twice but I want to get this engine running and in the plane. Just my recent experience. Brad, I hope you didn't fry the ignition mate.
Cheers
Moggy
Cheers
Moggy
12-11-2012, 04:10 AM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
Cheers mate, me too. At $$$$ it seems a pill to swallow.
I followed all the mounting rules for the unit as well.
Cheers,
Brad
I followed all the mounting rules for the unit as well.
Cheers,
Brad
12-12-2012, 05:21 PM
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RE: Has my ignition module died?
Brad, Moggy,
For my 3w-50 and 3w-60's. I had the old blue dots. I have switched to C&H ignitions. I
I run a single pick up magnet at 4.8 volt 1500 and 1800 mah 4 cell NiCads respectively.
Both run like a 12 cylinder Merlin's now past 3 years.
My 3 other Brison engines also have C&H too!
R, mike
For my 3w-50 and 3w-60's. I had the old blue dots. I have switched to C&H ignitions. I
I run a single pick up magnet at 4.8 volt 1500 and 1800 mah 4 cell NiCads respectively.
Both run like a 12 cylinder Merlin's now past 3 years.
My 3 other Brison engines also have C&H too!
R, mike
