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Old 03-05-2006 | 09:35 AM
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DMcQuinn
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From: Chesterfield, MO
Default RE: DA 100 IGN FAILED

You can remove both spark plugs. connect them to the spark plug wires. in a dark room, spin the prop quickly (like you are going to start it). Both spark plugs should fire. The DA ignition (and the 3W) use a design for the triggering mechanism that requires the magnet to pass the sensor at a pretty quick pace. Some ignitions you can just turn over very slowly. I was once confused by this. you do not have to hold the plugs against the case of the motor (like a lawn mower) because the electrical circuit passes thru the outer sheath of the plug wires.

If the plugs don't fire, then it is the ignition system (module, battery, switch, plug caps). Your test of the battery would indicate the battery is fine.

Also, if the plugs DO fire, it does not mean that everything is OK. They may fire once, but not be able to fire repeatedly in the real-world environment of a running engine. Last week, my DA ignition failed (I am pretty sure), but it passed this simple "fire once" test. I have a backup ignition that can be used for diagnostic purposes. When I put the old backup ignition system back on, the engine runs fine. Unfortunately, a second ignition system costs almost $200 so it is a lot on money tied up in inventory "just in case". My failure was on just one side. engine runs on one cylinder. Swapping the wires moves the problem from one side to the other.

I have had three ignition failures in 5 years. One was a cap failure on a 3W. Second was intermittent failure after 15 minutes of run time (3W) . Third was dropping one cylinder (started intermittently but now is all the time) (DA).

A search here for the word "ignition" will show you that there are a lot of failures will all the brands of ignitions. Fortunately DA warranties theirs for 2 years.