I'm looking for "input & experience" with how to best configure the "spark generators" on a Lycoming 0-360A1A. All thoughts welcomed; do I stay traditional, Bendix/Slick or mix it up with a blend of "old & new technology". I'm not hampered by STC or C of A compliance. The engine is installed in an 170B operating on an Owner Maintenance (OM) C of A, its a Canadian category !!

I'd throw dual PMags on it and never look back...

I went two Slick impulse coupled mags. I would have put one P mag on if I could have.

A1Skinner wrote:I'd throw dual PMags on it and never look back...

Can they be "hand bombed" if required ?

Mapleflt wrote:

A1Skinner wrote:I'd throw dual PMags on it and never look back...

Can they be "hand bombed" if required ?

I've never tried. I could go try it. With a light prop that's on it it wouldn't be much fun anyway. And in today's day and age of the light battery boosting packs there's really quite a small chance of ever needing to.

I like the idea of one impluse coupling mag and one Pmag with an annually replaced 9v battery in the case of hand propping with totally dead electrical system.

I am a big fan of BENDIX mags, able to find parts the same day with a few phone calls. Electronic mags with timing advance can cause high CHT'S not a lot around to borrow when you need to get home. Slicks just suck in general so that is the last choice I would do.
DENNY

DENNY wrote:I am a big fan of BENDIX mags, able to find parts the same day with a few phone calls. Electronic mags with timing advance can cause high CHT'S not a lot around to borrow when you need to get home. Slicks just suck in general so that is the last choice I would do.
DENNY

So; full disclosure, I'm rocking a set of Bendix now but they are an older, non-impulse version and I'm not to excited by them. I have NO brand loyalty, Bendix are a good product from what I've been told and the electronic mags have an appeal as well. So as mention maybe a blended solution is a good compromise. Those E-mags don't come cheep and need a bunch of "accessories" to make them work from what I'm reading so a one & one setup might fit better.

Keep the "intel" coming, all is welcomed, thanks

I'm curious what "accesories" are needed for EMags in your reading? I've installed a few PMags and there wasn't any "accessories" other then running a power wire and a manifold pressure hose.

A1Skinner wrote:I'm curious what "accesories" are needed for EMags in your reading? I've installed a few PMags and there wasn't any "accessories" other then running a power wire and a manifold pressure hose.

I read of additional "hold downs" and a special coupling/adaptor that I'm assuming replaces the impulse coupling

Curious as to the actual advantage of emags and/or pmags,
other than that the whizbang factor?
I'm not saying that mags are bulletproof,
but a set of Bendix mags in good condition is pretty close.

hotrod180 wrote:Curious as to the actual advantage of emags and/or pmags,
other than that the whizbang factor?
I'm not saying that mags are bulletproof,
but a set of Bendix mags in good condition is pretty close.

Variable timing is the main advantage. You get easy starts and more efficiency.

Bryce, the Pmags that I installed had no coupling adapters or extra hold downs. The surefly ones that are on the market now are a straight mag replacement as well. The Electronic system is quite a bit more complex, I wouldn't go there.

Your left mag should be an impulse mag. Some engines come with both. I have a friend with a tailwheel 172 that was running an electronic ignition on the right side hoping for for better fuel burn. When he did not get it he called the manufacture and was told the decrease fuel burn would only come at higher altitudes that he seldom flew, so he went back to standard mag. While I am typing I will throw in a word for this shop when you need them overhauled or have questions. Great family run business. https://www.aircraftmagnetoservice.net/ ... QcQAvD_BwE
DENNY

DENNY wrote:.... I will throw in a word for this shop when you need them overhauled or have questions. Great family run business. https://www.aircraftmagnetoservice.net/ ... QcQAvD_BwE
DENNY

x2

X3. Try and get cliff on the phone to talk options, he’s a big fan of the shower of sparks over the impulse coupling, me too

So now that I seem to have a handle on the spark generator how about plugs, which ones rank as the preferred for a 0-360 A1A ??

hotrod180 wrote:

DENNY wrote:.... I will throw in a word for this shop when you need them overhauled or have questions. Great family run business. https://www.aircraftmagnetoservice.net/ ... QcQAvD_BwE
DENNY

x2

Just don't mention electronic ignition, or prepare to get some aggressive arguments.

Zzz wrote:

hotrod180 wrote:

DENNY wrote:.... I will throw in a word for this shop when you need them overhauled or have questions. Great family run business. https://www.aircraftmagnetoservice.net/ ... QcQAvD_BwE
DENNY

x2

Just don't mention electronic ignition, or prepare to get some aggressive arguments.

Kinda like you'd expect from a Harley shop if you were to ask about Hondas....