n700jl
Well Known Member
When choosing ignition systems for my aircraft I am very cautious. When I rebuilt my IO-540-c4b5 I decided to go with the tried and true Slick mags. The left mag has slick start with retard points and the right mag is just a direct drive mag. On a trip just a few weeks ago I had a hard time starting the airplane. I thought that maybe I just flooded it or something. After getting the airplane started the mag check was fine and we went on our short trip. After spending the day in Louisville Ky we came back to the airport and loaded up everyone. The airplane was hard starting again. Once the airplane did start the mag check was ok and we went home. Well I had just about enough of not getting the airplane to start on the first try with my family on board. After talking to the Slick Tech Rep. We were convinced that the slick start had went bad. Ordered a new one, put it on and nothing. The same problem.
Ok! The left mag is coming off. Pulled the rear cap and behold the problem was that the cam was worn out! The one that opens and closes both the regular points and retard points was completely worn out after only 120 TT! Slick will not sell you just the cam so you need to buy the whole points kit. $90 later we are back in business. But I let my A&P brain get the best of me and decided to pull the rit mag to check on its condition. Shut the front door, it is worn badly also. Another $90 and a 30 mile round trip number 2 and we are good to go.
So from now on I will be checking my mags with removal every 100 hours. Carring a spare set of cams and points with me at all times.
The problem with this cam wearing out is that I could wear out in flight and cause the points not to open.if the points do not open the mag will not fire and the engine will not run.
I sure do wish I could get one of those 6 cyl P mags right now.
Ok! The left mag is coming off. Pulled the rear cap and behold the problem was that the cam was worn out! The one that opens and closes both the regular points and retard points was completely worn out after only 120 TT! Slick will not sell you just the cam so you need to buy the whole points kit. $90 later we are back in business. But I let my A&P brain get the best of me and decided to pull the rit mag to check on its condition. Shut the front door, it is worn badly also. Another $90 and a 30 mile round trip number 2 and we are good to go.
So from now on I will be checking my mags with removal every 100 hours. Carring a spare set of cams and points with me at all times.
The problem with this cam wearing out is that I could wear out in flight and cause the points not to open.if the points do not open the mag will not fire and the engine will not run.
I sure do wish I could get one of those 6 cyl P mags right now.