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December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas everyone!
Today we talk about how to CHECK the magneto timing on your airplane engine.
This is NOT about how to adjust the timing, but simply how to CHECK it.
In order to check magneto to engine timing, you will need: A timing indicator. (A popular one is called a magneto synchronizer.)
Recommended kit is called the Rite System magneto timing kit. It’s available at Aircraft Spruce for about $150 for the one including the synchronizer.
If you get the Rite System kit, I recommend also buying a threaded top dead center plug (18mm) since it is much better than the nylon TDC pin that comes in the Rite System kit. Aircraft Tool Supply sells it for about $16.
You must be an A&P, or be supervised by one, to adjust mag timing, but as an airplane owner, you could CHECK the mag timing so that you know if it needs adjustment BEFORE it goes into the maintenance shop.
Have a great week!
As a student pilot new to the world of aviation, I found this podcast to be very thorough, clear, and easy to understand. I paused throughout the presentation to research unfamiliar terms, such as “buzz boxes”. I had no difficulty following the pace and the enthusiasm for the subject matter was infectious. It would also be helpful to watch a presentation with pictures/videos, but the format of the podcast lends itself well to listening in the car or while exercising. Mr. Showalter is an excellent teacher and I look forward to more podcasts and other educational resources related to aircraft maintenance.
I request an episode on servicing landing gear struts or changing the engine oil and filter. Thank you!
Thank you Elizabeth! I will plan to do an episode soon on changing engine oil and filter, and one on servicing landing gear struts. Those would both be excellent topics.