IO-540 Hot Starts, No Spark

Bartman

Bartman

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Hi all, a friend's airplane starts fine when it's cold but hot starts are all but impossible. In troubleshooting the problem today, the mechanics on our field found there is no spark when the engine has been sitting after shutdown. The airplane is a Rockwell Commander and the engine is an IO-540 with dual magnetos. Some of you are A&P's and the shop was recently sold to a great new mechanic but the previous owner, who still supervises and signs off the work, won't be back for a few days.

Any chance this is something someone here has seen before? Any ideas I can pass along to my buddy and our local mechanic?

Thanks!
Bart
 
Does it have some kind of electronic ignition booster like shower of sparks, or sure start? Those electronics might be going out. They don't like to work when the get hot. Cant imagine in any way that heat would affect an impulse coupling
 
Thanks for the replies, maybe the shop has parts to swap out.

@Tangogawd , I don't think it does. It's two mags with whatever two original mags would have for the initial start.

Found a website with a lot of info about magnetos, winter's coming, you'll need something to read!

The Magneto Guys - Vintage, Veteran, Classic Magneto and Dynamo Repairs

Most of the work we do involves magnetos as fitted to Veteran, Vintage and Classic machines. This includes all types of Stationary Engines, Tractors, Boats, Motorcycles and Cars ranging from the most simple generator sets through to exotic racing machinery. Customers include individual owners...
www.themagnetoguys.co.uk www.themagnetoguys.co.uk
 
sound like the S2A I used to own, fly it, land, get gas. then push back to the hanger. Never could get a hot start on her but cold not even 1 blade.
Good luck. I sent the mags out for HOT TESTING checked good, tested fuel injection system good, gave up and just planed my day
 
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