Engine Ignition and Electrical Systems

The basic requirements for reciprocating engine ignition systems are similar, regardless of the type of engine. All ignition systems must deliver a high-tension spark across the electrodes of each spark plug in each cylinder of the engine in the correct firing order. At a predetermined number of degrees ahead of the top dead center position of the piston, as measured by crankshaft travel in degrees of rotation, the spark occurs in the cylinder. The potential output voltage of the system must be adequate to arc the gap in the spark plug electrodes under all operating conditions. The spark plug is threaded into the cylinder head with the electrodes exposed to the combustion area of the engine’s cylinder.

• Reciprocating Engine Ignition Systems
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – The Magnetic Circuit
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – The Primary Electrical Circuit
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – The Secondary Electrical Circuit
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – Magneto and Distributor Venting
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – Ignition Harness
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – Ignition Switches
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – Single and Dual High-Tension System Magnetos
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – Magneto Mounting Systems
• High-Tension Magneto System Theory of Operation – Low-Tension Magneto System
• FADEC System Description
• The FADEC System – Low-Voltage Harness
• The FADEC System – Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
• The FADEC System – PowerLink Ignition System
• The FADEC System – Booster Coil
• The FADEC System – Impulse Coupling
• The FADEC System – High-Tension Retard Breaker Vibrator
• The FADEC System – Low-Tension Retard Breaker Vibrator
• Spark Plugs
• Reciprocating Engine Ignition System Maintenance and Inspection
• Magneto-Ignition Timing Devices
• Checking the Internal Timing of a Magneto
• High-Tension Magneto E-Gap Setting (Bench Timing)
• Timing the High-tension Magneto to the Engine
• Magneto Timing – Performing Ignition System Checks and Ignition Switch Checks
• Magneto Timing – Maintenance and Inspection of Ignition Leads
• Magneto Timing – Replacement of Ignition Harness
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Fouling
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Gap Erosion of Spark Plugs
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Removal and Reconditioning
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Inspection Prior to Installation
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Installation
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Breaker Point Inspection
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Dielectric Inspection
• Spark Plug Inspection and Maintenance – Ignition Harness
• Turbine Engine Ignition Systems
• Turbine Ignition System Inspection and Maintenance
• Removal, Maintenance, and Installation of Ignition System Components
• Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Wire Size – Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Factors Affecting Selection of Conductor Material – Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Voltage Drop in Aircraft Wire and Cable – Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Identifying Wire and Cable – Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Wire Groups and Bundles – Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Wiring Routing and Installation – Powerplant Electrical Systems
• Lacing, Tying and Cutting Wire Bundles
• Stripping Wire and Cable (Part One)
• Stripping Wire and Cable (Part Two)
• Emergency Splicing Repairs
• Connecting Terminal Lugs to Terminal Blocks
• Bonding and Grounding
• Wiring Connectors
• Wiring Conduit
• Electrical Equipment Installation

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