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Diagnostic tool - AC Power tester

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Roger Lee

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1464
Location: Tucson, Az.

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 7:52 am Post subject: Diagnostic tool - AC Power tester

Hi Guys, 



Here is a little diagnostic tool to keep in your little bag of tricks for the 912 series engine. 

If you have a rough running engine after a mag check you can do a quick check on which plug/s is affected. 

If you have a mag drop in the 300 rpm range you have one cylinder having an issue and if the mag drop is 800-1000rpm then it is two cylinders. 

First head on out to the local hardware store and pick up an AC electric household socket/outlet power tester. Get one that works when you hold it up by the socket and a light comes on. These run about $12. They are usually all plastic and have a battery inside and about the size of a writing pen. You do not want one that has to be plugged into the socket, but one that you just hold up by the electric power socket/outlet and the light comes on if there is power. 

The spark plugs on your plane are AC current. If you have dropped a cylinder you can test each wire quickly and ascertain which plug/s are affected. Start the engine and have someone you trust in the cockpit. Have the cowling's off. While the engine is running at approximately 2000rpm hold the tester up by or against the plug wires one at a time. The light will come on for all good plug firings. When you hold it up against a bad wire the light will not work or it will flash very intermittently. You now have at least identified the problem plug. 

Now you need to start checking the system back towards the ignition module. If you are dropping only one plug then it is most likely a bad connection at the plug boot, at the ignition coil or where the ignition coil plugs in at the 6 pin connector. Don't discount a bad spark plug either. These are not mags as we call them all the time, but ignition coils. The plug wire is replaceable and screws into the coil. Check this area for a connection. Then check the 6 pin connector from the coils to the ignition module for a good connection. 



This is as far as this tip goes as it gets more involved going any further. If you are dropping only 300 rpm which is one cylinder on the mag check you need to look for your problem in a bad connection between the spark plug and the ignition module. You may want to replace the plug as it could be the offender, also. 



This tip was mainly for you to pick up an AC power tester to check plug wires.

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_________________
Roger Lee
Tucson, Az.
Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
Light Sport Repairman
Home 520-574-1080 TRY HOME FIRST
Cell 520-349-7056

Catz631(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 4:25 am Post subject: Diagnostic tool - AC Power tester

Thanks for the tip Roger !

               Dick Maddux

               Kitfox4

               Rotax912 UL

               Pensacola,Fl



Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

  [quote][b]

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