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checking sparkchecking spark

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Author Message

Dick Maddux

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Location: Milton, Fl

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:52 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I had a similar problem with my 912. It was running a little rough with an uneven mag check. The plugs were new so I dismissed that as the problem. During my annual while awaiting parts I decided to pull them and test them under air pressure load with my friends "bomb" tester. Sure enough, one of the plugs was dead and wouldn't fire (actually it did but intermittently with a weak spark) From now on I will test each plug even when new.

  The engine is now very smooth running with equal drops on the mag check.

                                                              Dick Maddux

                                                              Pensacola,Fl

 From Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between, stay up-to-date with the [url=http://aol.com?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000023 ]latest news[/url].

  [quote][b]

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 12:25 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

New one on me, Dick....what's a "bomb" tester?



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying

do not archive



On Jan 26, 2009, at 8:45 AM, Catz631(at)aol.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   I had a similar problem with my 912. It was running a little rough  

 with an uneven mag check. The plugs were new so I dismissed that as  

 the problem. During my annual while awaiting parts I decided to  

 pull them and test them under air pressure load with my friends  

 "bomb" tester. Sure enough, one of the plugs was dead and wouldn't  

 fire (actually it did but intermittently with a weak spark) From  

 now on I will test each plug even when new.

  The engine is now very smooth running with equal drops on the mag  

 check.

                                                              Dick  

 Maddux

                                                               

 Pensacola,Fl



 From Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between, stay up- 

 to-date with the latest news. _- 

 www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 ============================================================

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:43 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark through it. There

is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark under air pressure.

(shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump under pressure and

there can even be small faults with the plug itself that cause the plug to

short under the pressure of a running engine.  Most certified engines will

have the plugs tested in this way before installation. Generally it is a

good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.



Noel



--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:34 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

God, I had forgotten all about them...I used to clean plugs on an  

actual sandblast machine built for such a thing, and it had the  

"bomb" (where'd THAT name come from?) as a part of the machine. Sure  

don't see those things anymore. Most people just replace  

plugs...probably find those old AC, Champion, whatever-brand machines  

at the older neighborhood automotive repair garages.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying

do not archive



On Jan 26, 2009, at 6:41 PM, Noel Loveys wrote:



[quote] 



 A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark through  

 it. There

 is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark under air  

 pressure.

 (shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump under  

 pressure and

 there can even be small faults with the plug itself that cause the  

 plug to

 short under the pressure of a running engine.  Most certified  

 engines will

 have the plugs tested in this way before installation. Generally it  

 is a

 good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.



 Noel



 --

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

patreilly43(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Lynn C You can still buy the plug sandblaster from J.C. Whitney. But C I am not familiar with the hookup to test spark part.

  

 do not archive



Pat Reilly

Mod 3 582 Rebuild

Rockford C IL





[quote] From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 Date: Mon C 26 Jan 2009 20:29:43 -0500

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 

 God C I had forgotten all about them...I used to clean plugs on an 

 actual sandblast machine built for such a thing C and it had the 

 "bomb" (where'd THAT name come from?) as a part of the machine. Sure 

 don't see those things anymore. Most people just replace 

 plugs...probably find those old AC C Champion C whatever-brand machines 

 at the older neighborhood automotive repair garages.

 

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster C taildragger

 Jabiru 2200 C #2062 C 600.2 hrs

 Sensenich 62x46

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 New skis done and flying

 do not archive

 

 

 

 On Jan 26 C 2009 C at 6:41 PM C Noel Loveys wrote:

 

 > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" <noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca>

 >

 > A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark through 

 > it. There

 > is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark under air 

 > pressure.

 > (shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump under 

 > pressure and

 > there can even be small faults with the plug itself that cause the 

 > plug to

 > short under the pressure of a running engine. Most certified 

 > engines will

 > have the plugs tested in this way before installation. Generally it 

 > is a

 > good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.

 >

 > Noel

 >

 > --

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:00 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

On the machines that I had access to, you screwed the plug into the  

proper sized socket...14, 18 mm...and connected a wire from the  

machine to the terminal, turned on the air pressure, and pressed a  

button to create a steady spark. You looked into the mirror image and  

watched the results. It seemed like you could also control the amount  

of air pressure. I haven't seen one in years, nor have I seen a  

distributor tester, whereby you could rev the dist. up to high rpm  

and observe the advance mechanism in operation, as well as check for  

point bounce, vacuum advance, dwell, etc.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying

do not archive



On Jan 26, 2009, at 11:52 PM, patrick reilly wrote:



[quote] Lynn, You can still buy the plug sandblaster from J.C. Whitney.  

 But, I am not familiar with the hookup to test spark part.



 do not archive



 Pat Reilly

 Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 Rockford, IL





 > From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 > Subject: Re: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 > Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:29:43 -0500

 > To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 >

 > 

 >

 > God, I had forgotten all about them...I used to clean plugs on an

 > actual sandblast machine built for such a thing, and it had the

 > "bomb" (where'd THAT name come from?) as a part of the machine. Sure

 > don't see those things anymore. Most people just replace

 > plugs...probably find those old AC, Champion, whatever-brand  

 machines

 > at the older neighborhood automotive repair garages.

 >

 > Lynn Matteson

 > Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 > Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

 > Sensenich 62x46

 > Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 > New skis done and flying

 > do not archive

 >

 >

 >

 > On Jan 26, 2009, at 6:41 PM, Noel Loveys wrote:

 >

 > > 

 <noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca>

 > >

 > > A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark through

 > > it. There

 > > is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark under air

 > > pressure.

 > > (shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump under

 > > pressure and

 > > there can even be small faults with the plug itself that cause the

 > > plug to

 > > short under the pressure of a running engine. Most certified

 > > engines will

 > > have the plugs tested in this way before installation.  

 Generally it

 > > is a

 > > good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.

 > >

 > > Noel

 > >

 > > --

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

patreilly43(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 2:12 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Lynn C I wasn't aware of the spark under pressure tester. I did know a distributor tester existed. I never used or saw one though. Thanks for the info. I hope when I am as old as you I know as much as you do. I'm working on it. Actually C I better get my ass in gear. I'm only a couple of years younger. 

 do not archive



Pat Reilly

Mod 3 582 Rebuild

Rockford C IL





[quote] From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 Date: Tue C 27 Jan 2009 13:53:57 -0500

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 

 On the machines that I had access to C you screwed the plug into the 

 proper sized socket...14 C 18 mm...and connected a wire from the 

 machine to the terminal C turned on the air pressure C and pressed a 

 button to create a steady spark. You looked into the mirror image and 

 watched the results. It seemed like you could also control the amount 

 of air pressure. I haven't seen one in years C nor have I seen a 

 distributor tester C whereby you could rev the dist. up to high rpm 

 and observe the advance mechanism in operation C as well as check for 

 point bounce C vacuum advance C dwell C etc.

 

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster C taildragger

 Jabiru 2200 C #2062 C 600.2 hrs

 Sensenich 62x46

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 New skis done and flying

 do not archive

 

 

 

 On Jan 26 C 2009 C at 11:52 PM C patrick reilly wrote:

 

 > Lynn C You can still buy the plug sandblaster from J.C. Whitney. 

 > But C I am not familiar with the hookup to test spark part.

 >

 > do not archive

 >

 > Pat Reilly

 > Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 > Rockford C IL

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > > From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 > > Date: Mon C 26 Jan 2009 20:29:43 -0500

 > > To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 > >

 > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 > >

 > > God C I had forgotten all about them...I used to clean plugs on an

 > > actual sandblast machine built for such a thing C and it had the

 > > "bomb" (where'd THAT name come from?) as a part of the machine. Sure

 > > don't see those things anymore. Most people just replace

 > > plugs...probably find those old AC C Champion C whatever-brand 

 > machines

 > > at the older neighborhood automotive repair garages.

 > >

 > > Lynn Matteson

 > > Kitfox IV Speedster C taildragger

 > > Jabiru 2200 C #2062 C 600.2 hrs

 > > Sensenich 62x46

 > > Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 > > New skis done and flying

 > > do not archive

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > > On Jan 26 C 2009 C at 6:41 PM C Noel Loveys wrote:

 > >

 > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" 

 > <noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca>

 > > >

 > > > A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark through

 > > > it. There

 > > > is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark under air

 > > > pressure.

 > > > (shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump under

 > > > pressure and

 > > > there can even be small faults with the plug itself that cause the

 > > > plug to

 > > > short under the pressure of a running engine. Most certified

 > > > engines will

 > > > have the plugs tested in this way before installation. 

 > Generally it

 > > > is a

 > > > good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.

 > > >

 > > > Noel

 > > >

 > > > --

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I think the secret to knowing a little bit about a lot of things is  

to become bored quick...and move on to something else...helps to  

build a half-assed resume. : )



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying

do not archive



On Jan 27, 2009, at 5:04 PM, patrick reilly wrote:



[quote] Lynn, I wasn't aware of the spark under pressure tester. I did know  

 a distributor tester existed. I never used or saw one though.  

 Thanks for the info. I hope when I am as old as you I know as much  

 as you do. I'm working on it. Actually, I better get my ass in  

 gear. I'm only a couple of years younger.

 do not archive



 Pat Reilly

 Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 Rockford, IL





 > From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 > Subject: Re: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 > Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:53:57 -0500

 > To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 >

 > 

 >

 > On the machines that I had access to, you screwed the plug into the

 > proper sized socket...14, 18 mm...and connected a wire from the

 > machine to the terminal, turned on the air pressure, and pressed a

 > button to create a steady spark. You looked into the mirror image  

 and

 > watched the results. It seemed like you could also control the  

 amount

 > of air pressure. I haven't seen one in years, nor have I seen a

 > distributor tester, whereby you could rev the dist. up to high rpm

 > and observe the advance mechanism in operation, as well as check for

 > point bounce, vacuum advance, dwell, etc.

 >

 > Lynn Matteson

 > Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 > Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

 > Sensenich 62x46

 > Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 > New skis done and flying

 > do not archive

 >

 >

 >

 > On Jan 26, 2009, at 11:52 PM, patrick reilly wrote:

 >

 > > Lynn, You can still buy the plug sandblaster from J.C. Whitney.

 > > But, I am not familiar with the hookup to test spark part.

 > >

 > > do not archive

 > >

 > > Pat Reilly

 > > Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 > > Rockford, IL

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > > > From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 > > > Subject: Re: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 > > > Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:29:43 -0500

 > > > To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 > > >

 > > > 

 <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 > > >

 > > > God, I had forgotten all about them...I used to clean plugs  

 on an

 > > > actual sandblast machine built for such a thing, and it had the

 > > > "bomb" (where'd THAT name come from?) as a part of the  

 machine. Sure

 > > > don't see those things anymore. Most people just replace

 > > > plugs...probably find those old AC, Champion, whatever-brand

 > > machines

 > > > at the older neighborhood automotive repair garages.

 > > >

 > > > Lynn Matteson

 > > > Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 > > > Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

 > > > Sensenich 62x46

 > > > Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 > > > New skis done and flying

 > > > do not archive

 > > >

 > > >

 > > >

 > > > On Jan 26, 2009, at 6:41 PM, Noel Loveys wrote:

 > > >

 > > > > 

 > > <noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca>

 > > > >

 > > > > A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark  

 through

 > > > > it. There

 > > > > is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark  

 under air

 > > > > pressure.

 > > > > (shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump  

 under

 > > > > pressure and

 > > > > there can even be small faults with the plug itself that  

 cause the

 > > > > plug to

 > > > > short under the pressure of a running engine. Most certified

 > > > > engines will

 > > > > have the plugs tested in this way before installation.

 > > Generally it

 > > > > is a

 > > > > good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.

 > > > >

 > > > > Noel

 > > > >

 > > > > --

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

cde2fly(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I'll check the plugs as the source of the problem tomorrow by swapping the non-firing pair with a pair that is firing.

 

 This one really has me stumped.  With the much appreciated phone consultation services of a technician at Lockwood, I have checked for correct resistance from the magnetic pick-ups (where the ignition system originates) to the wire harness connecting the magnetic pick-up to the ignition module, confirmed the ignition modlues are operating correctly by swapping modules and getting the same two plugs not firing, and finally checking for the correct resistance in each coil by checking resistance from one plug wire through the associated ignition coil and out to the end of the paired plug wire (both with and without spark plug caps).   Running out of ideas....

 

 Chris

 Kitfox 7, 912S 

 

 

 --

patreilly43(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:10 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Lynn C Your right on that. I have enough projects going C that I get bored with and start another C to last the rest of my life. I do get back to them eventually. Problem is it takes awhile to figure out where you left off. It took me 25+ years to get my 47 Ford on the road with a divorce and 4 moves. But C by God I did it. Someday I'll get around to putting an interior in it.

 do not archive



Pat Reilly

Mod 3 582 Rebuild

Rockford C IL





[quote] From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 Date: Tue C 27 Jan 2009 19:31:01 -0500

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 

 I think the secret to knowing a little bit about a lot of things is 

 to become bored quick...and move on to something else...helps to 

 build a half-assed resume. : )

 

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster C taildragger

 Jabiru 2200 C #2062 C 600.2 hrs

 Sensenich 62x46

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 New skis done and flying

 do not archive

 

 

 

 On Jan 27 C 2009 C at 5:04 PM C patrick reilly wrote:

 

 > Lynn C I wasn't aware of the spark under pressure tester. I did know 

 > a distributor tester existed. I never used or saw one though. 

 > Thanks for the info. I hope when I am as old as you I know as much 

 > as you do. I'm working on it. Actually C I better get my ass in 

 > gear. I'm only a couple of years younger.

 > do not archive

 >

 > Pat Reilly

 > Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 > Rockford C IL

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > > From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 > > Subject: Re: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 > > Date: Tue C 27 Jan 2009 13:53:57 -0500

 > > To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 > >

 > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 > >

 > > On the machines that I had access to C you screwed the plug into the

 > > proper sized socket...14 C 18 mm...and connected a wire from the

 > > machine to the terminal C turned on the air pressure C and pressed a

 > > button to create a steady spark. You looked into the mirror image 

 > and

 > > watched the results. It seemed like you could also control the 

 > amount

 > > of air pressure. I haven't seen one in years C nor have I seen a

 > > distributor tester C whereby you could rev the dist. up to high rpm

 > > and observe the advance mechanism in operation C as well as check for

 > > point bounce C vacuum advance C dwell C etc.

 > >

 > > Lynn Matteson

 > > Kitfox IV Speedster C taildragger

 > > Jabiru 2200 C #2062 C 600.2 hrs

 > > Sensenich 62x46

 > > Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 > > New skis done and flying

 > > do not archive

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > > On Jan 26 C 2009 C at 11:52 PM C patrick reilly wrote:

 > >

 > > > Lynn C You can still buy the plug sandblaster from J.C. Whitney.

 > > > But C I am not familiar with the hookup to test spark part.

 > > >

 > > > do not archive

 > > >

 > > > Pat Reilly

 > > > Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 > > > Rockford C IL

 > > >

 > > >

 > > >

 > > >

 > > > > From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 > > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

 > > > > Date: Mon C 26 Jan 2009 20:29:43 -0500

 > > > > To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 > > > >

 > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson 

 > <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 > > > >

 > > > > God C I had forgotten all about them...I used to clean plugs 

 > on an

 > > > > actual sandblast machine built for such a thing C and it had the

 > > > > "bomb" (where'd THAT name come from?) as a part of the 

 > machine. Sure

 > > > > don't see those things anymore. Most people just replace

 > > > > plugs...probably find those old AC C Champion C whatever-brand

 > > > machines

 > > > > at the older neighborhood automotive repair garages.

 > > > >

 > > > > Lynn Matteson

 > > > > Kitfox IV Speedster C taildragger

 > > > > Jabiru 2200 C #2062 C 600.2 hrs

 > > > > Sensenich 62x46

 > > > > Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 > > > > New skis done and flying

 > > > > do not archive

 > > > >

 > > > >

 > > > >

 > > > > On Jan 26 C 2009 C at 6:41 PM C Noel Loveys wrote:

 > > > >

 > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys"

 > > > <noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca>

 > > > > >

 > > > > > A machine the you screw the sparkplug into and run a spark 

 > through

 > > > > > it. There

 > > > > > is generally a mirror and a window to see the plug spark 

 > under air

 > > > > > pressure.

 > > > > > (shop air) It takes a lot more power to make a spark jump 

 > under

 > > > > > pressure and

 > > > > > there can even be small faults with the plug itself that 

 > cause the

 > > > > > plug to

 > > > > > short under the pressure of a running engine. Most certified

 > > > > > engines will

 > > > > > have the plugs tested in this way before installation.

 > > > Generally it

 > > > > > is a

 > > > > > good idea to check the gap on new plugs too.

 > > > > >

 > > > > > Noel

 > > > > >

 > > > > > --

Dick Maddux

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Location: Milton, Fl

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:16 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Lynn,

  You can buy the Champion spark plug tester from ATS and also Spruce I believe. They still make them. Two of the guys on my field have them. One of the guys bought his at Sun and Fun. They sell for around $550. It does the blast cleaning and the 'bomb" testing just like you remember.

                                                            Dick Maddux

                                                            Pensacola,Fl

 From Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between, stay up-to-date with the [url=http://aol.com?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000023 ]latest news[/url].

  [quote][b]

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:48 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Only problem is they don't recommend sand blasting spark plugs  

anymore...at least for aircraft...at least I THINK I read that  

someplace. Can someone verify?



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying





On Jan 28, 2009, at 7:04 AM, Catz631(at)aol.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Lynn,

  You can buy the Champion spark plug tester from ATS and also  

 Spruce I believe. They still make them. Two of the guys on my field  

 have them. One of the guys bought his at Sun and Fun. They sell for  

 around $550. It does the blast cleaning and the 'bomb" testing just  

 like you remember.

                                                            Dick Maddux

                                                             

 Pensacola,Fl



 From Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between, stay up- 

 to-date with the latest news. _- 

 www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 ============================================================

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:36 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I can verify that(no sandblasting) is what they teach in the ELSA

maintenance/inspection course now. I believe the main reason given, among a

few others, is that sandblasting can put microscopic fractures in the

porcelain or whatever insulator material being currently used. Fractures

accumulate oil and dirt and then begin to conduct to produce erratic sparks.

The recommended procedure is "inspect, rotate(to another position for even

wear), and replace(at recommended intervals)". The convincing argument for

me is that spark plugs are cheaper than a forced landing...



Bob Brennan - N717GB

ELSA Repairman, inspection rated

1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox

Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop

Wrightsville Pa  



--

Fox5flyer
Guest

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Lynn, it might have been me.  It's probably OK for the big brute plugs for 

certified engines, but doesn't always work very well on auto plugs.  I have 

one of those little Harbor Freight type spark plug blasters and twice I've 

had plugs go bad from sand blasting.  Both times it was cracked insulators 

that would break down under high load, like full power takeoff.  The plugs 

are relatively cheap so I just replace them now.  Then again, the media I 

was using (silica sand) may have been too course.

Deke Morisse

Mikado Michigan

S5/Subaru/CAP 402+ TT

"The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress."

- Joseph Joubert

Lynn penciled:

 	  Quote: 	

 Only problem is they don't recommend sand blasting spark plugs 

 anymore...at least for aircraft...at least I THINK I read that  someplace. 

 Can someone verify?

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

 Sensenich 62x46

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 New skis done and flying

 On Jan 28, 2009, at 7:04 AM, Catz631(at)aol.com wrote:

> Lynn,

>  You can buy the Champion spark plug tester from ATS and also  Spruce I 

> believe. They still make them. Two of the guys on my field  have them. 

> One of the guys bought his at Sun and Fun. They sell for  around $550. It 

> does the blast cleaning and the 'bomb" testing just  like you remember.

>                                                            Dick Maddux

>                                                             Pensacola,Fl

>

> From Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between, stay up- 

> to-date with the latest news. _- www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

> ============================================================

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

Could have been you, Deke. But I just looked in my Jabiru manual, and  

it says:

*****************

Do not use steel or brass brushes for cleaning & never sandblast plugs.

Clean with plastic brush in a solvent.

Check electrode gap & if necessary, adjust to 0.55 - 0.6mm (0.022" -  

0.024") by carefully

bending the electrode. Recommended Plugs: NGK D9EA use suitable anti- 

seize on

thread.

*****************

So this was at least one place I read it. I also looked in AC 43.13,  

and not a mention of cleaning that I could find..might be there, but  

I couldn't find it.



To me anyway, all this talk of sandblasting is a moot point...I  

reinstall or replace. Like Bob suggested, cheap insurance against a  

forced landing. Even if I'm using the Iridium jobs at $8 each, I  

replace if bad.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying





On Jan 28, 2009, at 3:55 PM, fox5flyer wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <fox5flyer(at)idealwifi.net>



 Lynn, it might have been me.  It's probably OK for the big brute  

 plugs for certified engines, but doesn't always work very well on  

 auto plugs.  I have one of those little Harbor Freight type spark  

 plug blasters and twice I've had plugs go bad from sand blasting.   

 Both times it was cracked insulators that would break down under  

 high load, like full power takeoff.  The plugs are relatively cheap  

 so I just replace them now.  Then again, the media I was using  

 (silica sand) may have been too course.

 Deke Morisse

 Mikado Michigan

 S5/Subaru/CAP 402+ TT

 "The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but  

 progress."

 - Joseph Joubert



 Lynn penciled:

>

> Only problem is they don't recommend sand blasting spark plugs  

> anymore...at least for aircraft...at least I THINK I read that   

> someplace. Can someone verify?

>

> Lynn Matteson

> Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

> Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

> Sensenich 62x46

> Electroair direct-fire ignition system

> New skis done and flying

>

>

> On Jan 28, 2009, at 7:04 AM, Catz631(at)aol.com wrote:

>

>> Lynn,

>>  You can buy the Champion spark plug tester from ATS and also   

>> Spruce I believe. They still make them. Two of the guys on my  

>> field  have them. One of the guys bought his at Sun and Fun. They  

>> sell for  around $550. It does the blast cleaning and the 'bomb"  

>> testing just  like you remember.

>>                                                            Dick  

>> Maddux

>>                                                              

>> Pensacola,Fl

>>

>> From Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between, stay  

>> up- to-date with the latest news. _- www.matronics.com/ 

>> contribution _-  

>> ============================================================

>

>

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 7:01 pm Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I think that is primarily for the coated plugs.  Iridium or platimum.  The

real; problem with sand blasting regular plugs is the possibility of

cracking the ceramic insulator.  That's why the pressure tester (bomb)



When I was in school we were told if we dropped a plug the best thing to do

was to pick it up and drop it again.  Never use a dropped plug.  One of my

instructors got fired one tome for refusing to install a main pin, in the

rotor of a Super Puma, that had fallen ten feet or so to a cement floor.  He

was fired for not installing the pin under orders but the chief wouldn't

take responsibility for that pin either so it was replaced.



I just thought of something... I wonder if this thread has been flagged with

all the talk of bomb. 



Noel



--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:18 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I agree with the dropped plug scenario. My CFI (and A&P/IA) says he  

blasts plugs with glass beads over at the local engine rebuild facility.



I wonder where the "bomb" description for the plug tester came from?



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying

do not archive



On Jan 28, 2009, at 9:51 PM, Noel Loveys wrote:



[quote] 



 I think that is primarily for the coated plugs.  Iridium or  

 platimum.  The

 real; problem with sand blasting regular plugs is the possibility of

 cracking the ceramic insulator.  That's why the pressure tester (bomb)



 When I was in school we were told if we dropped a plug the best  

 thing to do

 was to pick it up and drop it again.  Never use a dropped plug.   

 One of my

 instructors got fired one tome for refusing to install a main pin,  

 in the

 rotor of a Super Puma, that had fallen ten feet or so to a cement  

 floor.  He

 was fired for not installing the pin under orders but the chief  

 wouldn't

 take responsibility for that pin either so it was replaced.



 I just thought of something... I wonder if this thread has been  

 flagged with

 all the talk of bomb. 



 Noel



 --

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Roger Lee

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

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 7:20 am Post subject: Re: checking sparkchecking spark

Plugs are too cheap. You should just toss them.  I have also had a bad plug out of the box on my plane. Why bother to try and save one plug? On a Rotax just toss the plugs at 50 hours when using 91 octane.

Plugs and oil are like helicopter parts. When they hit a time limit they're gone.

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

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:08 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

The one I saw at the college had a rounded pressure chamber much like the

old cartoon bombs.



Noel

--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:16 am Post subject: checking sparkchecking spark

I think the plugs talked about here are the $50 plus aviation monsters.  You

really don't want to toss them until they are totally used.



Noel



--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

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