AGK - Engine Starting & Ignition Flashcards
What are the two methods in which the fuel mixture can be ignited?
- The two spark plugs in each cylinder.
2. By spontaneous combustion, caused by the rise in temperature of the mixture when it’s compressed.
How are spark plugs powered?
They are powered by magnetos which are driven directly by the engine.
If one magneto fails, what happens?
There are always two magnetos in each cylinder, so the second one will be used to power up the spark plugs.
What controls a magneto?
Each magneto will have an ignition switch. When closed, the switch grounds the magneto.
What is a magneto?
It is an AC generator, where high tension wires carry the high tension current from the magneto to the spark plugs.
Where is the contract breaker, and what is it powered by?
It is located in the distributor, which is powered by the shaft.
How is magneto checked before each flight?
It is checked by switching off each ignition switch, a small drop in RPM should be noticed.
What happens if the ignition switch fails on the ground?
It is a serious threat, as the engine may be live.
