Ignition and Starting Systems Flashcards
What is the main advantage of a magneto ignition system over a battery ignition system for an aircraft reciprocating engine?
A magneto has its own source of electrical energy, and is not dependent upon the battery.
What is the function of the capacitor in a magneto?
The capacitor minimizes arcing at the breaker points, and it speeds up the collapse of the primary current as the breaker points open.
What happens in a magneto ignition system when the ignition switch is placed in the Off position?
The primary circuit is connected to ground.
What is checked when a magneto is internally timed?
Internally timing a magneto consists of adjusting the breaker points so they will open at the instant the rotating magnet is in its E-gap position, and the distributor rotor is in position to direct the high voltage to cylinder number one.
In what position should the ignition switch be placed when using a timing light on the magnetos?
In the Both position.
What type of ignition system is used on most turbine engines?
High-intensity, intermittent-duty, capacitor discharge ignition systems.
What is the E-gap in magneto timing?
The E-gap angle is the position of the rotating magnet when the primary current flowing in the magneto coil is the greatest. The breaker points open when the rotating magnet is in its E-gap position.
What is the function of an impulse coupling?
An impulse coupling is a spring-driven coupling between the magneto and the engine. When the engine is being started, the impulse coupling holds the rotating magnet until the piston passes over its top center position and starts down. The impulse coupling releases the magnet and the spring spins it fast so that it produces a hot and late spark.
How many igniters are used with most turbine engines?
Two.
What are two types of ignition systems used in turbine engines?
High-voltage systems and low-voltage systems.
With which type of turbine-engine ignition system is a glow plug igniter used?
A low-voltage system.
How is the strength of the magnet in a magneto checked?
The magneto is put on a test stand and rotated at a specified speed. The breaker points are held open and the primary current is measured. The strength of the magnet determines the amount of primary current.
In what position is the magnet in a magneto, when the greatest change in flux density in the coil core takes place?
It is a few degrees beyond its neutral position. When it is in this position, the breaker points open and the primary current is interrupted. The flux change in the coil core is the greatest.
In what position is the magnet in a magneto when the breaker points begin to open?
In its E-gap position, just a few degrees beyond its neutral position.
What malfunction in the ignition system would cause an aircraft reciprocating engine to continue to run after the ignition switch is placed in the Off position?
The ignition switch is not grounding the magneto primary circuit.
What kind of equipment is used to test an ignition harness for a reciprocating engine?
A high-voltage electrical leakage detector.
What is an All-Weather spark plug?
A shielded spark plug that has a recess in the shielding in which a resilient grommet on the ignition lead forms a watertight seal.
What is meant by the reach of a spark plug?
The length of the threads on the spark plug that screw into the cylinder head.
What is the difference between a hot spark plug and a cold spark plug?
A hot spark plug has a long path for the heat to travel between the nose core insulator and the spark plug shell. In a cold spark plug, the heat has a shorter distance to travel, and the spark plug operates cooler than a hot spark plug.
What is the advantage of fine-wire spark plugs over massive electrode spark plugs?
Fine-wire spark plugs have a firing end that is more open than that of a massive electrode spark plug. The open firing end allows the gases that contain lead to be purged from the spark plug so they will not form solid lead contaminates.
Why is it important that the spark plugs be kept in numbered holes in a tray when they are removed from an engine?
Spark plugs tell a good deal about the internal condition of the cylinders from which they were taken. By knowing the cylinder from which each spark plug came, the mechanic can take the proper action when a spark plug indicates such conditions as detonation or overheating.
Why is it important that a torque wrench always be used when installing spark plugs in an aircraft engine?
If the spark plugs are not put in tight enough, there is the possibility of a poor seal; if they are put in too tight, there is danger of cracking the insulation.
What kind of gage should be used to measure the electrode gap in aircraft spark plugs?
A round wire gage.
What kind of electric starting system is used on many of the smaller turbine engines?
A starter-generator.
