Initial Engine Timing for Magneto Installation

[M Towsley]

Hi all,

I would like to do the initial install of the Slick mags I bought. (Don't worry, an A&P is going to check it over and will time the engine).

After looking at the Continental manual it leaves me even more confused. For the initial installation of the mag to the engine do I set the engine to top center or does it get backed off, and if so to what degree?

I understand about finding top center on number one and using the bottom engine case separation line, I am just not sure if the mags get installed at TC or 30 degrees before TC, or whatever degree it is. Thanks!

[Robert Lees]

Re: Initial Engine Timing for Magneto Installation

Hi Marty: The mags get installed at 30 BTDC (or whatever your engine timing is specifies as). You need to make sure the impulse has been "triggered", otherwise the spark will be in the wrong place.

The magneto timing tool ("Buzz-box") indicates the moment that the contact tips inside the magneto open up. This is the point at which the energy in the coil inside the magneto is sent to the spark plug.

HTH.

Rob

[NY86]

Re: Initial Engine Timing for Magneto Installation

Marty:

Two things to be aware of:

First, the timing pin goes in the hole for left or right rotation not for left or right mag.

Second, as soon as the mag gear is engaged with the engine gear, get that pin out of the mag. Any movement of the crank or mag once gears are meshed will break things if the pin is forgotten... (Don't ask how I know that!)

You can install them both with the crank at 30 or 28, as long as it's close. You will fine tune them later with the buzz box anyhow.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Initial Engine Timing for Magneto Installation

This is the Slick timing pin to which John refers.

It makes installing the mag easier, because just at the stage that the contact tips open (the stage of firing the plugs), that is the greatest magnetism in the rotor (set internally in the mag, and at a point known as the "E-gap".

So the rotor inside the mag wants to rotate just where you want to align the gears inside the engine.

This pin stops that rotation from happening, and John is quite right....make sure it's removed after the mag is installed (I've been there, done that too!)

[M Towsley]

Re: Initial Engine Timing for Magneto Installation

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info, Rob you confirmed my questions regarding the initial set-up.

This kit comes with everything, including the pins. I should be good to go from here. Thanks so much for your time!!!