Mag opinion

[astjp2]

I was wondering about which kind of impulse mags I should get? I am planning on getting floats, the old sf4 bendix are too hard to start when standing on the floats. I can get a set of S21's for about 1900.00 or Slicks for 1300.00. I am just looking for opinions. Thanks Tim

[3Dreaming]

Re: Mag opinion

That's a hard question to answer. For me the decision would come down to how long will I have the airplane. If I thought I would keep the airplane long enough to have to overhaul the mags I would go Bendix, other wise I would go Slick. The $1300 for the Slick mags will include harness and plugs. I have seen some of the Slick's needing points changed at about 300-500 hours due to a material change in the cam that opens the points. Tom

[jgerard]

Re: Mag opinion

bendix mags require a 500hr inspection/overhaull allso

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Mag opinion

I would rather have Bendix any day over Slick.

Mike

[tawadc95]

Re: Mag opinion

Mike, enlighten me as to why you feel this way. I am replacing my Eisemanns this spring.

[flyguy]

Re: Mag opinion

Ditto for me. Both myself and the inspector that ran the Helicopter repair operation here feel the Bendix mags have a lot of AD's and other problems. He has worked on a LOT of Bendix mags. For that reason I have been considering Slick. I have had T's with Bendix and Eisemann mags. No slicks.
Have you had problems with Slicks? Anyone had problems with Slicks?
Darryl

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Mag opinion

I have had lots of realabilty problems with them were others never had a problem. Usually fail when hot causing all sorts of issues. Neighbor just had his 470 rebuilt and they talked him into Slicks. Nothing but problems since the day we put it back on his 182. On top of that, their core policy is cut throat business tatics which I don't approve of either. I will put them on and use them, but if I have a choice, it is Bendix.

Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Mag opinion

IMHO the Slick route was the best a few years back, mine are purrring like a pussy cat. It was a conversion for $600.00 back then.
HOT? , that is the Bendix lunch box that won't start. Yeah, yeah I know about the new coils too. IF a mag is rebuilt and good it will last a long time.

[astjp2]

Re: Mag opinion

The Lunchbox mags are great and no AD's but are a pain to pull through and have a tendancy to kick back. One of the mag shops tech's told me if I get slicks and they have a problem after 300 hours or so to: "Gently remove them and while holding them carefully walk over to the biggest dumpster and throw them in as hard as I can and go buy new." Tim

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Mag opinion

non-impulse mags ; set the left one at 28 degrees and start on left. Lower plugs. check the older manuals.

[3Dreaming]

Re: Mag opinion

That's a hard question to answer. For me the decision would come down to how long will I have the airplane. If I thought I would keep the airplane long enough to have to overhaul the mags I would go Bendix, other wise I would go Slick. The $1300 for the Slick mags will include harness and plugs. I have seen some of the Slick's needing points changed at about 300-500 hours due to a material change in the cam that opens the points. Tom

I would like to expand on my previous post. Over the years I've seen quite a few Slick mags fail. Normally 1000-1500 hours on the mag. When they quit they just quit. No warning one flight OK, 15 minute later it's dead. In the last 5 years or so I've seen several start to get weak, or hard starting before they fail. It is my understanding that a few years ago they made a material change in the plastic piece that opens the points. The new material does not wear as quickly. While this sounds like a good thing it created a problem. Before the points and the cam would wear at the same rate keeping the E gap the same. Now the points wear, and the cam does not, changing the timing and the E gap. 300-500 hours and you need new points. If you have a mag fail, and need to replace parts it will likely cost you as much or more than a new mag. IMO I think they do this to keep old mags out of service. If you order a Slick mag they strongly request a core. They do not rebuild the cores they destroy them. Considering the initial cost of the Slick mags if you will likely not have to replace them again they are a good choice.

Bendix mags will cost more up front. Have the 500 hour impulse inspection, but are a very good mag. They are more likely to show signs of a problem without outright failing like the Slick mags. Also there after market parts available for the Bendix mags lowering repair cost. IMO it will take between 2000-3000 hours and you will be even cost wise between the 2 choices of mags. Tom Baker

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Mag opinion

I would like to expand on my previous post. Over the years I've seen quite a few Slick mags fail. Normally 1000-1500 hours on the mag. When they quit they just quit. No warning one flight OK, 15 minute later it's dead. In the last 5 years or so I've seen several start to get weak, or hard starting before they fail. It is my understanding that a few years ago they made a material change in the plastic piece that opens the points. The new material does not wear as quickly. While this sounds like a good thing it created a problem. Before the points and the cam would wear at the same rate keeping the E gap the same. Now the points wear, and the cam does not, changing the timing and the E gap. 300-500 hours and you need new points. If you have a mag fail, and need to replace parts it will likely cost you as much or more than a new mag. IMO I think they do this to keep old mags out of service. If you order a Slick mag they strongly request a core. They do not rebuild the cores they destroy them. Considering the initial cost of the Slick mags if you will likely not have to replace them again they are a good choice.

Bendix mags will cost more up front. Have the 500 hour impulse inspection, but are a very good mag. They are more likely to show signs of a problem without outright failing like the Slick mags. Also there after market parts available for the Bendix mags lowering repair cost. IMO it will take between 2000-3000 hours and you will be even cost wise between the 2 choices of mags. Tom Baker

I agree 100%. I hate the fact they are destroying old mags, oh, and they won't take an old Slick in for trade. It MUST be any other brand. Couple this with the recent disappearance of Precision, and we have a recipe for alot of static display aircraft along with everything else that can't be found or costs 10 times what it should. If you can afford it, buy Benidx.

[astjp2]

Re: Mag opinion

Well dont plan on getting any Bendix S-20 mags anytime soon, you are looking at $3-4K per pair. I could not even find cores for a fair price...Tim

I think that I can get the Impulse mag built from parts for around 1200.00 including the gear, Its tempting...Tim

[lawheelock]

Re: Mag opinion

I had Eisemans on my first T-Craft from '64 to '69 when I sold it. They were unshielded but never ever had a problem in over 500 hours.
I have been flying behind Eisemanns in my Stinson for 40 years and over 3500 hours. Maintenance on the mags has been slight. With the platinum points, the points never wear out and seem to only need adjustment every 700 to 1000 hours.
Bendix 20 and 200 series are very good in spite of the CYA ADs.
The Eisemans are easier to maintain and time than the Bendix as you can put it together with the internal gears already timed before assembly.

My experience with Slicks on other peoples airplanes is that they are usually junk by 1000 hours or so from new. Like someone else said, no warning.

I would stick with Eisemans if I already had them with Bendix (not the lunch box SF series) but would not buy Slicks except as a last resort.

Don't forget, the Slicks are a re-hash of the old Case mags.


Larry Wheelock, A&P, IA

[flyguy]

Re: Mag opinion

Turned out to be a good thread for me. I was considering Slicks but it doesn't seem too good an idea from the majority of the replies here. Think I will stick with my Eisemann's for now and just concentrate on reducing the radio noise some.
Thanks guys.
Darryl