Mag Switch Replacement

[dcooper]

After only 63 years of valiant service my mag switch requires replacement. In the event a repair is unsuccessful, I would prefer to find a like for like part with a similar life expectancy, any ideas folks?


David Cooper
BC-12D 1946 N 43172

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

If you have the old lever mag switch, I have made a mod to one where a Bendix is epoxyed in to the lever and the faceplate covers the Bendix. Looks completely original, but has a modern mag switch inside. Neat thing is when you land at an airshow, you can pull the lever out of your mag switch and your mag is locked from little gremlins who might reach inside and make your prop hot!
Hank

[dcooper]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

Flyguy and Hank Jarrett,

Thank you for your suggestions, much appreciated.
The excellent news is that Bruce Roberts of New Garden Aviation (N57) was able to repair the old unit and get me back into the air.

David Cooper
BC-12D 1946 N43172

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

Those switches are getting really rare and it is aways better to fix them than modify them. The ones I modify are beyond hope.
Hank

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

A7 are very hard to find. Briggs switch I think have a service bulletin against them. I have a small handful of A9 switches left with battery position that we use.

[Joel Severinghaus]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

Steve Krog wrote a very helpful article "Care & Repair of AAF Type A-7 Magneto Switch" in the Cub Club newsletter, issue 117, page 10. Good photos and step-by-step instructions on how to overhaul an A-7 switch.

[bashibazouk]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

If you have the old lever mag switch, I have made a mod to one where a Bendix is epoxyed in to the lever and the faceplate covers the Bendix. Looks completely original, but has a modern mag switch inside. Neat thing is when you land at an airshow, you can pull the lever out of your mag switch and your mag is locked from little gremlins who might reach inside and make your prop hot!
Hank

Great idea, Hank. I was thinking along the same lines. I never had the A7 in my ship, but have it in the back of my head to re-create the correct switch with the "new" Bendix I've got. Thanks for the motivation!

[t-crafter]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

What is the Batt. position used for on the type 9 switch ?

[NY86]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

Some old radials had (have?) one mag and one battery energized ignition system.

[t-crafter]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

What would be a fair value for a restored type 9 switch?

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

What is the Batt. position used for on the type 9 switch ?

electrical system. The A-9 was used alot in the Fairchild 24. It is not a battery ignition position. I use the batt position as a saftey for the start circuit so you can't start the engine with the mag switch in the "OFF" position when used with an electrical starter by accident.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Mag Switch Replacement

What would be a fair value for a restored type 9 switch?

I get $50 doe one, a far cry from the $300 people want for an A-7 when you can find one.