Engine Starting Problem

Did you check for an actual spark by attaching a spark plug to a spark plug wire and holding the threads against the head while someone cranks the engine over?

Alan

Dear Alan Arnold, 

No, we did not check actual spark. Can we check this? How can we check actual spark? 

To check for spark this is what I would do. Remove the top spark plug from each cylinder to make it easier to crank. Connect one of the plugs to the spark plug lead and rest the metal body of the spark plug on the engine block. Switch on the ignition and crank the engine whilst observing the electrode at the end of the plug. You should see a bright blue spark.

It is not unknown for there to be a dormant failure of one of the ignition modules which is only revealed when the second one fails. Although this sounds unlikely, it is not uncommon. If you have no spark then you can try cooling the modules with ice packs and see if it starts then. If it does then you probably have a pair of faulty modules. They can be repaired by Carmo in the Netherlands or you can replace them with Rotax originals or fit Ignitec modules instead that are much more reliable and cheaper.

OK, we have started to removed engine from aircraft for access. Subsequently we ll check actual spark and ignition module. Can you please suggest more checks / steps which we can do on removed engine to rectify our starting issue.

Best Regards, 

Naveed

Naveed wrote:

OK, we have started to removed engine from aircraft for access. Subsequently we ll check actual spark and ignition module. Can you please suggest more checks / steps which we can do on removed engine to rectify our starting issue.

Best Regards, 

Naveed

It is easier to check for spark, with the engine in the aircraft.

Do your spark test, as per Alan Arnolds suggestion, (above) in a darkened/shaded location - much easer to see the spark, than in full sunlight.