This cutaway view of a Bendix magneto shows a little bit of what's going on inside. Magneto manufacturers typically recommend 500-hour service intervals, and an owner's choices include an outright overhaul, inspect and repair as necessary (IRAN) or exchange and replacement. Some are easily rebuildable while it may be attractive to simply replace others.
Performing a magneto check during the before-takeoff checklist is a time-honored task for those of us flying with spark-ignition (gasoline-fueled) piston engines. The idea is to check their health, both individually and by comparing them to each other. The checklists typically call for noting the rpm drop but engine roughness also is something that should […]
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