The International Cessna 170 Association

No complains, Squawks

Very few hours flown since last year's annual.

Question to the forum. What is the minimal inspection for a mag that seems to be performing properly?

Remove an inspection plate and look for carbon tracking? What about the confessor?

On a 100hrly I check the engine timing and take note of how much shift in timing that happens . But on a 500 hrly check of mags the condenser is changed and a new set of points are fitted. The distributor cap and area is examined under a large magnifying glass checking for tracks and cracking. On reassembly the distributor internal timing is set . The cam in the distributor is lubricated with a special grease. The point gap is set also. I always check for SB,s and incorporate them .i always torque the distributor cap bolts[screws] and fit new locking tabs on the cap bolts /screws. During tear down of the distributor everything is cleaned using a electrical cleaner .

Overhaul the mags every 500 hrs. Check the engine timing and inspect the contact points for condition every annual and 100 hr inspection. That's pretty much it.

When mags get to 2000 hrs I normally will dump them and buy new . Reason being is the bearings have to be changed ,coils checked and if do not reach their standards and the list goes on [rotor button ,distribution block ] . Labor is a big hit in the pocket also . If the mag is a odd ball not easily procured its overhauled. We keep some of the mags for the experimental people but new is best. Getting parts for Bendix is very hard also.

MoonlightVFR wrote:.... What about the confessor?

Never Never NEVER confess to anything.