[f-AA] Magneto and radio static

[John Rodkey]

I am having 100 rpm drop on one slick mag, none on the other. Mags are recently back from 500 hour overhaul. I'm also hearing a lot of static on my radio. I think they're related.

The mechanic I normally use is in another town and usually very busy with work on helicopters.

I was wondering if there is someone within an hour or so flight from Santa Ynez that you would recommend for making sure the mags are timed right and checking out the source of static. Or if you have other suggestions on how to approach the problem.

My wife and I are considering flying the Chief from Santa Barbara to Spokane starting July 10, and I want to get this resolved before taking the long trip.  The engine otherwise seems to be working normally.

--

John (poobah) Rodkey - N9361E 11AC at Goleta

--
fearless Aeronca Aviators mailing list
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to aeronca+u...@westmont.edu.

['Botijo G' via aeronca]

I know a good shop at klgb but that’s kind of far for you. 

Sent from an NDB

On Jun 11, 2025, at 9:08 PM, John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com> wrote:



[Mark Peterson]

John I'd check the wires to the plugs to the bad mag. Plus ignition switch for the static.  

 Mark

---

From: 'Botijo G' via aeronca <aer...@westmont.edu>
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2025 6:29 AM
To: aer...@westmont.edu <aer...@westmont.edu>
Subject: Re: [f-AA] Magneto and radio static

 

['Botijo G' via aeronca]

Did you see if the plugs are dirty?

Sent from an NDB

On Jun 12, 2025, at 10:08 AM, Mark Peterson <mrpet...@msn.com> wrote:



[John Rodkey]

Thank you, Mark and Rafael.

I also got a phone call from Dion Carr, who is wrapping up things at Middletown (so sorry about the bad weather there...)

He said:

1. Check to make sure the spring on the ends of the harness leads are correctly attached.
2. Clean the plugs and make sure there aren't any beads of lead stuck down between the ceramic and the outside
3. Inspect plugs for cracks in the ceramic
4. Check the spark plug gaps
5. Look for carbon tracking on the inside of the spark plug where the harness attaches (clean with acetone & Q-Tip)
6. Check to make sure the resistance for the spark plugs is less than 5000 Ohms, and even better, less than 4000 Ohms.

"Check the cheapest things first!" - got it!

Thursday/Friday/Saturday I'll do these things. I've thought about flying to Kernville for a solitary retreat, camping under the wing one of those days, but it's my priority to get this issues sorted out first.

John

[Richard Holcombe]

I'm planning a relaxing trip to OSH with two friends. Easiest route easy days. Any West Coasters want to join?

Richard in Florence 

Not all who wander are lost.

[alan miller]

Good luck John, I hope you figure it out and can make your trip.

Sorry about your troubles but nice to see the list lighting up a little bit!

 

Aloha,

alan 

[Richard Murray]

Champ Guy 

I'm planning on going to OSH as well this year. Be sure and look for me at the cell phone charging building in Vintage.

Richard in OH who is hoping he can fly the 65-CA 

[Richard Holcombe]

Will do, I've got more devices than outlets in my tent.

Not all who wander are lost.

[John Rodkey]

When are you leaving?

[John Rodkey]

Thanks, Alan.

[Richard Holcombe]

Probably July 17 from Florence, Oregon. Easy days, to Readsberg WI to prepare for the Fisk arrival. 

Not all who wander are lost.

[John Rodkey]

Going through the northern Idaho route?

[Richard Holcombe]

Coeur d'Alene to Kalispell to Cut Bank is the shortest and easiest route through or over the mountains.

Follow USRt2 and Maria's Pass requires climbing to 7000 feet or so. Direct, 8000 to Kalispell, then 10000 over the final range and descend through Maria's Pass for Pizza for lunch in Cut Bank. The rest of the trip is wide open country with friendly small towns along the way. My Champ usually can't make it all on one tank to Cut Bank.

Richard