Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #27440
From: Russell Duffy <13brv3@bellsouth.net>
Subject: RE: [FlyRotary] Re: Another Run - with Questions
Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2005 07:32:53 -0600
To: 'Rotary motors in aircraft' <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Message
But I’m in a bit of a quandary.  I set TDC on the flywheel as Lynn described and it looked so perfect. But the timing light is showing it firing at 40+Deg. ATDC and when I turn the Crank Angle sensor as far as it will go trying to advance it I can only get up to about 20Deg ATDC. 
 
Hi Joe,
 
Static timing is just that "static".  Once you start running, your ignition controller decides where it wants the timing to be relative to the static timing, so think of the static timing as nothing more than a reference for the controller. 
 
As you know, the faster the rotor is moving, the less time the spark has to complete ignition, so you have to advance the timing to start it a bit earlier, so ignition occurs in the correct position of the rotor.  Using the same logic, the timing can be retarded at idle.  For a complex controller like the MicroTech, I would not be surprised to find out that they're taking advantage of a larger range of timing than aircraft normally use.
 
Now, I am supposed to put the timing light on the #1 Leading plug lead, right? That’s what my Mazda manual says. 
 
That would be my guess.  I'd assume that it's done the normal, Mazda way, unless MicroTech tells you otherwise.  
 

I guess I’ll have to see if I can re-position my Crank Angle sensor this weekend and see what happens when I can advance it further. 

 

I haven't looked at it closely in a while, but I'm guessing you can pull the CAS, and rotate the gear a tooth, then reinstall it.  By experimenting with this, I'd bet you can get the desired timing within range of the slot on the CAS.  

 

The MicroTech setup manual says to set the idle timing to 5Deg ATDC – it also says that is the yellow mark on the pulley). 

 

They're probably right :-)  At some point, you'll want to verify that the MicroTech is advancing the timing properly at higher rpms, but if the only timing adjustment they gave was at idle, then I'd bet a few beers it's going to be right everywhere.    

 

Joe Hull (loving the smell of exhaust in the my hair, my clothes, my skin…)

 

Might cut into your social life though :-)

 

Cheers,

Rusty (XL pulling farther into the lead) 

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