S4Flier Posted July 31, 2014 Report Posted July 31, 2014 I'm jumping the gun a bit but my plane is having trouble starting and it is possible that one or both of the ignition modules have gone bad. I've got a mechanic coming out tomorrow to go through the litany of possibilities from plugs to carb to throttle cables to air filters to whatever. Hopefully, its something simple but..... Ignition modules are approximately $1K each (ouch!) and I've heard that the Rotax soft start kit includes replacements for both modules for quite a bit less. Lockwood has: http://www.lockwood.aero/p-3710-advanced-soft-start-start-module-kit.aspx which includes two modules for about $950. Is this the right kit or is there another part number?
Tony & Rose Posted July 31, 2014 Report Posted July 31, 2014 Confirm battery has the 'horse power', not just voltage showing. I have the soft-start; but if the battery delivery reduces output, it also will have starting problems. FYI -- I'm aware of three CTsw units (late '06) that have had module failure. Two with one module, the other with both. I believe the failed units have been forwarded to Lockwood for their review, etc...
FastEddieB Posted August 1, 2014 Report Posted August 1, 2014 Interestingly, I just got back from the airport. Had a BFR (for me) scheduled for tomorrow, and I just wanted to check the fuel and make sure the plane would start. It wouldn't. Crank and crank and crank. Choke and no choke. No throttle and full throttle. Suspected flooding so fuel valve off, full throttle, crank and crank and crank - not so much as a sputter. Pulled 2 plugs. Top was dry, bottom only a tad damp. On the bright side, my Aerovolz lithium iron battery spun the engine with authority throughout. When I was done, I stuck it on a battery tender which showed "Full Charge". I checked it and it's still at 12.99v after all that cranking. I do have the BullyHawk module. In any case, I'll try again in the morning and ket you guys know what happens.
S4Flier Posted August 1, 2014 Author Report Posted August 1, 2014 Like Eddie, I'm pretty sure the battery is fine. It's a one month old PC-310 and after the same amount of cranking that Eddie described showed a full charge on the Odyssey charger. I'll update in the morning.
FastEddieB Posted August 1, 2014 Report Posted August 1, 2014 Mine is a 2007. It was not especially hot yesterday - maybe 75°, and will be cooler this morning when I try again. I'll take some ice along, and if it doesn't start, I'll give that a try. Am I correct that there are two ignition modules stock, but they can both fail simultaneously in this manner?
S4Flier Posted August 1, 2014 Author Report Posted August 1, 2014 Eddie -- hope you had better luck than me. All tests pointed to bad ignition modules so I put in an order a CPS for part number 881 280 (Advanced Soft Start Module) for, gulp, $995 (or one aviation unit ). They are back ordered and due on on the 18th. 3 of the 6 are already claimed.
FastEddieB Posted August 1, 2014 Report Posted August 1, 2014 No better luck. Give me a while and I'll start a new thread so as not to hijack this one. Still curious as to how 2 modules could fail simultaneously as the plane sat between flights.
Rogerck Posted August 3, 2014 Report Posted August 3, 2014 Is installation of the soft start modules plug and play? Are there any particular gotcha's related to the installation? Roger Kuhn
FastEddieB Posted August 3, 2014 Report Posted August 3, 2014 The BullyHawk install to the starter solenoid is similar, but uses a "piggyback" spade connector so the factory connector can stay unmolested:
Rogerck Posted August 3, 2014 Report Posted August 3, 2014 Roger, On this Rotax video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUsBqTQJ5I there's a comment about the soft start only using one module for start up and a different switch arrangement being required. To make sure I understand, is this an issue for the CT and is an rewiring of the start key required? Roger Kuhn
Jacques Posted August 3, 2014 Report Posted August 3, 2014 If anybody wants a BullyHawk Soft Start Module,,,I have a few at bargain prices Lockwood part # EASSM001A
opticsguy Posted August 6, 2014 Report Posted August 6, 2014 FWIW, both of mine failed in hot weather but would run fine when it was below 60F or so. The ice trick never worked though I tried it multiple times. I bit the bullet and bought new modules, the ones that run in "soft start" mode for 5 seconds or so. The engine runs fairly rough until the 5 seconds are up. How that is better for the engine is beyond me. Late 2006 build, BTW. First failulre in 2009, replaced in 2011.
chanik Posted August 6, 2014 Report Posted August 6, 2014 On the bright side, my Aerovolz lithium iron battery spun the engine with authority throughout. When I was done, I stuck it on a battery tender which showed "Full Charge". I checked it and it's still at 12.99v after all that cranking.NB, with LiFePO4 batteries, 12.99V unloaded corresponds to 30% state of charge. Your tender is calibrated for Pb for which 12.8V or above is 100% SOC
FastEddieB Posted August 7, 2014 Report Posted August 7, 2014 Thanks. May be time to invest in a dedicated lithium iron calibrated charger.* *I have a lithium iron battery in my Buell as well.
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