Engine Issues

After only 26 hours of operation after new parts were installed, this magneto quit producing spark. Troubleshooting found the point timing had drifted off and was impossible to reset within manual limits. The plastic cam follower was found worn or melted. New parts were installed and functionally checked good. Engine is a Continental IO-360-A, installed in a Maule M-4-210Part Total Time: 26.0 hours

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple magneto failures occurred prematurely due to issues like worn cam followers, incorrect internal timing, and loose assembly screws, leading to problems such as hard starting or loss of spark.
Other critical engine components, including valve springs and turbocharger controllers, also failed prematurely, with some incidents showing long-term degradation or repeated failure patterns on the same aircraft.
A recurring theme across these incidents is the early failure of parts, some attributed to apparent manufacturing or assembly defects, raising concerns about product quality and reliability.

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Bendix S6LN25 Magneto – Failed Cam Follower
After only 26 hours of operation after new parts were installed, this magneto quit producing spark. Troubleshooting found the point timing had drifted off and was impossible to reset within manual limits. The plastic cam follower was found worn or melted. New parts were installed and functionally checked good. Engine is a Continental IO-360-A, installed in a Maule M-4-210
Part Total Time: 26.0 hours