Engine Monitor Tricks

Monday, December 21, 2020 at 03:22 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Multi-probe engine monitors have revolutionized piston powerplant management by providing precise, cylinder-specific data (EGT, CHT), enabling pilots to diagnose specific issues like spark plug, magneto, or injector problems during ground run-ups and in-flight checks.
These monitors significantly enhance flight safety and engine longevity through accurate fuel flow tracking, critical CHT monitoring with alarms, and the ability to conduct advanced in-flight magneto stress tests (including lean-of-peak) to detect subtle ignition system weaknesses.
The detailed data collected and stored by engine monitors empowers pilots to confidently identify malfunctions and communicate specific maintenance needs, moving beyond vague indications from traditional gauges.

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I don’t have to go very far out on a limb to suggest the multi-probe engine monitor has revolutionized how we manage piston powerplants. Gone are the days when we depended on a gauge system borrowed from a ’37 Buick to know one or two temperatures. Now, we can see at a glance how each cylinder is doing or which spark plug isn’t sparking. The little black boxes also typically store the data they collect for later retrieval and analysis. Try that with your ’37 Buick.

But an engine monitor can do much more than help us lean the mixture. With a little ingenuity and button pushing, pilots can diagnose a rough-running engine down to the cylinder, magneto and spark plug, or confidently tell the mechanic which fuel injector needs cleaning. While the latest devices offer color coding and keep track of many more parameters than just cylinder heat temperature (CHT) or exhaust gas temperature (EGT), even a basic device can provide detailed information you never knew you had.