FAA No start checklist

Plug wires to dist cap in correct order.

Timing: appears to be correct TDC #1 rotor to 1 (I used a small copper wire, and inserted into plug chamber, and rotated fan as wire slippedupward thorough finger and maxed out, observed position of rotor and was in line with #1 on distributor cap.) Assuming that this is compression stroke because I did not remove the megneto or attempt to turn over engine during painting touch up...timing should not have changed).

Magneto appears to be sending "some" current due to light test meter on side shutdown post. But weak light response. Barely flickers as points open and close.

Motor turns over. Starter engages.

6V with regulator (4 contacts/connections).

No spark at plugs.

Gas to plugs. Seems that plugs are a little wet and smell like gasoline.

Waiting on tune-up kit to arrive. Will work on cleaning, tightening the inside of magneto later today and install new points and condensor too. Setting gap to .13.

Will give that a try before I post results.

If I am missing somehting, or if you think of something I am overlooking let me know.

You'all have helped me narrow down the location of the problem (I hope) and helped me better understand magneto system and FAA ignition system. I'm on a steep learning curve, and I need your help to get me there. TYIA. Joseph P

2 If center wire does not fire you need to repair the magneto or replace the wire. You can use a piece of house wiring to check for spark. If the kit or new wire does not help a local magneto shop can. Check the yellow pages. Timing is insignificant if there is no spark.

3 If center wire fires check any other wire. Pull it off the spark plug and hold close to the block. This checks that the rotor bug and cap are OK. If no spark now after spark form the center wire then replace the rotor bug and cap.

4 If you get a spark at the end of the wire but not when you attach a spark plug to the wire then you need new soark plugs. They can go bad just sitting.

5 If you have spark to the plugs check compression by holding your finger over No. 1 spark plug hole while someone cranks the engine. The compression will blow by your finger on the compression stroke so you can stop them from cranking the engine when this happens and look at where the rotor is pointing. It should be st or just past No. 1 terminal. To avoid getting bit when cranking the engine pull the heavy wire from the magneto to keep the spark in the magneto.

Regarding your 1st item here is the result:

I pulled the wire from the dist cap. Pulled up on switch. Pushed in starter rod. Held main lead wire from magneto to block with insulated pliers. NO SPARK.

Will .look into repairing magneto.

Hopefully it's just a set of points.

Thank you for your reply