Yeah, I have had my first problem with my Simonini Victor 2 (spoiler alert, problem unrelated to
Simonini!).
Since some time the engine got more difficult to start and didn’t
spin as usual. Once started and warm I check the magnetos. As I use a “tiny
tach” I can only see the actual RPM on one of the circuits but by ear the slight
difference appeared normal.
I had a doubt in the air and, with sufficient altitude and
airfield in view, did the test again. Left magneto “off” – no difference,
actually none what so ever… Switched to the right magneto and had the
impression I was running on one cylinder. Oops…!
After landing I noticed
that both magnetos appeared to work on low RPM but that the left magneto failed
at higher RPM. This rapidly got worse and I noticed issues also on lower RPM
where the engine would rapidly stop.
Revamping all connections from right to left, no difference.
Simonini Victor 2 is using the same Ducati double ignition coils as Rotax 582
so it was easy to get a new one. Once installed all got back to normal.
So no blame on Simonini, with the same coil I would have had
this issue on any engine...
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"The most widely reported problem with the Rotax ignition
system is in the failure of the ignition coils, and pickups on the Dual CDI
engines." according to ultralightnews.com
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One question remain... Why does a brand new ignition coil go bad after 140 hours?