The first real problem

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...

"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

One question remain... Why does a brand new ignition coil go bad after 140 hours?