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Hello Gene,
We've got 2 P-Mags on our 320. We've had
mostly positive experience with them. One negative has been a sensing
magnet that can come loose and seriously throw off the timing. The folks at Emag
have re-engineered the sensing system. This is no longer a problem. All new mags
have the new magnet and mount and a service bulletin has been issued on the mags
out in the field. The service bulletin requires the mag be returned to the
factory where they will install the fix. They ask a flat rate shipping charge of
25 bucks, but the repair is free and the turnaround is within 2 days.
If you need a mag gear, I recommend buying a
Lycoming gear. I found, and I believe that others on the list have found (Scott,
was that you?), excessive wear on the mag gear that they sell.
Those are the only negatives that I'm aware of. Use
a Lycoming gear and make sure that the service bulletin has been done and there
are no negatives left. I've had mine on for about 450 hours and am very
happy with them.
I've found Brad at E-mag to be extremely responsive
to questions, comments, requests and suggestions. They are very honest about the
problems that they have encountered in developing this product and the solutions
that they have implemented. I believe that these ignitions have been out for
long enough to be a mature product with the problems already worked out.
At this point, I believe that the P model (self
powered) is probably more dependable than a conventional mag. It generates it's
own electricity but will use ships power if the internal generating capability
fails (it does need ships power for starting). Your engine will start much
easier and with no possibility of kickback since during start it fires just past
TDC. Cruise efficiency is improved over conventional mags and the cost is
comparable.
I like ours and am planning on dual P-mags on our
IV (the 6 cylinder version will probably be out this summer). I recommend the
product and the company. Contact me if you need any more info.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,650 hrs
N6ZQ IV under construction
Thinking about buying P-Mags so I can use a
cooling plenum,the aircraft spark plugs are to long and need to use shorter
auto plugs. Have herd of things in the past like random misfire and gear
problems. Need the good bad and ugly.
Gene Martin
LNC2/320
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