SonexBuilders.net

I purchased a used AeroVee 2.1 engine that I'm now trying to sort out and have questions that I hope that other members with more knowledge and experience can help with. Super tins: Mine do not appear to have been installed on the engine. Are others using these items?
Magnetrons: Is it possible that a magnetron would fire only one piston and is it possible/feasible to replace the plug wires on a magnetron?
Electronic ignition: Any recommendations for replacement of the spark plug wires? The current wires are labeled "7mm HI-TEMP RADIO SUPRESSION CABLE" (and have a carbon filament over copper core?) and I have not been able to find an exact replacement.

Finally, my engine came with the old style side exhaust pipes and are available to anyone for the price of shipping.

Thanks in advance

Hi Pete,

Congratulations on the purchase of the AeroVee! I'll offer my two cents on your questions but I hope that doesn't keep others from chiming in as well.
Super Tins: Yes, you need them. Don't try to fly your airplane without them. They are necessary for appropriate baffling and will help keep the air going around the cylinder heads. They need to be there and they need to be on the bottom of the cylinders per the manual.
Magnetrons: The primary magnetrons use a "wasted spark" setup so they fire double what is needed, but that's just the way they're set up. I don't see any reason to worry about it as they work just fine. And, as for changing the plug wires, people have discussed this matter before. In theory you should be able to do that but I haven't heard anyone actually pulling off that feat. Personally, I'd say the easiest fix is to simply order new magnetrons for Sonex that will come with the wires, ready to go.
Electronic Ignition: Just order a set of replacement wires from the Sonex online store. If you're careful you may be able to fabricate all 4 plug wires from one wire kit, but it will be easier if you just order two kits. You'll have extra but I'd rather have extra than not quite enough.

Again, just my two cents! Good luck!!

I don't see how a magnetron could fire only one plug. They use both spark plugs to complete the circuit. I guess one plug could be fouled and not firing...but the current would still be going through the plug.

I replaced a magentron plug wire on my old Aerovee. The plug wires are glued into the sockets on the magnetron, but you can pull/pry/cut them out. They use a solid copper wire so I replaced them with a similar wire. I found Ford tractor plug wires on ebay that worked perfectly. Makes sense to use a tractor part on a lawnmower part, right?