Key Locks -- Part II

Jim Burns wrote:
I was trying to remember just what that AD was about. I remember
reading it
a couple years ago, but do not know why. Wasn't there something in
the AD
about the switch malfunctioning and actually leaving one or both mags
hot
when the switch was turned to off in addition to the key comeing out?
Seems
like I also remember an inspection and lubrication requirement.

Maybe I was just dreaming.


You remembered pretty accurately. The switch test involved turning
off the engine via the mags and making sure they both grounded. If
not, it's replacement time. If the key came out in any position other
than "off", it's also replacement time.

On Sunday I was doing a BFR in a rental. During the engine out
glide, the instructor reached over and switched the mags off and pulled
the key out. He thought it would rattle/distract me. I had a really
good laugh when he couldn't get it back in. He was starting to look
kind of worried passing through 1000 AGL.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)

On 5/17/2005 14:33, wrote:

Jim Burns wrote:
I was trying to remember just what that AD was about. I remember
reading it
a couple years ago, but do not know why. Wasn't there something in
the AD
about the switch malfunctioning and actually leaving one or both mags
hot
when the switch was turned to off in addition to the key comeing out?
Seems
like I also remember an inspection and lubrication requirement.

Maybe I was just dreaming.


You remembered pretty accurately. The switch test involved turning
off the engine via the mags and making sure they both grounded. If
not, it's replacement time. If the key came out in any position other
than "off", it's also replacement time.

The FBO where I currently rent asks that we do an "Ignition Grounding Check"
each time we shut down the engine. I've always thought it was a good idea.


On Sunday I was doing a BFR in a rental. During the engine out
glide, the instructor reached over and switched the mags off and pulled
the key out. He thought it would rattle/distract me. I had a really
good laugh when he couldn't get it back in. He was starting to look
kind of worried passing through 1000 AGL.

I thought that actually shutting off the engine during a simulated
engine out situation was really frowned upon?


John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)



--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Student
Sacramento, CA

Jay,

Actually, it is not as bad as you think. The Piper ignition lock (aka a
"bendix" switch) and be easily dismantled and repaired. There are 3
screws in the back of the thing and, once removed, the back can be
carefully lifted off without losing the springs by keeping the lock
oriented with the back up. Once done, you will see the contacts with the
springs behind them and holding them (the contacts)up.

I BELIEVE you can then take the lock to a smith who can replce the
tumbler pins and keys. I BELIEVE I saw a repair kit for these locks at
one of the aviation joints (Chief, Spruce, etc) that had new contacts
and springs and maybe a new contact backplate.

I also think I saw that Wag-Aero sold entire new units that replaced
these dudes for about $100.

Take your pick (no pun intended).

Good Luck,
Mike

Jay Honeck wrote:
After reading the other posts about key locks, the responses brought another
question to mind.

My key ignition switch works very hard, and the key can be removed in any
position. It's hard to push it in and keep the starter engaged (it's one
of those turn-while-you-push switches), so we usually end up pushing it
several times to get the engine started.

Can that ignition switch be dismantled and repaired, or is this a
"replace-only" job?

Radio Shack is your friend. They have a couple of different contact
cleaners (some of them say "tuner cleaner", which is the REALLY good stuff)
in spray bottles.

Take the mag switch out of the panel. Get Mary to do it. A little person
wriggling around under the panel is a WHOLE LOT more comfortable than you or
I.

Put a rag under the switch. Squirt a liberal amount of cleaner into the
switch through the key hole. Key rotate it fast from stop to stop. Repeat
cleaner. Repeat rotate.

If you don't get results, replace the switch. It only cost you a couple of
bucks to try.

Jim



"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:N2lie.1536$WG.602@attbi_s22...
After reading the other posts about key locks, the responses brought
another question to mind.

My key ignition switch works very hard, and the key can be removed in any
position. It's hard to push it in and keep the starter engaged (it's one
of those turn-while-you-push switches), so we usually end up pushing it
several times to get the engine started.

Can that ignition switch be dismantled and repaired, or is this a
"replace-only" job?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

RST Engineering wrote:

It only cost you a couple of bucks to try.

A couple of bucks and a nice dinner for Mary.

George Patterson
"Naked" means you ain't got no clothes on; "nekkid" means you ain't got
no clothes on - and are up to somethin'.

On Tue, 17 May 2005 09:29:56 -0400, Ron Natalie
wrote:

Jay Honeck wrote:

Can that ignition switch be dismantled and repaired, or is this a
"replace-only" job?

I had a similar problem with mine (the key would actually FALL OUT)
in flight and it would appear to be in the OFF position and still
leave one MAG hot. I just replaced the blasted thing. A new bendix
switch wasn't that much. My ignition key didn't match the canopy
or baggage compartment locks anyhow.

Besides,

Isn't there a reoccuring AD on those Bendix ignition switches???
Something about leaving the mags hot even if you turn it to the off
position. Why not just replace it and not have to worry about a
reoccuring AD or the hi effort problem?


Chuck

Chuck wrote:

Isn't there a reoccuring AD on those Bendix ignition switches???
Something about leaving the mags hot even if you turn it to the off
position. Why not just replace it and not have to worry about a
reoccuring AD or the hi effort problem?

Google AD 76-07-12.

Dave

On Sunday I was doing a BFR in a rental. During the engine out
glide, the instructor reached over and switched the mags off and pulled
the key out. He thought it would rattle/distract me. I had a really
good laugh when he couldn't get it back in. He was starting to look
kind of worried passing through 1000 AGL.

Anyone who did that to me would not be able to get out of the plane
unassisted.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Take the mag switch out of the panel. Get Mary to do it. A little person
wriggling around under the panel is a WHOLE LOT more comfortable than you
or I.

Hey -- I'm only 89.9% of the guy I was a year ago! (177 pounds, as of
yesterday...)

;-)

But you're still right -- I HATE climbing around under that panel....

Put a rag under the switch. Squirt a liberal amount of cleaner into the
switch through the key hole. Key rotate it fast from stop to stop.
Repeat cleaner. Repeat rotate.

Is there any reason I have to remove the switch from the panel to try this?
Can I put a rag behind it in the panel, and try cleaning it?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Google AD 76-07-12.

Thanks, Dave.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"