Hello, I'm interested in the DA40 but had a question on electronic timing. I seem some people adding Electroair ignition to their DA40's. Then I read articles about the DA40 already having Unison's Lasar electronic ignition. I'm a bit confused? Do DA40's come with electronic ignition or not?
Just looking for a bit of clarity.
Thx,
Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?
Moderators: Rick, Lance Murray
- CFIDave
- 5 Diamonds Member
- Posts: 2682
- Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2012 3:40 pm
- First Name: Dave
- Aircraft Type: OTHER
- Aircraft Registration: N333GX
- Airports: KJYO Leesburg VA
- Has thanked: 234 times
- Been thanked: 1480 times
Re: Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?
Lycoming DA40s do NOT come with electronic ignition; they have a pair of Slick magnetos with fixed timing to generate high voltage pulses for the engine's dual ignition system.
However, it is possible to replace ONE of these megs with electronic ignition (e.g., Electroair), which is capable of varying the ignition timing. This may result in improved engine performance, particularly at higher altitudes.
However, it is possible to replace ONE of these megs with electronic ignition (e.g., Electroair), which is capable of varying the ignition timing. This may result in improved engine performance, particularly at higher altitudes.
Epic Aircraft E1000 GX
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
- Rich
- 5 Diamonds Member
- Posts: 4607
- Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 12:40 pm
- First Name: Rich
- Aircraft Type: DA40
- Aircraft Registration: N40XE
- Airports: S39 Prineville OR
- Has thanked: 145 times
- Been thanked: 1186 times
Re: Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?
Once upon a time DA40's had LASAR ignition. In fact, you'll still see it in the AMM. But that was short-lived. I was told at the time we picked up our plane (in 2002) that CHT problems when using the LASAR is the reason that they quit using it. There may be some older ones out there with the system.
But the DA40 does have SlickStart (engaged for starting only) which provides battery-driven spark during start. It does not operate otherwise.
But the DA40 does have SlickStart (engaged for starting only) which provides battery-driven spark during start. It does not operate otherwise.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5