503 CDI conversion

[cgmg]

I'm considering having my Bosch ignition 503 converted to CDI by Airscrew Performance this winter.

Has anyone out there done this, and what were their thoughts on the conversion, after they had flown with it for a while?

Second question: I use an EIS to monitor my engine parameters, does anyone especially have any experience with the CDI conversion and maintaining proper engine RPM feedback after the conversion?

Flew for about 30 minutes today, at 35 degrees. Wasn't bad, thanks to electric gloves and socks. Now I can still say I've flown in December in Illinois for the last 3 winters!

Mark Greene

[CLS447]

Mark, will they make it dual CDI or single? If single, I would stick with points. How much do they get for this service?

[cgmg]

My understanding is that the conversion is a single point, which is what I have now. The cost is advertised at $275, but that does not include the shipping costs.

[Chuck Roberg]

I had a 532 Rotax converted by Airscrew. I put about another 200 hours on it with out a problem. I was happy with the conversion.

I recommended to a friend he have his 532 converted since he was having various problems with it. When I was test flying the gyro for him, after the engine came back, The engine with about 4 1/2 hours quit. Seems a coil that was mounted during the conversion didn't have enough clearance and was rubbing on a turning part. A wire wore thru and thus the engine quit.

I have heard of a few other people having mixed results with the conversion. My opinion would be. If your engine is running OK. Don't fix it if it ain't broke. If your having ignition or engine problems then you might want to try the conversion.

Personally if I had a 532 I'd do it again.

[ToddP]

My 532 also has the conversion on it. It seems to be running great, but I've only put about 4 hours on it. I'll know alot more by the end of the summer. ;D

[cgmg]

It's interesting that you mention the wire being worn through with your friend's CDI conversion. I had the same thing happen with my engine, with about 50 hours of experience under my belt. The wire wore clear through, and I did a forced landing in a bean field. My instructor's land at idle training paid off, as I did no damage to my machine, or the beans I landed in. Did cut short my fun at the fly-in, though.

I'm not having any problems with my point ignition otherwise, it's just a real pain in the butt to pull my flywheel to mess with the points, as I have to virtually remove my engine from its support to get enough clearance to get at the flywheel. I also don't have enough confidence that I will set the points exactly right the next time I adjust them, and fear doing more damage by mis-adjusting. The friend who normally helps me do this lives 2 hours away, and it's really difficult with our two work schedules to get together. In fact, we have not gotten together at all in 2003.

I appreciate the input, sounds like there is no absolute advantage to the CDI conversion.

Thanks,

Mark

[ToddP]

it's just a real pain in the butt to pull my flywheel to mess with the points, as I have to virtually remove my engine from its support to get enough clearance to get at the flywheel.

I appreciate the input, sounds like there is no absolute advantage to the CDI conversion.



I think you made your own best argument here. If adjusting the points were that much trouble, I'd change in a heartbeat. I enjoyed building my machine, but now I want to fly, not spend my spare time working on it. However I understand some people really like to tinker, my only problem is very limited time and I'd rather fly this next summer.

[GyroRon]

It is too bad that those problems that could have happened just as easy on a four stroke, will add to the bad rap 2 strokes have.

[richardkennedy]

Mark, I had Airscrew Performance modify my 532 with the CDI ignition a few years ago and I put about 200-250 hours on the motor. I was very pleased with the performance and reliability it provided. I installed another 532 on my gyro and tried to re-install the CDI ignition on it. I had problems getting the timing right, but Steve at Airscrew was tireless in his efforts trying to help me on the phone. I highly recommend them.