Installation & Operation Manual
O-360 and IO-360 Series Engines
16 Chapter 3 • Aircraft / Engine
© March 2004 Superior Air Parts Inc. Integration Considerations
8. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine electrical system is responsible for
three (3) primary duties. They are ignition,
starting and power supply to the aircraft.
Superior Vantage Engines are supplied with two
(2) magnetos that have been properly timed at
the factory as well as an engine starter. Other
than electrical connections little is required in
terms of installation design for the ignition or
starting systems. Alternators are not provided
for Superior Vantage Engines due to the
variation in requirements from one airframe to
another. Specification of an alternator and its
connection to the airframe electrical system is
the responsibility of the installation design.
A. Ignition System
Superior Vantage Engines are supplied with two
(2) impulse magnetos, high-tension leads and
spark plugs. Impulse magnetos provide both a
stronger and a retarded spark during low RPM
start conditions. Superior provides impulse
magnetos for both positions to give the best
possible start conditions.
The installation of the engine requires
connection of the P-lead (or grounding lead) to
the left and right magnetos per the following
procedure.
•
Attach the ignition P-lead terminal to the
condenser stud using the lock-washer
and nut on the magneto.
•
Torque the P-lead terminal nut to 13-15
inch-pounds.
•
Attach the P-lead ground shield, if
applicable, to the ground screw on the
side of the magneto. Torque the P-lead
ground shield screw to 18-20 inch-
pounds.
The firing order and ignition system wiring
diagram for the Superior Vantage Engine is
provided in Figure 3-2.
B. Engine Starting System
Superior Vantage Engines are provided with a
12-volt lightweight starter as standard
equipment. Little is required during installation
regarding the starting system except to connect
the power wire from the starting relay to the
terminal of the starter motor. The connection
should be torqued to 50-60 inch-pounds.
C. Electrical System
The specification and installation of an engine
driven alternator is the responsibility of the
airframe manufacturer due to the wide range of
electrical system requirements among aircraft.
A mounting pad is provided on the crankcase
near the nose of the engine for this purpose. A
V-belt pulley is also provided as part of the
flywheel. Tension of the belt should be adjusted
per manufacturer’s recommendations. See
page 22 for V-belt and alternator installation
information.