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L or
R
position.
An obvious
power
loss
in
single
ignition
operation
is
evidence
of
spark
plug or magneto
trouble.
Assuming
that
spark
plugs
are
the
more
likely
cause,
lean
the
mixture
to the
normal
lean
setting for
cruising
flight.
If
the
problem
does not clear
up in
several
minutes,
de-
termine
if a
richer
mixture
setting
will produce
smoother
operation.
If
not,
proceed
to the
nearest
airport
for repairs
using
the
BOTH position
of
the
ignition
switch
unless
extreme
roughness
dictates
the
use of
a single
ignition
position.
MAGNETO
MALFUNCTION.
A sudden
engine
roughness
or
misfiring
is usually
evidence
of mag-
neto problems.
Switching
from
BCYI'H
to
either
L or R ignition
switch
position
will identify
which
magneto
is malfunctioning.
Select
different
power
settings
and enrichen
the
mixture
to
determine
if continued
opera-
tion
on BOTH magnetos
is practicable.
If not,
switch
to the
good magneto
and
proceed
to the
nearest
airport
for
repairs.
LOW OIL
PRESSURE.
If low oil pressure
is
accompanied
by normal
oil
temperature,
there
is a possibility
the
oil pressure
gage or
relief
valve
is malfunctioning.
A leak in
the
line
to the
gage is not necessarily
cause
for
an
immediate
precautionary
landing
because
an
orifice
in
this
line will prevent
a sudden
loss
of oil from
the
engine sump.
However,
a landing
at
the
nearest
air-
port would be advisable
to
inspect
the
source
of
trouble.
If
a
total
loss
of oil pressure
is accompanied
by a rise
in oil
temper-
ture, there
is reason
to
suspect
an
engine
failure
is imminent.
Reduce
engine
power
immediately
and select a
suitable
forced
landing
field.
Leave
the
engine
running
at low power
during
the
approach,
using
only
the
minimum
power
required
to
reach
the
desired
touchdown
spot.
ELECTRICAL POWER
SUPPLY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS.
Malfunctions
in
the
electrical
power
supply
system
can be detected
by
periodic
monitoring
of
the
ammeter
and
over-voltage
warning
light;
how-
ever,
the
cause
of
these
malfunctions
is usually
difficult
to
determine.
A broken
alternator
drive
belt
or wiring
is
the
most
likely
cause
of alter-
nator
failures,
although
other
factors
could
cause
the
problem.
A
damaged
or improperly
adjusted
voltage
regulator
can also
cause
malfunctions.
Problems
of
this
nature
constitute
an
electrical
emergency
and
should
be
dealt
with immediately,
Electrical
power
malfunctions
usually
fall into
3-8
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