Servicing Bendix IGN Switch Type GM

[MoonlightVFR]

Needed Keys Badly. C170B s.n. 246333 1954.

Bendix IGN SWITCH was removed from panel - Bayless Locksmith St Louis created new keys in less than 5 minutes. Happy happy. $20.64 happy.

Now I look at back wiper plate of MAG Switch.- Two screws hold wiper plate on to casting. Virgin Screws.

3500 hour airframe - never a problem with MAG switch...

Cannot find any mention on our 170.org web site mentioning badly worn IGN MAG Switch. So I assume if we have a key we don't have any problems.


But Aircraft Spruce sells Bendix replacement switches for approx. 350.00 each.

Switch is out of panel. Leave it alone or open up and lube contacts w fresh lube after 50 + years
Spruce does sell plastic Wiper board Kit 140.00

I elicit your comments.

Regards

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

It's not broke. Don't break it. Should it break at sometime in the future, then what do you have to lose trying to fix it.

[hilltop170]

If you can take the back cover off of the switch, it should not hurt anything to do that and clean it out. My switch failed by shorting out the right mag. When taken apart, the internals were full of what looked like black carbon dust. After blowing the dust out with an air gun, it worked perfectly.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

If you understand the construction, have the tools and knowledge to properly disassemble and more important reassemble (and test) the component, and it gives you no trouble in the disassembly, then by all means "service" the component.

However, I have broken more perfectly good components bringing their life to an immediate end in an attempt to service them to extend their life. Had I done noting, they'd still be working.

You have a working component which may work very well for a very long time left untouched. What are the chances fooling with it will extend it's life. It is not 100% fooling with it will extend it's life and just as likely perhaps the life of the component will be shorted.

[MoonlightVFR]

Thank you for your comments.

Bruce, I especially liked your comments and open admission of Now, " I wish I had not done that"

I have been in the same spot. Try to think in terms of being taught humility.

We have had some jaw dropping moments raising raising sons into adult men. The "sixteen year old syndrome " allows them to break your stuff without Dad going ballistic.

Patience keeps pilot alive.


Regards

[William008]

This is my claim to fame Bruce. I thought I was the one and only.

[blueldr]

Dump the buggered up Bendix switch and install a couple of toggle switches. The locking switch just keeps the honest guys out anyway. If someone wants to steal your airplane all they have to do is clip the "P" leads.