Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?

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ManOfSpokane2

Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?

Post by ManOfSpokane2 »

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,
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Re: Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?

Post by CFIDave »

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.
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Rich
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Re: Do DA40's come with electronic ignition?

Post by Rich »

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.
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