Spark plug teminal screw coming loose

·         Olav Soendergaard Poulsen

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Hi Jabiru
The terminal screw on the specified spark plug has a habit of coming loose after some hours of flight. No matter how tight I fasten them or pinch them with a wire cutter or pliers, they keep coming loose from time to time. Every 5-10 hours I have to check and retighten them to make sure they are not loose. So far I have not had any issues with the ignition, but the thought of failing ignition due to loose terminal screws are a bit annoying.
I don't like the idea of using LocTite on something that should have a safe electrical contact, but would LocTite be a good solution?
For other engines I know spark plugs with solid terminals are available. Is there a spark plug with solid terminal available for the Jabiru 2200 engine? (Serial no. 2637).

Regards
Olav

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·         Doug Smith

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Hi Olav,
I'd suggest you use side-cutters or similar to mark the male thread on the spark plug - a burr on that thread should act as a lock-nut and stop the terminal from turning. It would also be worth checking your spark plug leads - an additional zip-tie or two to stop the cables moving with engine vibration might be helpful.
I agree that Loctite should be a last resort. I'm not aware of a solid terminal plug option.
Regards,
Doug.

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·         Olav Soendergaard Poulsen

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Thanks Doug.
I think it is a much better idea to make a mark i the male part thread, than deforming the terminal screw. I will try that and give my feed back on how that works.
The spark plug cables and caps seem to sit very well, but I will see if it is possible to secure them even better.
I don't feel much vibration from the engine, but I am going to replace the rubber supports soon. Might have some effect too.
Regards Olav.