M20C. Bendix Vs. Slick

[Bruce Le Roux]

Hi there,

 

I have a 1968 Mooney M20C with the O-360 180HP carburettor engine.

It currently has Bendix - Shower of sparks magnetos. Can anyone advise if there is any benefit to replacing the Bendix with the Slick magneto? Are the Slick's easier to maintain/more reliable? I have heard that the Slicks are better and easier to remove for 500Hr maintenance.

 

[rbridges]

You may want to post this in general mooney talk or the vintage section.  Probably get a little more visibility for your question.

[MB65E]

Keep the bendix mags!! They will make a hotter spark. The slicks usually don't make the 500 hr inspection.

-Matt

[bonal]

My MECH at a mooney factory service station and the IA said the Bendix mags are more reliable than the Slicks. Made me happy cause thats whats in mine

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Bruce!

The responses here are direct to the point.

Also, Find the search button at the top of the screen for additional supporting information that has been around for a while.

Best regards,

-a-

[Lood]

+1 for the Bendix!

[DaV8or]

I've done a lot of reading on this subject recently as I have been thinking about my mags. I have yet to find anywhere on the net where someone will say a Slick is superior to a Bendix. There are two advantages to the Slick. They are lighter and they are smaller, so they probably are easier to remove and install. Problem is, you may have to do that with Slicks more often, I don't know.

 

Some here have said that they would get rid of their Slicks and go Bendix because they are supposed to be built better and the replacement parts are cheaper. Others say the Slicks are OK, just the parts cost too much.

 

Basically, since we are pretty much stuck with either/or with no viable electronic ignition available, I would keep your Bendix if I were you.

[orionflt]

I am probably in the minority but several years ago I removed my bendix mags and installed the slicks. I am not saying I think slicks are better then bendix, both mags performed well but the slicks were better for me when it came to working on the plane. My slicks just received an overhaul last year, I took a look at the consumable parts that were removed and noted that there wasn't any substantial wear on them. It is my opinion that both have their pros and cons it is more a matter of preference.

 

Brian 

[yvesg]

I have Slicks on my C and a few months ago when the aircraft was undergoing its annual, I asked the mechanic to do the 500 hours mag inspection. I don't know how old they are but this is at least the second time it happens. Verdict : Less than $50 of parts And a few hours labor. He re-ajusted the timing and I immediately noticed some extra power.