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Garret TFE 731 Turbofan Engine (CAT C)

CHAPTER 74

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FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY

TFE 731 - ISSUE 2, 2010

Garret TFE 731 Turbofan Engine (CAT C)


CHAPTER 74

INTRODUCTION
0 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 2 Ignition System Component Location 3 4

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FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY

TFE 731 - ISSUE 2, 2010

Garret TFE 731 Turbofan Engine (CAT C)


CHAPTER 74

ENGINE IGNITION
1 IGNITION SYSTEM
The engine ignition system is a dual igniter system requiring a DC power input from the aircraft system for operation. The system includes the ignition unit, two igniter plugs, and high voltage shielded output cables capable of either continuous or intermittent operation. The system is capable of continuous operation when required and selected by a cockpit switch. There is no specific duty cycle limitation on continuous operation and the system may be operated as long as necessary when flight environment dictates its use. Prolonged unnecessary use of the system, however, will reduce igniter plug life. In the normal mode of operation, the ignition system is energised by means of a switch activated by movement of the power lever during engine start. A cockpit indicator lamp alerts the operator that power is available to the ignition unit. During the start cycle, ignition is deenergised automatically by the electronic control or aircraft start system at approximately 50% N2 RPM. During a manual mode start, ignition must be deenergised by a manual cockpit switch if the start system is controlled by the electronic control. On aircraft start control systems the ignition will automatically de-energise with starter drop out.

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FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY

TFE 731 - ISSUE 2, 2010

Garret TFE 731 Turbofan Engine (CAT C)


CHAPTER 74 2 COMPONENT LOCATION
The ignition unit, mounted on the upper left side of the fan bypass duct, is a solid state, noise suppressed, high voltage, and dual capacitance discharge type. The unit utilises 10 to 30 volts DC input, and provides 18,000 to 24,000 volts to the igniter plugs. Two type units are utilised, depending upon accomplishment of SB 74-3003. Units prior to SB 74-3003, provide voltage to produce sparks at the rate of two to six per second to each igniter lead. The capacitor output circuits share a common primary circuit and energy storage resulting in a synchronised discharge to both igniter plugs. Sparks to each igniter plug occur simultaneously. A drawback of this system is that an audible function test of the igniter plugs will not reveal the loss of a single plug. Service Bulletin 74-3003 incorporates an ignition unit with asynchronous discharge capability. The unit is a solid state, high voltage, dual capacitor discharge type with independent and redundant circuits, allowing each igniter plug to fire asynchronously. Synchronous firing may occur, but if the firing should remain synchronous for more than 30 seconds, the ignition unit may be faulty. The unit provides voltage to produce sparks at the approximate rate of two to seven per second to each igniter plug. The igniter leads are shielded, high-tension flexible leads connecting the ignition unit to the igniter plugs. The leads are routed from the unit, through the left engine service strut and along the bottom of the engine to the igniter plugs.

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FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY

TFE 731 - ISSUE 2, 2010

Garret TFE 731 Turbofan Engine (CAT C)


CHAPTER 74
The igniter plugs are mounted at six and seven o'clock on the turbine plenum. The length of ignition system use affects the service life of igniter plugs; therefore, the use of continuous ignition reduces service life. The most common factor effecting serviceability of igniter plugs is erosion of the centre electrode and outer shell. An improved igniter plug with iridium inserts in the outer shell and an iridium centre electrode can be utilised in the engine depending on service bulletin compliance. This igniter has a longer life and changes the inspection requirements of the system. Consult the maintenance manual for current inspection requirements and ignition system checks.

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FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY

TFE 731 - ISSUE 2, 2010

Garret TFE 731 Turbofan Engine (CAT C)


CHAPTER 74

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TFE 731 - ISSUE 2, 2010

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