10-500556-3 – Continental Motors Inc Bendix Magneto 20 Series
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Continental Motors 10-500556-3 is a factory-new Bendix 20 Series magneto, renowned for its robust construction, reliability, and time-proven performance. As a critical component of a reciprocating engine's ignition system, this magneto is engineered to deliver a precisely-timed, high-voltage spark necessary for consistent combustion. The Bendix 20 Series magnetos are among the most widely used ignition sources in general aviation, and this specific model is configured for four-cylinder engine applications. Manufactured under Continental's stringent quality control standards, the 10-500556-3 ensures dependable performance from engine start-up to full power, making it the trusted choice for new installations and overhauls.
Key Features
- Self-Contained Ignition Source: Functions entirely independent of the aircraft's electrical system, generating its own high-voltage electrical energy from the engine's rotation, providing a critical layer of redundancy.
- High-Energy Output: Features a high-efficiency rotating magnet and coil design that produces a strong, consistent spark across all engine operating RPMs, ensuring efficient fuel-air mixture ignition.
- Robust Construction: Built with a durable aluminum housing and high-quality internal components, including sealed bearings and moisture-resistant insulators, designed to withstand the harsh engine environment of vibration and temperature extremes.
- Precision Timing: Engineered for precise internal timing ("E-gap"), which is critical for engine health, performance, and fuel efficiency.
- Factory Certified: As a genuine Continental Motors part, it guarantees the latest revisions, highest quality materials, and adherence to FAA production certificate standards, ensuring airworthiness and reliability.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 10-500556-3
- Magneto Series: Bendix 20 Series
- Bendix Equivalent Model: S4LSC-21
- Application: 4-Cylinder Engines
- Mounting: Flange Mount
- Rotation: Left Hand
- Drive Coupling: Includes Impulse Coupling for easier engine starting
- Ignition Type: Single Ignition (requires two magnetos for a standard dual-ignition engine)
- Certification: FAA Production Approval
Engine Compatibility
The Continental 10-500556-3 magneto is specified for use on a wide range of four-cylinder reciprocating aircraft engines. It is crucial to always verify the specific engine model's Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) or maintenance manual for definitive compatibility.
- Continental:
- A-65, A-75
- C-75, C-85, C-90
- O-200 Series
- Lycoming:
- O-235 Series
- O-290 Series
Applications
The 10-500556-3 magneto is the cornerstone of the ignition system for numerous aircraft:
- Primary Flight Training: Installed on many of the most common training aircraft, where its reliability is paramount for high-cycle operations.
- Classic & Vintage Aircraft: A direct-fit, factory-new option for restoring or maintaining the ignition systems of classic aircraft like the Piper J-3 Cub, Aeronca Champ, and early Cessna 140/150s.
- Engine Overhaul & Repair: The standard choice for installation during engine overhauls to ensure the ignition system is restored to zero-time condition.
Why Choose 10-500556-3?
Choosing a factory-new Continental 10-500556-3 magneto is the definitive way to ensure safety and reliability for your engine's ignition system. Unlike overhauled units which may have components with unknown service histories, this new magneto provides zero-time components and incorporates all the latest engineering improvements. The Bendix design has a legacy of proven performance over millions of flight hours. Investing in a new magneto reduces the risk of in-flight ignition failure, lowers long-term maintenance costs, and provides the peace of mind that comes from using a genuine, factory-certified part.
Order Your 10-500556-3 Magneto Now
Ensure your engine's reliability with a brand-new Continental Motors Bendix Magneto. Visit Airparts.aero today to order the 10-500556-3 and invest in the safety and performance of your aircraft's ignition system.
The Continental Motors 10-500556-3, a Bendix S4LSC-21 model from the 20 Series family, is a fundamental component for generating the high-tension voltage required for combustion in spark-ignition piston engines. This magneto operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, utilizing a rotating magnet shaft driven by the engine's gear train to induce current in a primary coil. The collapse of this field, triggered by the opening of the contact breaker points, generates a high-voltage spark from the secondary coil, which is then directed to the appropriate spark plug by the distributor block. The included impulse coupling is a critical subsystem that uses a spring-loaded mechanical linkage to momentarily accelerate the magneto's rotation during engine start, producing a hotter, more energetic spark at low cranking speeds. At Airparts.aero, we provide these essential, factory-certified components to ensure your engine's ignition system functions with maximum safety and reliability.
Note: Magneto installation and timing are flight-critical procedures that must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in accordance with the engine manufacturer's maintenance manual. Always verify part number applicability for your specific engine model and serial number before installation.
FAA-PMA Part
Description: Magneto (Bendix/Cmi 20 Series)
Part Number: 10-500556-3
Alternate Part Number: 10-500556-3, BL-500556-3
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