Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Beginners
Reload this Page >

Fuel line pinch test

Community
Search
Notices
Beginners Beginners in RC start here for help.

Fuel line pinch test

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-21-2011, 05:19 PM
  #76  
billd76
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
billd76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Nottingham, PA
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: Firepower R/C

rudder turns,

Hmm, I have never heard of pinching the muffler line before. Very interesting... it seems logical. I will try that next time I run an engine. Your low end technique is good, and is how I did it before learning the pinch. I guess I am too impatient sometimes, heh heh.

In response to billd76, yes, I do pinch the tubing while at idle, then listen to what it does. If it dies really quick-too lean. If it slowly revs up over 5-15 seconds and then dies- too rich. If it speeds up slightly then dies in a 2-3 seconds- just right. Works great for me, given all other things are solid in the installation. Each engine will vary slightly in the times as well. This technique really helped all of my Evolution engines perform excellent. Oh, and my Hangar 9 Corsair has a Super Tigre 90 in it, and is the most well behaved engine I have ever owned. Never ever a deadstick. Pinch test-adjusted. Just my preference, however.



LONG LIVE THE GLOW ENGINE!!! Now why do I hear only crickets?
Hmmm, thanks, That's the exact engine I have on my twist 60. the ST 90. It has given me nothing but fits. Dead sticks on take offs, landing, seems to run ok when I'm running 3/4 throttle. It is one of the italian made ones. When it does run right, it runs very well. What size prop are you using on it. I'm spinning a 16X7 Xroar on mine. Thanks
Old 12-21-2011, 06:16 PM
  #77  
goirish
Senior Member
 
goirish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Litchfield, MI
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

Bill
On that super tigre you have to be sure the spray bar slot is in the right orientation, otherwise big headache. Somewhere there is a thread explaining how to set the spray bar.
Old 12-21-2011, 07:50 PM
  #78  
billd76
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
billd76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Nottingham, PA
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: goirish

Bill
On that super tigre you have to be sure the spray bar slot is in the right orientation, otherwise big headache. Somewhere there is a thread explaining how to set the spray bar.
Yeah checked it long ago, it is where it should be. Hows the soon to be Marine doing?

Thanks,
Old 12-21-2011, 08:37 PM
  #79  
HighPlains
My Feedback: (1)
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Over da rainbow, KS
Posts: 5,087
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

Bill, a 16x7 prop is just too big a load for the ST 90 engine. Drop down to a 13x6 or 14x5 and the engine will be much happier.

Since this thread has turned into a clearing center for poor engine performance, one area that should be addressed is overloading the engine with too big a prop. In recent years, manufacturers of engines have started calling out larger and larger props in their engine guides. Strange thing is that physics of internal combustion engines have stayed the same. I suspect they do this for two reasons:

1.) Call out a bigger prop than your competitor does, and you must have the stronger engine.

Well, if you examine the data, the peak power occurs about 4 to 6 thousand RPM higher than what you will ever see with that oversized prop. For a 2C engine, that uses an ordinary muffler, you want to have a ground RPM that is 2 to 3 thousand below the peak power. In the air, the engine will unload about 1500 RPM give or take depending on how clean aerodynamically your plane is and you will achieve the rated power.

2.) Makes them run very quietly - Mostly because it is not making any power. But important in some very restrictive areas.


Now how can you tell if your airplane's engine is over-propped? RPM is a good guide if you have a tach, but if you don't then it's time to get to know your engine. An engine that is over loaded will have a very narrow needle range on the high speed needle valve. In other words, it will go from 4 cycle rich to lean with not much adjustment of the needle valve.

Put a much smaller, lighter prop on, and suddenly the needle becomes much broader, and the engine will not be so critical on the setting.
Old 12-21-2011, 08:38 PM
  #80  
Firepower R/C
My Feedback: (10)
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Bloomington, IL
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

billd76,

I would say that your installed prop is too much load for that engine, that is, if your carb isn't bad, or one of those oddball .40-size ones they stuck on right before the operation moved to China. In my opinion it might run with that prop, but it won't run like it should. I currently have a Master Airscrew 14X8 on mine, and don't want to load it up any more than it is. I also have never used an Xoar prop, but have heard from a friend that does use them that they "bite" harder than most other props of a similar size. He says they are great props, so I guess I need to try one! Also, do you also have the stock muffler or an otherwise large-volume muffler on it? There are a few smaller aftermarket ones that choke the engine, which would aggrevate the whole larger prop thing even further.

I would suggest trying a smaller prop, and then adjusting the carb using the pinch method on both needles and come back here and post your results... deal?

Good luck!

EDIT: Oops, High Plains beat me to it... heh heh. He hit the nail on the head!
Old 12-21-2011, 10:43 PM
  #81  
Bozarth
My Feedback: (15)
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Aurora, CO
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: rudder turns
..or your clunk is too far back in the tank,it should be a 1/4'' at the closet to the back of the tank,so the engine doesn't starve on take of or maneuvers...
Please elaborate. How would this starve the engine on take-off?

Kurt
Old 12-21-2011, 10:53 PM
  #82  
HighPlains
My Feedback: (1)
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Over da rainbow, KS
Posts: 5,087
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

It's that pesky acceleration Kurt, it pushes the clunk back and stretches the clunk line. One must also allow that clunk fuel line seems to grow slightly when exposed to fuel for long periods. I actually encountered this phenomena a couple years ago in a beginners plane. So leaving a gap of 1/4" from the clunk to the rear of the tank is a good idea. Some suggest even filing a notch in the clunk, but I think that is overkill.
Old 12-22-2011, 03:01 AM
  #83  
jaka
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Upplands Vasby, SWEDEN
Posts: 7,816
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

Hi!
16x7 is way way to big prop!
If you fly at sea level the most suitable prop seizes are 13x8, 14x6 or 15x4 (even 15x6 or 16x4W APC in some occations/planes) . As usuall APC,RAM or Graupner Cam-Prop are the best props!
Old 12-22-2011, 04:24 AM
  #84  
billd76
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
billd76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Nottingham, PA
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

ORIGINAL: jaka

Hi!
16x7 is way way to big prop!
If you fly at sea level the most suitable prop seizes are 13x8, 14x6 or 15x4 (even 15x6 or 16x4W APC in some occations/planes) . As usuall APC,RAM or Graupner Cam-Prop are the best props!
Thanks all, I only went with the 16 because one of theh 3d guys at the field recommended it. Will pick up a smaller one today, or a couple and see what works best. Need to build a test stand. I running the stock muffler (oil can). I do have a tach, haven't really used it much. What is the Optimal RPM for the ST 90?
Old 12-22-2011, 06:43 AM
  #85  
raptureboy
 
raptureboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kempton PA
Posts: 2,621
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

Someboby pinch me, I must be dreaming that a thread about pinching has gone on for 4 pages! Tune the high until it runs, tune the low until it transitions. Done! Now go fly! Remember, you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish
Old 12-22-2011, 06:53 AM
  #86  
rye
My Feedback: (10)
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 1,841
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

Old 12-22-2011, 06:55 AM
  #87  
HighPlains
My Feedback: (1)
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Over da rainbow, KS
Posts: 5,087
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

My old ST 75 ran well at 12,000 RPM turning a 13x5 Rev-Up prop. It also turned about the same with a 12x6, but had much better climb with the 13x5. I generally like to have enough speed to do decent knife edge flight, then go for the largest diameter prop with lowest pitch that will achieve enough speed. This gives the ability to have unlimited vertical, whereas a smaller diameter prop with more pitch will fly faster, but usually runs out of steam after a few hundred feet.

Both the ST 75 and ST90 produce peak power at about the same RPM, with the 90 at a couple hundred RPM less. So I would target a peak RPM in the 11,550 range +/- 500. You always want to experiment with props with any new engine and airplane until you find which size works best. With experience you find one that you like best after 5 or 6 props, then stick with that size if possible because trim of the airplane is somewhat prop dependent.

Generally at this point if the airframe is straight and has the correct decalage, most of the final trimming depends on balance and thrust. Once you begin to appreciate how all of this works, then you will enjoy aircraft that fly better and are easier to land.

One final point - some airframe/engine combination will resonate badly at some RPM, usually you will hear a strange buzzing coming from the wing. When that occurs, try a slightly different size prop to move to another RPM.
Old 12-22-2011, 07:16 AM
  #88  
goirish
Senior Member
 
goirish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Litchfield, MI
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: billd76


ORIGINAL: goirish

Bill
On that super tigre you have to be sure the spray bar slot is in the right orientation, otherwise big headache. Somewhere there is a thread explaining how to set the spray bar.
Yeah checked it long ago, it is where it should be. Hows the soon to be Marine doing?

Thanks,
We head to San Diego next month. Ya don't think I will be a proud grandpa do ya?
Old 12-22-2011, 08:27 AM
  #89  
billd76
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
billd76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Nottingham, PA
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

ORIGINAL: goirish


ORIGINAL: billd76


ORIGINAL: goirish

Bill
On that super tigre you have to be sure the spray bar slot is in the right orientation, otherwise big headache. Somewhere there is a thread explaining how to set the spray bar.
Yeah checked it long ago, it is where it should be. Hows the soon to be Marine doing?
Thanks,
We head to San Diego next month. Ya don't think I will be a proud grandpa do ya?
Yeah, I'm thinking you will be! [8D][8D] Our youngest Marine flew in Monday. He is doing well. He had 7 months left on his 5 year hitch. Heading for Penn State next fall.
Old 12-22-2011, 10:47 AM
  #90  
billd76
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
billd76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Nottingham, PA
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: Firepower R/C

billd76,

I would say that your installed prop is too much load for that engine, that is, if your carb isn't bad, or one of those oddball .40-size ones they stuck on right before the operation moved to China. In my opinion it might run with that prop, but it won't run like it should. I currently have a Master Airscrew 14X8 on mine, and don't want to load it up any more than it is. I also have never used an Xoar prop, but have heard from a friend that does use them that they ''bite'' harder than most other props of a similar size. He says they are great props, so I guess I need to try one! Also, do you also have the stock muffler or an otherwise large-volume muffler on it? There are a few smaller aftermarket ones that choke the engine, which would aggrevate the whole larger prop thing even further.

I would suggest trying a smaller prop, and then adjusting the carb using the pinch method on both needles and come back here and post your results... deal?

Good luck!

EDIT: Oops, High Plains beat me to it... heh heh. He hit the nail on the head!
Well, I'm work after today until the 3rd of Jan, so will have to to experiment with prop. I don't want speed, I have the 90 on a .60 twist. So want low speed high torque, will start with a 15 X 4 and see how it goes. It has flown very well (and I think I made a mistake on the prop size.) with the cirrent prop. I believe the one I have is a 16 X4 Xroar. Will double check it when I get home tonight. I also need to straigthen the landing gear, results from the last dead stick. going to check the clunk too, but last time I checked it was fine.

Thanks
Old 12-22-2011, 11:46 AM
  #91  
opjose
 
opjose's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Poolesville, MD
Posts: 12,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: HighPlains

It's that pesky acceleration Kurt, it pushes the clunk back and stretches the clunk line. One must also allow that clunk fuel line seems to grow slightly when exposed to fuel for long periods. I actually encountered this phenomena a couple years ago in a beginners plane. So leaving a gap of 1/4'' from the clunk to the rear of the tank is a good idea. Some suggest even filing a notch in the clunk, but I think that is overkill.
Excellent advice.

I too learned this the hard way with a plane that kept displaying strange engine behaviour during acceleration and some manouvers.

Even thicker fuel lines WILL stretch enough to plug the clunk holes, even when those clunks have a notch in them.

I've also had people insist that they've left enough space to prevent this, only to discover they have the same problem.

1/4" is about right.

Old 12-22-2011, 11:53 AM
  #92  
opjose
 
opjose's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Poolesville, MD
Posts: 12,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: billd76

Ok, first of all I beleive the pinch test is the easiest way for me to tune. I've read a couple of replies here that say you use it for the LSN adjustment. I get that, but do you pinch the line with the engine at idle for the LSN adjustment? For me the hardest thing to adjust is the low end. One other thing I haven't seen mentioned is that when you make a HSN adjustment, you sometimes have to readjust the LSN again as well. I have always had trouble tuning anything but an OS engine. Super Tigres are the worst, all the ones I've owned required adjusting everytime I go to the field. But the LSN is the one for me, that is hard to get just right.
One of the easiest ways to get the LS needle adjusted is to insert and remove the glow plug while the engine is idling.

There should only be a very slight drop in RPM's when the ignitor is removed.


Old 12-22-2011, 11:58 AM
  #93  
Bozarth
My Feedback: (15)
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Aurora, CO
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: opjose


ORIGINAL: HighPlains

It's that pesky acceleration Kurt, it pushes the clunk back and stretches the clunk line. One must also allow that clunk fuel line seems to grow slightly when exposed to fuel for long periods. I actually encountered this phenomena a couple years ago in a beginners plane. So leaving a gap of 1/4'' from the clunk to the rear of the tank is a good idea. Some suggest even filing a notch in the clunk, but I think that is overkill.
Excellent advice.

I too learned this the hard way with a plane that kept displaying strange engine behaviour during acceleration and some manouvers.

Even thicker fuel lines WILL stretch enough to plug the clunk holes, even when those clunks have a notch in them.

I've also had people insist that they've left enough space to prevent this, only to discover they have the same problem.

1/4'' is about right.


I'm still doubting this much stretch and the fact that it will plug the clunk hole.[8D]
Old 12-22-2011, 12:04 PM
  #94  
grimbeaver
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Brooklyn Park, MN
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: Bozarth
But wait, pinching the fuel line does simulate what the engine will experience when climbing - reduced fuel flow. When the plane is held nose high, the effective distance between the carb and the clunk is increased, and with most suction feed carbs, the fuel flow is reduced.
Personally if physically possible I would rather just hold the plane vertical then "simulate" climbing. Nothing is better then the real thing right? Lol.
Old 12-22-2011, 12:40 PM
  #95  
Bozarth
My Feedback: (15)
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Aurora, CO
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

ORIGINAL: grimbeaver


ORIGINAL: Bozarth
But wait, pinching the fuel line does simulate what the engine will experience when climbing - reduced fuel flow. When the plane is held nose high, the effective distance between the carb and the clunk is increased, and with most suction feed carbs, the fuel flow is reduced.
Personally if physically possible I would rather just hold the plane vertical then ''simulate'' climbing. Nothing is better then the real thing right? Lol.

I have never enjoyed picking up a .60 sized (or even a tiny .40) plane with the engine screaming at full throttle and pointing it skyward. The prop always seems way too close to my pretty face (No comments Bob) since my stubby arms aren't much longer than the prop. I have yet to figure out a way to feel anything but awkward (i.e. unsafe) doing so.

Kurt
Old 12-22-2011, 12:51 PM
  #96  
opjose
 
opjose's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Poolesville, MD
Posts: 12,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: Bozarth


I have never enjoyed picking up a .60 sized (or even a tiny .40) plane with the engine screaming at full throttle and pointing it skyward. The prop always seems way too close to my pretty face (No comments Bob) since my stubby arms aren't much longer than the prop. I have yet to figure out a way to feel anything but awkward (i.e. unsafe) doing so.

Kurt
I normally have novices place the fuse of the plane on a field table and hold it from the back so the prop is away from their face.

Run-Up tables can also be used in a similiar manner.



Old 12-22-2011, 01:00 PM
  #97  
Bozarth
My Feedback: (15)
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Aurora, CO
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test


ORIGINAL: HighPlains

It's that pesky acceleration Kurt, it pushes the clunk back and stretches the clunk line. One must also allow that clunk fuel line seems to grow slightly when exposed to fuel for long periods. I actually encountered this phenomena a couple years ago in a beginners plane. So leaving a gap of 1/4'' from the clunk to the rear of the tank is a good idea. Some suggest even filing a notch in the clunk, but I think that is overkill.

OK Bob. I just weighed an old clunk. It was 0.2 oz which is 0.0125 lbs. I then mounted a 5" length of fuel tubing on a hanging digital scale and found that I needed to pull approx. 1/2 of pound to get it to stretch 0.25 inches.

This means you would need to accelerate with 40g's on take-off to get the fuel tubing to stretch 1/4". I asked my wife to analyze the data and get back to be.

Kurt

Old 12-22-2011, 01:01 PM
  #98  
Bozarth
My Feedback: (15)
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Aurora, CO
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

ORIGINAL: opjose


ORIGINAL: Bozarth


I have never enjoyed picking up a .60 sized (or even a tiny .40) plane with the engine screaming at full throttle and pointing it skyward. The prop always seems way too close to my pretty face (No comments Bob) since my stubby arms aren't much longer than the prop. I have yet to figure out a way to feel anything but awkward (i.e. unsafe) doing so.

Kurt
I normally have novices place the fuse of the plane on a field table and hold it from the back so the prop is away from their face.

Run-Up tables can also be used in a similiar manner.
So how are you pointing the nose up? That was the point of our little sub-discussion.

Kurt
Old 12-22-2011, 01:25 PM
  #99  
combatpigg
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
combatpigg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: arlington, WA
Posts: 20,388
Received 26 Likes on 24 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

ORIGINAL: Bozarth


ORIGINAL: HighPlains

It's that pesky acceleration Kurt, it pushes the clunk back and stretches the clunk line. One must also allow that clunk fuel line seems to grow slightly when exposed to fuel for long periods. I actually encountered this phenomena a couple years ago in a beginners plane. So leaving a gap of 1/4'' from the clunk to the rear of the tank is a good idea. Some suggest even filing a notch in the clunk, but I think that is overkill.

OK Bob. I just weighed an old clunk. It was 0.2 oz which is 0.0125 lbs. I then mounted a 5'' length of fuel tubing on a hanging digital scale and found that I needed to pull approx. 1/2 of pound to get it to stretch 0.25 inches.

This means you would need to accelerate with 40g's on take-off to get the fuel tubing to stretch 1/4''. I asked my wife to analyze the data and get back to be.

Kurt

This is why at least 1/4" of clearance is encouraged. An old fuel soaked length of tubing might also be more prone to stretching.
I've been bitten by this bug before, where the clunk seals itself off on the wall of the tank.

As far as pointing the nose of the plane up safely...that should be self explanatory for how to do it.
Old 12-22-2011, 02:47 PM
  #100  
rudder turns
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: massapequa , NY
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Fuel line pinch test

Hi Guys, I read in a pattern site years ago how to build a tank,I took there advice and It worked great try to enter the tank with the engine line as close to the center of the tank.I usually use Sullivan tanks,and I solder a piece of 1/8" brass tubing to the clunk,make sure after you solder the clunk,clean it out with a drill bit. You only want 5/8" of flexibility, adding the additional weight of the tubing, the clunk will and must stay on the bottom of the tank when you rotate the tank 360 degrees. Make sure that the clunk is the most a 1/4" from the back of the tank,I usually use a piece of stripped telephone wire,to secure the fuel line to the clunk tubing,so it won't slide down in time.[:@]Now the clunk can't turn back, It's too long and the clunk is always in the fuel,no matter what position the plane is in.
I want to explain further,for a high speed needle valve setting,Pinch and HOLD the muffler line,sometimes for about 10 seconds,and listen,the rpms they should raise slightly about 300 rpms,if not you may be too lean,[&o]open it up a little,if it's too rich you will hear the rpms go higher. thanks Guys ED


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.