Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

I have a DLE 111, 18 months old, about 80 flights on it, in an EF 110" yak. Ran great until a month ago. It runs fine at lower throttle settings but sputters and even dies over half throttle, esp full throttle. It will run fine at full throttle for a few seconds then drops RPM or dies. Here is what I have done so far:

Returned low and high speed needles to factory settings. Adjusted high speed needle both ways in one eighth increments. Richer high speed seemed to help but did not solve problem.
Took off both sides of carb and cleaned out with carb cleaner. Cleaned a little gunk off the filter in the carb.
Attached a new fuel tank directly to the carb fuel nipple to make sure there was no problem with my fuel tank or fuel filter. This made no difference.

I am thinking it is some kind of carb problem. Any ideas? I will send it in for service if I have to; I think I bought it from TBM.

Thanks.

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

Try a different ignition, and battery.

clivemc

your first test should have been the ignition battery - have you tested that? sounds like a poor performing battery that wont deliver the current needed at higher rpm...

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

Thanks for the suggestion. Wish it was the ignition battery. Just tested it- 8.2 volts no load, 7.65 volts with a 1 amp load.

apalsson

My Feedback: (1)

Mike, that is far too high a voltage for those ignitions.
6V max is what they handle
Did you have any sort of a regulator between the battery and the ignition?
If so, what voltage do you get at the output?

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

I should have mentioned I have Lithium Ions but the ignition voltage is regulated down to 5-6 volts. Would have to get the manual for the reg to see if it is dialed to 5 or 6. Even if it was 6 volts, that should be OK I would think.

Eganwp

My Feedback: (1)

Did you make sure you properly reattached the diaphram post into the meter lever fork? It's not supposed to simply sit on top or your main jet will be metering too much fuel throughout the rpm band.

It also may be an ignition issue if it just happened suddenly.

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

Yes, I have put the carb back together twice and I was careful both times to put the metal tab under the fork. If I send the engine back, sounds like I should send the ignition unit in as well.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. So nobody thinks this is a carb problem?

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Mike,

Before sending everything back to TBM, read these on testing the ignition;

http://tinyurl.com/65tr8k8

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10187833

Diablo-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

I'd put a new screen filter in the carb for sure and perhaps a rebuild kit and a new set of NGK plugs.

And Yes, I think it's most likely a carb problem. But, I'm hedging my bet a little with a set of plugs. $20 total in parts should fix you up.

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

Thanks everyone, good ideas and links. I will start with a new plug and check the ignition system. I happen to have one of those RC excel ignition testers they sent me free when I got an electronic ignition conversion for a G62.

tande

My Feedback: (48)

+1

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

AND THE ANSWER IS..............

I ran out of things to look at myself so I pulled the engine off the plane and sent it to Valley View, which I probably should have done all along. They found there was so much carbon inside the cylinders that one of the pistons was sticking. It was easier for them the replace the pistons and rings than clean them. They said it now runs great and is on its way back to me. About $130 plus shipping. I was using Pennzoil air cooled at 35:1, he recommended Stihl Ultra at 40: 1 for a broken in engine so thats what I will use from now on.

I cant speak highly enough about Valley View, they will be getting more of my business from now on. And I didnt even buy my engine from them.

Thanks to everyone who helped with suggestions in this thread.

Antique

My Feedback: (4)

"it was easier to replace the pistons and rings than to clean them"
Way to go guys, I guess the cheap price of Chinese parts makes this possible....
I know for a fact that cylinders are about $5 each when you buy 100 or more...

momo123

hey thnx guys. actually i am having exactly same problem with my dla 32 cc. engine dies at 50% throttle or more. i have tried:

new spark plug
needle settings
fuel is coming freely
fuel to oil ratio 30:1

. could teh problem be too much carbon inside too? can i clean it my self with some bare fuel??

pls advise. thanksss

ec121

My Feedback: (2)

It will probably take more than raw gas to dissolve carbon.

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

I spoke too soon about this engine fix. The engine runs but does not have the power is used to have. I tested and got 16 Kg static thrust on a 28/10. This engine should give 25.5Kg. I changed the timing and seemed to improve a bit (up to 20Kg) but when I flew it the power was worse. The plane flies but its no fun. I have given up. I would like to try the DA 120 but I dont want to buy a new exhaust system.

JRgraham

My Feedback: (1)

Well, with new pistons and rings you have to break the thing in all over again, so of course its not going to be the same as before. Its going to take several gallons of fuel to get the thing to preform like it was, again. Give it some run time!

Termites Dream

My Feedback: (11)

I have about 8 flights on it since I got it back from Valley View. I have a video of the maiden from a few years ago to compare and it has nowhere near as much power now as it did when the engine was new.