FILE IFR

Soon I'll be purchasing a new P-120 SX.

Are all these engines offered as internal kero start only? I ask because I really don't mind propane start and I'd like to stay that way... if I can. [8D]

FILE IFR

**double post**

NightSwan

They area all internal kerostart, but easily converted to propane start.

All you need is a glow-plug

FILE IFR

Thanks Night. [8D]

I've seen that the swap-over to propane from external is a quick, 10 minute on-site job.

I hear the swap-over to propane from an INTERNAL kero plug cannot be done on-site, it has to be sent to JetCat.... True?

I hope that's not the case. [&:]

KC36330

it can be done by the end user but it's not as simple as just swapping a glow plug, you have to run the glow plug wire to the front board and solder it in place.

Carsten Groen

The connection to the internal glowplug, is actually done with a small connector inside the frontcover (a 2mm something gold connector like used on some ESC), so no soldering is needed. Basically, you just need a "glowplug connector" (the "hat" that goes on top of a glowplug), and in the other end of the wire the same gold connector that is used for the internal connector. The it's a 10 minute job to disconnect the internal igniter, connect the cable to the external plug, and then you are good to go.
We did that on a friends P160SX that had a faulty (version 1) internal igniter, we just inserted a "normal" external kero plug, and all was good.

FILE IFR

Thanks guys.

I'm happy to hear it can happen without sending it in.

Square Nozzle

My Feedback: (1)

Mike, why would you ever want to go to propane start? My 160SX is a dream to start. I can taxi out and shut down to wait for a slot to fly, restart and go. No messing with a taxi tank and the mess it can create. Only if you put in on board propane can you do that.

KC36330

i see it the other way around, why would you ever not go with propane start? less wear and tear on the starter/O-ring and the battery plus several other points. the only advantage to the kero start is a single fuel........but how much trouble is it to carry a propane bottle with the rest of your equipment?? there are people who love the Kerosene start but just as many who prefer propane.

mongo

My Feedback: (15)

how many glow plugs can ya buy for the cost of one kero igniter?

KC36330

thing is you won't need to buy that many so you get to pocket the difference in $$$. a glow plug goes bad so infrequently it's a shock to me when one goes out.

BaldEagel

That should have said "how many glow plugs, bottles of butane, valves and pipes can ya buy for the cost of one kero igniter? " LOL

Mike

FILE IFR

Of course I'll use the Kero start method first.... Hey, I may like it too much. [8D]

The only 'negative' I see about the Kero start is the high MAh consumption of the ECU's battery....

Here's another issue I've seen- A friend had external Kero start (he since switched it to propane) on his Titan with a fairly long set of (user modified/ proper gauge) leads from battery to the ECU, he had to fully charge the battery EACH and every time he started beacause the long lead run wouldn't get it to fire.... even with known good, new batteries.

... I guess you'd have to leave the leads the length it's given to you in the set.

Pete737

Mike, Im telling you right now bro if you use the kero start even once your going to keep it . I know you man [8D]

Square Nozzle

My Feedback: (1)

I'm in agreement with Pete. It's so nice to turn the system on and manage the throttle and the engine starts. Battery capacity has never been an issue with my 160SX. And with every day, battery technology is advancing. By the time the snow melts and we're at Gardner, you'll have batteries with much more capacity than today's offerings.

FILE IFR

I think you're right guys

If so, I don't want to be too addicted to kero start.... I'd hate to not want to fly the other 2 propane start jets.

Square Nozzle

My Feedback: (1)

I've got propane and kero start but I still can't fly.

FILE IFR

Poppycock! You fly... I have you on video flying.

BTW, Do you think Jeff is gonna sell his SCUBA gear this next summer?... once he gets a taste of his 120 SX.

Square Nozzle

My Feedback: (1)

Get rid of the scuba tank?!!! Are you kidding! They are joined at the hip. As for the 120, would you believe he hasn't put a drop of fuel through it yet. The man has the patience of a saint. I gave him my test stand to use but Karen gave the picinic table away so he has no place to clamp the test stand. I told him to clamp it to the roof rack on Karens car. I'll get him fired up in the spring.

i3dm

My Feedback: (51)

send me your new 120SX and ill send you my friend's AMT air start turbine. it doesnt have any starter motor wear and is the cat's Meow ! who needs those easy to operate turbines anyway ?

Well.. i do.

FILE IFR

Nah
I have a couple of friends in the area with AMT Mercs and Pegs... all air start.

At events, non-flying onlookers in the crowd have a puzzled look about them as they cart their scuba gear out to the start line.... I think the crowd thinks it will be a half-time pyro-technics display with their jets.


Sorry Jeff and Ray... I had to say that

SACKRC

My Feedback: (7)

Unalbe to change my 120-sx to propane , went i made the changes it would not start, no matter the propane mix I tried.
called george at jet cat he said it cant done by him because ot internal jets they way they feed. So how did you do it???