JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
08-22-2012, 11:56 AM
#1
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (73)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lawrence,
KS
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
I burned 3 straight plugs on startup, then went in to test functions and reduced the voltage from 2.5 volts down to the default 2.1 volts. Now no glow at all. Have adjusted it back to 2.48 volts and no glow. I have checked plug on 1.2 volt hotshot and it glows fine. Ecu battery was topped off to 8.5 volts, and still no fire on startup. Now what?
08-23-2012, 01:41 PM
#2
RE: JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
My opinion is something was shorted and finally blew making it inop.
On the GSU, do you get an indication of plug failure even with a known good one installed or beeps from the engine with a good plug?
I would check the power cable to the engine for burn spots at the plugs. Also take the engine cowl off and look for burnt parts on the circuit board. Last, you might want to take the cover off the ECU and check the boards for burnt parts.
When you checked the plug at the engine, did you attach the cap and hold the plug against the threaded part of the glow plug port while using the glow plug test function on the GSU?
What plug do you use? Personally, I like McCoy MC-9's and run them at 2.45 volts. This is a cold plug with heavier element like a Rossi R8.
On the GSU, do you get an indication of plug failure even with a known good one installed or beeps from the engine with a good plug?
I would check the power cable to the engine for burn spots at the plugs. Also take the engine cowl off and look for burnt parts on the circuit board. Last, you might want to take the cover off the ECU and check the boards for burnt parts.
When you checked the plug at the engine, did you attach the cap and hold the plug against the threaded part of the glow plug port while using the glow plug test function on the GSU?
What plug do you use? Personally, I like McCoy MC-9's and run them at 2.45 volts. This is a cold plug with heavier element like a Rossi R8.
08-23-2012, 05:23 PM
#3
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (73)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lawrence,
KS
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
Yes, I'm using an MC-9. And yes, I watched the plug element with the plug out and grounded. The computer sees the plug as good and does the startup sequence, but it doesn't glow. This is really interesting: I put a volt meter on it, and it shows 1.5 volts with everything shut down, and the volt meter moves up toward 2 volts during startup, but no glow. I again tested the plug on a 1.2 volt hotshot and it is still good and hot. This makes no sense to me.
08-26-2012, 02:02 PM
#5
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (73)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lawrence,
KS
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
I also noticed that the propane valve makes a clicking sound as it puffs out increments of propane to the turbine. I think my other JetCats do this but I'm not sure. Anyway, I still don't understand how I can have voltage on the glowplug and no fire. Wouldn't that mean zero amps or zero watts?
08-26-2012, 03:06 PM
#6
RE: JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
Your propane valve has a on-off duty cycle based on what you set in Limits; ie; 80%. It will click on and off based on this setting.
It's certainly possible to have voltage at the plug but no amps to drive it. Jetcat places a voltage on the plug to monitor coil continuity so that it can warn you if the plug has failed. Apparently, that part is working. However, if the power FETs are blown, the circuit won't provide any amps to light it up. That part seems to be inop.
It's certainly possible to have voltage at the plug but no amps to drive it. Jetcat places a voltage on the plug to monitor coil continuity so that it can warn you if the plug has failed. Apparently, that part is working. However, if the power FETs are blown, the circuit won't provide any amps to light it up. That part seems to be inop.
08-27-2012, 02:04 PM
#7
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (73)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lawrence,
KS
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: JetCat P-60 Plug Failure
I closely inspected all 3 circuit boards in the ECU, and see no apparent burned spots. Same with the turbine circuit board. Nothing seems to be out of place or burned. I guess it needs to go to JetCat?
