I finally got around to lighting off my '500' this past weekend after carefully reading the manual, Tony's Tips, and info I've pulled out of this forum. Mine is s/n 106 or 107. Didn't use a test stand 'cause it's already on the jet (TopCat) and all the plumbing is in and leak free.

After a couple of hot start attempts - and going back and reading notes from others' experiences - I got it to light off and ramp up to a running state fairly consistently. (Even got to the point where I ran nearly 64 oz. through it doing all the ground range checking.) Oh my, does it run sweet!

When attempting to start for the 3rd full run cycle I discovered the plug was blitzed. Didn't have a spare R8 so I treased out the coils of an MC9 and backed down the drive level (I poofed a couple of plugs getting there) then installed a "good" MC9. Would *not* ignite but could see Butane/Propane gas flow ... pulled the plug out of the turbine case and reconnected it to the plug wire(s) - attemped a start sequence to observe the plug: what I saw was what appeared to be an initial "light" for barely a second then nothing. Is this normal? And if so, what other trouble shooting sequences should I try to get back on track?

Here are my current parm nmbrs: (obtw, the ambient temp was 84F and pressure altitude at my location is around 6400 MSL. Didn't determine density altitude)
Prime PW = 135
Start PW = 085
Glow Plug = 030 (for the MC9 - it was at 50 for the R8)
Gas Adj = 055

TIA for any help. I guess, according to the rules, Albert is the one who has to reply here, but if anybody has some insight they'd like to share they can hit my email tag and go direct.

Mike