ORIGINAL: lov2flyrc
Tommy,
Can you elaborate on why you say the Coleman propane does not work as well?? From my experience with MANY engine brands, Propane works just as well as propane/butane mix BUT, some adjustments usually need to be made to the ECU for start performance to match. The ONLY reason why Powermax became the brand of choice for some manufacturers is because of the pressure level of propane/butane mix which is a bit lower than straight propane. Years ago, when onboard start tanks where introduced, some modelers experienced propane line ruptures. Typically, these ruptures where in high temp conditions where, when baking in the sun fuse temps can exceed 150 deg. This raises the propane pressure in the tank while also softening the propane tubing.
Today, I find many customers removing onboard tanks and going back to straight propane for startup. The propane is easier to find not to mention cheaper, valve is cheaper and it eliminates carrying propane on board.... Heck, harbor freight sells an adapter so you can fill a coleman bottle directly from you barbecue tank!
Todd
PS...trigger valve is now sold!
Todd,
I may be something I am doing but I have to hook the Coleman large Propane tank I am using now up directly to my two smaller turbines in order to get ignition, bypassing the onboard tank and selnoid. There does not seem to be the same pressure in the tank and it will not "fill" the on board tank enough to get the turbine to "pop" off through the valve. The last time out, I just bypassed the gas valve and hooked directly to the turbine with the tank. Started the sequence and then turned the gas on slightly, it ignited and the engine ran up fine. It was cumbersome, but I made do at the field. It was my first time out using the propane mix, and have always used the Powermax in the trigger valve, but when it became unavailable for me here locally I was forced to buy the valve for the larger propane cans and use those. It is nothing I can't overcome, but I really liked the Powermax much better. It was easier to get a liquid into the tank and have enough for one or two starts. I have only used the new valve and tank a couple of times but it does not seem to be as effective as the Powermax and trigger valve for me, perhaps I am doind something wrong. I had this happen with both my SuperBee and PST engines. Have not tried it yet on the larger turbines, hopefully this weekend.
Tommy