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Old 05-02-2003 | 06:18 PM
  #8  
AdmiralHam
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From: Charlotte, NC,
Default Reference Help

Originally posted by bridog
Okay why after I filled the Tank up and tried to put the electric starter to it fuel came out the carb the muffler and anywhere else it could find and then the engine became to tight for the starter to turn it then the fuel ate up most of the rubber inside the starter.... Wow I am clueless when it comes to this... Maybe I should try needlepoint...
You flooded your engine. The easiest way I found to clear the motor is to disconnect the fuel line, take off the glow plug, and use the starter to turn the prop for a few seconds. Be warned, fuel will come flying out of the glow plug hole. I was lucky, I had sun glasses on so I didn't get any fuel in my eyes, but my face was covered. I hold a paper towel over the hole when I clear the engine.

After clearing the engine, replace the glow plug and fuel line. You might also want to remove the spinner and make sure the prop nut is tight. If it's loose (and mine was after this happened to me) the next time you use the starter you run the risk of the prop flying off.

After you have checked the prop nut and reattached the spinner, fuel the tank. My engine came with a manual that specified initial needle valve and throttle positions for start up. The manual said close the needle valve, then open in it 1 and 1/2 turns and set the throttle at 1/4. WITHOUT priming the carb., else the electric starter to start the engine. Make sure you have a good hold on the plane. At 1/4 throttle, the plane will move if you don't have held down.

This method works great on my engine (OS .46 FX). It starts every time, the first time. When ever I, or my instructor, tries to prime the carb. by hand cranking the prop a few times, I always flood the engine and have to go through this process.

The big thing here is not to flood the engine or try to start it with the throttle closed; you will lock the engine and possibly damage it.