RE: Started my Phoenix Dolphin 40
Hi guys; My first time on this forum. I'm flying a Dolphine too. I first started with a 40 size and then put an Evolution 46 in it, then my problems started. Here's the mods that I did to fix things. I also changed the wire gear to a T6 Aluminum and put 3.5 tires from my old mustang. I also drilled the holes that were alread there for the wire gear to 1/4-20 and mount the aluminum gear there. I also put a ply block behine the gear from the inside, but later foudn that the wing dowels were hitting it, so I had to cut them shorter. HOWEVER with the bigger engine the fuel system was a BIG problem. I couldn't run the eng at full throttle without it cutting out. One of my own created probems, was the Evo was longer and I mounted it closer to the FW and with the tank coming forward, the fuel lines were a little kinked. That's when I looked over the fuel system more and found that those plastic tubes that come with the tank are just over 1mm inside dia. Not enough for a bigger engine. I tried replacing the plastic tube with 3/16 and this was to small, so I used 5/16 tubing with the OD being the same as the plastic tubes that came with the kit.and was able to get these thigt. I then made a foam collar that fit around the tank outlet to keep the tank back a bit. I also installed a zip tie in the two slots on the former just at the rear of the tank that is used for the throttle lingage and it hold the tank against the foam in front. Ran two tanks today at full throttle with no hick ups. Wtih the Evo all the way back, I had to add about 4oz. of lead in the nose. During testing today, I tried a couple of different props. I used all APC props, No. 1 was 9 1/2 6 and I got 14,800 rpm. No2. was a 10-7 and I got 13,800, Not. 3 was a 10-8 and I got 11,800. Can't wait for Saturday.