Hello Everyone!

I have a very basic question on how to start an engine. From what I know, you must first chock the engine by covering the carburator. This is to allow some oil to flow into the engine parts. And then with the help of astarter or chicken stick, you shall start the engine.

However for my case, Why is it that I tried to choke the engine, no fuel seems to flow into my engine? I covered the carburator and turned the propeller a few times. However there is no fuel coming in to the engine. I checked the fuel tank and all parts are fine. Everything are connected.

Can someone troubleshoot the problem? Thanks a lot in advance[/size]

Sounds like your needle valve is closed. Also sounds like you should get help starting it so someone can help set it correctly and show you the ropes.

Can you explain it in more detial?

Thanks

Hey Falcon. What plane and engine do you have. If you have a electric starter you could actually put the starter up to the spinner and just let it turn for a few seconds, the fuel will come up on it's own(at least it's that way on my planes). Also you forgot the single most important thing when starting a glow powered engine. The glow plug igniter. Try to fuel the plane up, put the igniter on, and if you are using an electric starter, just try to start it. After a cople seconds the fuel should come up and the engine should start. Also Flyboy is right, it could also be the nedle valve. Good luck, Gary

MOST 40 size 2 stroke engines need to have the high speed needle valve open about 2 1/2 - 3 turns before choking the engine to get fuel up to the carb.

As Flyboy said, I also high suggest getting some help with the engine plane.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting an instructor. The instructor, among other things, will check the plane over to ensure everything is connected and working properly, check the balance and show you how to start and tune the engine. This is in addition to teaching you how to fly. Clubs provide instructors at no charge.

Many people have taught themselves how to fly. What you need to be aware of when teaching yourself is:

It is a VERY STEEP learning curve. The TYPICAL first flight of someone teaching themselves to fly is USUALLY less than 30 seconds in duration and NORMALLY results in damage to the plane, often times the damage is quite severe and results in a "rekitting" of the plane.

Hope this helps.

The carb needs to be fully open, when trying to choke/prime the engine.

Really ? Ive always just opened it about 1/4. The other thing I was told was to put you finger over the carb BUT as the engine reaches compression, take it off, wind just 1/3 past compression point then put it back on, always worked for me. I also only do the prime till I see fuel reach the carb, plus one turn then stop.
Different strokes for different folks once again.

Thank you guys for the valuable information.

he falcon....no one said this to ya...if all this doesnt work...check the fuel lines to make sure the carb line is hooked up to the one at the take with the clunk on it...sounds like you might have it crossed....but the needle will make it stop as well...

also, you don't need to use the carb to choke it. set full throttle, and then plug the exhaust with your finger and turn the engine over by hand. (WITHOUT the glow attached, of course...) the effect will be the same, but instead of sucking fuel in, you are pressurizing the tank and pushing it in. works great for cowled engines where you can't get to the carb.

you should also make sure the glow plug is good, and the igniter is charged

So which way did you flip the prop?

If you are going to use an electric starter, do not choke the engine. If you get too much fuel in the engine before you attempt to start it, you will be attempting to compress liquid fuel. This can result in engine damage.
Spinning an engine with the starter will get fuel to the engine, so I was taught not to use the starter until ready to start the engine.

But this may also save him from cutting off his hand.

Gonna save him from flying, too.

I disagree.

I use a starter virtually every time I start an engine, and I always "choke" or "prime" the engine before I engage the starter (on first start of the day). Have never had a problem. (I use the finger on the muffler method of priming, much easier than finger on the carb and just as effective.)

You really have to flood the engine to cause 'hydrolocking', and I don't prime my inverted engines more than three or four prop flips for that reason.
Dennis-

First time I ever tried to prime an engine, by myself, and I got fuel in the compression chamber and kept unscrewing my prop nut and prop, when I tried to start it with the electric starter. This could be because it was my first time, seeing as I have never had a problem since, even when I prime the engine first, but it does happen. Just my $.02