Cold weather, no start.
10-05-2004 | 07:05 PM
#1
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From: Edwardsville, IL,
IL
Cold weather, no start.
I have a TT Pro 46 and a OS 46fx. Both of them usually start within 2 or 3 flips when they are cold. Last night I went up to the field. I bet I flipped both of them 100 times and couldn't get either to start. I got to thinking that the only thing different from any other time was that it was pretty cool outside. It was around 50 degrees. Hoping that the temp was the problem. I got my bic lighter out and held the flame on the carb for about 20 seconds. Then flipped the engine and it started right up. I couldn't believe that 50 degrees was enough to give me engine troubles. Anyone else have this problem. Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
10-05-2004 | 08:46 PM
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From: Sioux Falls,
SD
RE: Cold weather, no start.
I had the same problem last night with my plane (Evo .40 engine)...wouldn't start very easy. finally got the thing running, but it wouldn't stay running. Messed with the high & low needles without much success. We had it running good on the stand, but as soon as we tipped the nose up in the air it died.
Spent an hour messing with it tonight (20 degrees warmer), and it runs like a champ.
So I'll echo bodypilot's thoughts: Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
Spent an hour messing with it tonight (20 degrees warmer), and it runs like a champ.
So I'll echo bodypilot's thoughts: Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
10-05-2004 | 10:46 PM
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From: Up north,
ND
RE: Cold weather, no start.
It was around 50 degrees.
50 degrees shouldn't cause a problem at all, that shouldn't even be noticeable... Most of my engines won't act any differently until at least 30, and i've never had to prewarm any engine at all, even down to about 10F
10-06-2004 | 05:53 AM
#6
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RE: Cold weather, no start.
Last fall, at our last Fun-fly of the season, it was pretty cold at about 35 degrees with a stiff breeze, and a lot of people had trouble geting engines started, myself included. I found that I had to richen the high speed needle nearly a full turn to get it running properly.
Cooler air is more dense than warm air and can throw off the tuning, especially if the temp difference since you last flew is 20 degrees or more. Try richening the needle. (But I agree, 50 degrees shouldn't cause hard stating.)
Dennis-
Cooler air is more dense than warm air and can throw off the tuning, especially if the temp difference since you last flew is 20 degrees or more. Try richening the needle. (But I agree, 50 degrees shouldn't cause hard stating.)
Dennis-
10-06-2004 | 06:55 AM
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From: Charlestown, IN
RE: Cold weather, no start.
50 degrees shouldn't cause a problem at all, that shouldn't even be noticeable... Most of my engines won't act any differently until at least 30, and i've never had to prewarm any engine at all, even down to about 10F
That comment is pretty much my expirence also
10-06-2004 | 06:59 AM
#8
Senior Member
RE: Cold weather, no start.
In Malaysia its warm all year round ... we can fly everyday. 
Anyone wants to migrate? Hehehe ...
Jett ... when you mentioned Zippo fluid what do you mean, into the carb or you light the engine up a bit?
Anyone wants to migrate? Hehehe ... Jett ... when you mentioned Zippo fluid what do you mean, into the carb or you light the engine up a bit?
10-06-2004 | 07:19 AM
#11
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RE: Cold weather, no start.
Yeah, I have a can in the box for PRIMING the engine. Not warming up the engine, Hendix style!
You should also re-tune the needle valve(s) for about every 10 degrees F (slightly homer!)
You should also re-tune the needle valve(s) for about every 10 degrees F (slightly homer!)
10-06-2004 | 07:55 AM
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From: Johns Creek,
GA
RE: Cold weather, no start.
Has anyone used Car engine starter spray instead of zippo??
I forget exactly what it is called, but it is basically an ether spray (IIRC)
Its the stuff you spray directly into a cars carb to get it to fire
(Nascar fans would have seen the pit crews using it if the tank has gone empty)
I forget exactly what it is called, but it is basically an ether spray (IIRC)
Its the stuff you spray directly into a cars carb to get it to fire
(Nascar fans would have seen the pit crews using it if the tank has gone empty)
10-06-2004 | 08:08 AM
#14
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RE: Cold weather, no start.
One of the guys at my field loathes one of his planes ... I wonder how it would fly ala Jimi Hendrix Hey before anyone bashes me I am just kidding!!!
Hey before anyone bashes me I am just kidding!!!
10-06-2004 | 08:39 AM
#15
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RE: Cold weather, no start.
Quick Start is the ether-based automotive product & it works well at -20C with an electric starter. My engines (mostly TTs) start to get a bit fussy for flip starting below ~+2 or 3C, without Quick Start. They need to be well primed to start, but they also flood a bit more easily at those temps.
10-07-2004 | 12:02 AM
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From: Kirkland,
WA
RE: Cold weather, no start.
Years ago a small amount ( about 5%) of white gas (aka unleaded) in the fuel did wonders. I don't remember any negative side affects, so if someone knows of any, holler quick.
10-07-2004 | 06:58 AM
#18
Senior Member
RE: Cold weather, no start.
ORIGINAL: tIANci
One of the guys at my field loathes one of his planes ... I wonder how it would fly ala Jimi Hendrix Hey before anyone bashes me I am just kidding!!!
One of the guys at my field loathes one of his planes ... I wonder how it would fly ala Jimi Hendrix
Hey before anyone bashes me I am just kidding!!!
The trick here is to paint the plane with rubber cement, or contact cement....it doesn't go out once lit, even with considerable airspeed.[X(]
10-07-2004 | 07:11 AM
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From: Edmonton,
AB, CANADA
RE: Cold weather, no start.
50 degrees! WHAT LUXURY! I live in northern Alberta, Canada and we have been know to fly at -40 degrees. We did it on a New Year's day just to say we were the first to fly that year. I don't recommend flying at -40 though. It's really brutal. We do fly often at below zero temperatures with skis on the aircraft. I usuually keep the plane in the warm vehicle until I am ready to fly then quickly start it up. Some fliers put the engine under the car exhaust for a few minutes if it is really cold. I don't put any special additives in the fuel though. I just try to have a well broken-in engine and have it adjusted properly.
10-07-2004 | 08:34 AM
#20
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RE: Cold weather, no start.
You want some advice then take this, buy an electric hand starter, I run some of the best engines around (OS,TT, ST, Jett etc) yet even the best do not necessarily start good at all. Your wasting your time with a chicken stick and getting frustrated. You can end this now or get upset every time you go fly. Besides engine performance is better when it's cooler.
ORIGINAL: bodypilot
I have a TT Pro 46 and a OS 46fx. Both of them usually start within 2 or 3 flips when they are cold. Last night I went up to the field. I bet I flipped both of them 100 times and couldn't get either to start. I got to thinking that the only thing different from any other time was that it was pretty cool outside. It was around 50 degrees. Hoping that the temp was the problem. I got my bic lighter out and held the flame on the carb for about 20 seconds. Then flipped the engine and it started right up. I couldn't believe that 50 degrees was enough to give me engine troubles. Anyone else have this problem. Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
I have a TT Pro 46 and a OS 46fx. Both of them usually start within 2 or 3 flips when they are cold. Last night I went up to the field. I bet I flipped both of them 100 times and couldn't get either to start. I got to thinking that the only thing different from any other time was that it was pretty cool outside. It was around 50 degrees. Hoping that the temp was the problem. I got my bic lighter out and held the flame on the carb for about 20 seconds. Then flipped the engine and it started right up. I couldn't believe that 50 degrees was enough to give me engine troubles. Anyone else have this problem. Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
10-07-2004 | 08:59 AM
#22
RE: Cold weather, no start.
ORIGINAL: Cyclic Hardover
You want some advice then take this, buy an electric hand starter, I run some of the best engines around (OS,TT, ST, Jett etc) yet even the best do not necessarily start good at all. Your wasting your time with a chicken stick and getting frustrated. You can end this now or get upset every time you go fly. Besides engine performance is better when it's cooler.
You want some advice then take this, buy an electric hand starter, I run some of the best engines around (OS,TT, ST, Jett etc) yet even the best do not necessarily start good at all. Your wasting your time with a chicken stick and getting frustrated. You can end this now or get upset every time you go fly. Besides engine performance is better when it's cooler.
ORIGINAL: bodypilot
I have a TT Pro 46 and a OS 46fx. Both of them usually start within 2 or 3 flips when they are cold. Last night I went up to the field. I bet I flipped both of them 100 times and couldn't get either to start. I got to thinking that the only thing different from any other time was that it was pretty cool outside. It was around 50 degrees. Hoping that the temp was the problem. I got my bic lighter out and held the flame on the carb for about 20 seconds. Then flipped the engine and it started right up. I couldn't believe that 50 degrees was enough to give me engine troubles. Anyone else have this problem. Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
I have a TT Pro 46 and a OS 46fx. Both of them usually start within 2 or 3 flips when they are cold. Last night I went up to the field. I bet I flipped both of them 100 times and couldn't get either to start. I got to thinking that the only thing different from any other time was that it was pretty cool outside. It was around 50 degrees. Hoping that the temp was the problem. I got my bic lighter out and held the flame on the carb for about 20 seconds. Then flipped the engine and it started right up. I couldn't believe that 50 degrees was enough to give me engine troubles. Anyone else have this problem. Any other suggestions on how to get them started in the cold?
