Hello,

My name is Brandon from KC Missouri. Me and my friend got into flying R/C airplanes about 7 years ago. We purchased an Easy 2 and flew it for 2 summers then it ended up finding itself in the garage for about the next 5 years.

We decided to pull it out about a month ago buying new batteries for it, and buying new fuel.

On the initial startup it went without any hitch. When we reved it up to full power however the engine cut off. We thought that maybe the cobwebs needed to be blown out of it so we just thought it was normal. We then started it up again and reved it up and it stayed reved up for about a good 20 seconds then shut down again. This process went on over and over again at times it would stay reved up on other times it shut right off at full power. It did well when only throttled up to half way. When lifted verticle to test out the engine during climbing it would stutter a bit then shut off, at times it would stutter then go to full power with no problems.

My question would be. How do we solve this problem? Would it have something to do with the fuel tank? The engine itself is in great condition. It idles well and I am unsure of the mixture flow needle settings but we haven't touched it since the last time it flew. If anyone could help that would be great! Thanks for your time.

Brandon

Start with a new glow plug.

If that doesnt fix it make sure there's no crud in the fuel tank, flush it and replace all the fuel lines.

Also, remember that the needle valve has to be adjusted every now and then. If it sputters on transition, it may be the low speed needle. You may have some old, gummed up castor on the needles themselves. A thorough cleaning of the carb and ports would be a good place to start as well. Even when flying every week, the high speed needle especially has to be tinkered with somewhat, due to temp/humidity and density altitude changes. If fuel tank placement wasn't a problem before, then it's likely not a problem now. A new plug would definitely help matters. Sometimes a new plug will solve testy transitions all together. Good luck...

I'm suspicious of the line inside the tank going to the clunk. I have seen several of these rot away when stored for a long period especially if any fuel was left in the tank. Fuel line that old is suspect anyway and a cheap investment. You did not mention trying to reset the hi-speed needle valve so it may just be lean or a different fuel blend could be upsetting it some. If you can just force feed some fuel thru the carb to assure good flow this would help make sure there is no internal gumming. Were there air bubbles in the line going to the carb? Are there any other loose parts/screws on the motor? Is pressure fitting on muffler open and not clogged with "gunk"? Lots to check still, isn't there? And yes, it could be the glow plug too. Was the engine tight/seized when you first tried to turn it over after all that time?

Hey,

I replaced the fuel tank and fuel lines. Also put in a brand new glow plug. Problem is still consistent. There was bubbles leading to the muffler too I am not sure if this is good or bad. It revs up for 5 seconds then stats to die, then I pull back the throttle and it goes back to normal, I rev it up for 5 seconds it goes then it starts to die again. Seems like a fuel problem but I flushed the carb and took it apart even. WOuld it be the gas?

Thanks for your help thus far it has been helpful.

Brandon

gas gone bad... heard it happens. but honestly it sounds more like a needle problem. how long will it idle for?

Did you replace the line from the muffler to the tank? Are you sure that the hole in the tank is not plugged with goo? Use alcohol (ordinary rubbing alcolol will work) to flush out the muffler as best you can, make sure the nipple on the muffler is clear and will allow pressure to flow to the tank. Make sure you allow it to completely drain after flushing it out.

If you did all of the above (from other posts), then it may just be the needle valve adjustments, both low speed (the little screw on the side of the carb in the center of the linkage for the servo) and the high speed one.

You may wish to take it to a field with an experienced pilot that can help you with those mixtures. That can get a little touchy because the low speed needle adjustment is very subtle (like 1/8 turns do a lot for mixture).

DS.

You say there are bubbles in the line going to the muffler. Is this when filling or running? Are the bubbles moving toward the muffler or the tank? Did you make sure the pressure fitting in the muffler was not blocked? You said you just bought new fuel, was it from a reputable source like a LHS and 10-15% nitro 2 stroke fuel for planes?

Also see post #4 in this thread:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3136547/tm.htm

BTW - Since this is a trainer, I have assumed this is a 2-line system. Am I correct

The bubbles are leading to the muffler. White smoke comes flows the muffler when reved up for the 5 seconds. It seems to have good flow. I will take it apart and check though. The needle. I am unsure how that works. What I did was tighten it all the way then I turned it to the left about a half turn. I replaced the tubes flowing to the muffler and the carb. The fuel was bought from a hobbytown 10% the red fuel. The tank it self should be good since I replaced it. Not sure if I put it together right, but its doing what it did before I replaced the tank so I assume I atleast got the tank together right. Thanks again for the help.

Brandon

The white smoke is normal as it is unburned/burned oil residue. If you have the mixture needle only open 1/2 turn from the full closed position, I am surprised it is running that long. Try opening it about 2 full turns, maybe 2.5 turns for a starting point. It sounds like you are just simply way too lean on your mixture.

It would be a great idea if you could get to a local club this weekend before you accidently damage the engine and if you are this unfamiliar with it then I'm also VERY sure you will need help with flying it anyway.

Your best bet would be to put all of your batteries on charge and spend your time tracking down a club to visit Saturday. IMHO PLEEEEZE[

Here is a list of Misouri clubs, don't know which ones may be closest to you.

http://www.modelaircraft.org/ClubZipLocator.aspx?s=MO&c
Better yet now that I looked up Smithville:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/ClubZip...O&c=kansas+cit

Half turn to the left? [:-] That sounds VERY lean to me.

Tighten all the way in and give it 2 full turns out, then start, place the throttle in the middle, if it sputters and dies tighten haft turn and try again.

Keep tightening 2-3 clicks at a time untill the engine does not sputter on half throttle, then apply full throttle and tighten SLOWLY untill peak RPM.

Once you got the max RPM un-tighten it 3 clicks.

That should be a somewhat safe setting

Joe

Hey,

Yeah I got in contact with a member from the Smithville Dam Busters. I am going to try and head up there on Tuesday for training night. I did only 6 solo flights back in 1998 before my dad got rid of our two plans. So my experience is limited. My friend has a grandma that lives out in the country away from houses and with a 36 acre open field. We thought about trying our luck there. I haven't flown a gas powered airplane since. Just the park electric flyers. It idles just fine. It just sputters out at full throttle. So the white smoke may be signs of a clogged exhaust pipe? Thanks for the info.

Brandon

No, I'm thinking exhaust is fine now. You have steered our thinking to the needle valve and the mixture just being way off. We had erroneously assumed that it was at least close and that you had been able to tune it. Again from your first post we thought you had more experience.

Please don't fly without help. I don't believe you will have a plane very long if you do. IMHO

Hello,

It was the needle valve. Gave it two turns to the left and then only had to do 3 ticks to the right to get it to run full throttle. Runs great now. Thanks for the help, and yes I will get some more experienced help before I fly as well. Take care.

Brandon

Good job Brandon

Happy flying!

Hurray!!!! When you get with an instructor, he can explain more of the details of setting the hi-speed and lo-speed needle valves. Yes, there are 2 of them. Don't worry about that for now. Wait until you get with an experienced pilot and let him explain one-on-one. Much more to learn too, especially about safety so be careful for now.