Hi,

I went flying today and I had a bit of a crash. The engine stopt running direct after take-of. I managed to make a 180 degree turn but I couldn' t pull due to a strong wind. It landed real hard on the nose and the nosewheel broke together with the firewall. It isn't much to repair ( I wanted to install a tailwheel anyway) so that makes no problem. The engine cutting is a problem and I want to solve it. It was very cold today ( 0 degrees celcius) and it didn't wanted to start easily. What sort of fuel mixture do you have to use in this cold weather?

Thanks

Not sure if it's possible where you are, but using more nitro may help some. Letting the engine warm up and then tuning it to current conditions is a must for consistent success. Do you fly alone, or are there others there to help you? Was it possible to avoid the turn around, or was that the lesser of two evils?

Sounds like your engine leaned out. I think you have to richen your high speed needle valve. Turn it counter clockwise. Let us know which engine and fuel you are using. Other things to consider is to make sure there is no dirt in your needle valve assembly and also make sure your clunk in your fuel tank didn't get stuck fore ward. This may well be the problem as you had a bit of a crash. Hope this helps.

I use 15% nitro and use the pinch method to check the high speed needle valve. With the engine at or near max rpm pinch the fuel line,the rpm,s should go up 300/500 rpm,if not readajust the valve,after setting I point the plane vertical,if engine dies or begines to lean out then richen a bit.

you might try a hotter plug too.

Chris

no I had to turn around because then I would have to land in a rough field, so I think this was the best option.
Thanks for the help

I have a .40FX and I am using fuel made by the club. It contains 20 % synthetic oil and 5% nitro. The needle is already turned open for 1.5 turns. The clunk cannot bend forward because there is a metal tube in it

Thanks

I'm no expert by far, but I was told in the colder weather that it was necessary to switch to a 'hotter' fuel mix with around 15% nitro, and to save the 5% stuff for the temps above 55-60.

So I'd say try a higher nitro mix and maybe a hotter glow plug.

Good luck,
Heath

HI barto,doesn't mater if the needle is 1/2 a turn or 8 turns,if the engine is rich or lean you'll still have to adjust the needle valve,the amount of turns is just a number. See post #7.

i would suggest running 15% all the time the motor will handel better and have better response. try a no.8 plug also if you've
only had this problem in cold weather you can try the old trick of putting a little gas in the fuel (2 or 3 oz.) it will raise the temperture of the motor gas burns hotter than alcohol


roy

TerrellFlyer...couldn't have said it better myself

For all the posters who keep suggesting more nitro - I have read repeatedly that in Europe / UK the price of nitro makes it a rare commodity, and the engines are tuned to run with no nitro at all.

TerrellFlyer is right - 1.5 turns is merely a reference point to help get you started. It sounds like it is running a bit lean. Open the needle valve 1/8th of a turn and see if it runs better. Also, ABC engines need to run slightly hotter than ringed engines, to get proper compression. My favorite engine (also ABC) will not run reliably under 10°C. That isn't a problem for me though, since I don't like freezing my fingers.

I hope nobody is being confused by the term 'hotter' fuel having a higher nitro content. It is my understanding that higher nitro fuels actually cause the engine to run cooler.

I use 5% nitro in 2 stroke engines and 'straight' fuel in my four strokes, I use the same fuel all year round without any problems, although straight fuel does make the motor very sensitive to needle valve adjustment.

Engine running problems are far more likely due to the need for adjustment of the needle or some sort problem with dirt or split tubing.

Simon.

roywiglesworth stated: I have only been in R/C for about 3 years now and have never heard of this. I assume you mean gasoline!!!! What are some views on this procedure?? .....lownslo......

Bob

I've read about it, but have yet to meet someone who has done it. And it gets pretty cold up here in Winterpeg

If it died because you elevated the nose-its lean.....should hold it nose up at the table first before taxiing out.....probably just a needle adjustment, but might be the clunk(I know,it has a metal tube), or tank/stopper air leak.