smoke system
 

Puttin together a j3 arf w/70 surpass 4 stroke. Any suggestions on a smoke system?

RE: smoke system
 

http://www.tmenet.com/index2.htm
That'll take care of the pump.
Slimline makes a couple of smoker Pitts mufflers for the 70.

RE: smoke system
 

You will find the smoke system to be somewhat of a pain in the neck... I have one in the Triplane.
It CAN be worth the extra maintenance on the airplane, but plan on doing the maintenance.

I used the TME smoke system kit. Everything you need except the smoke fluid tank and the battery for the pump is enclosed.

You can tap the original muffler on the Surpass 4-stroke for the smoke. It works fine ($1.40 for a pressure tap... $30 + for a smoke muffler...) Tap it 90 deg from the factory pressure tap and the same distance from the muffler end. (maybe a little closer to the engine, NOT further.)

Use a 5 cell pack to power the pump. 500 mah is plenty for several tanks of smoke oil.

If you use the same size tank for oil as for fuel... you get less than 1/4 of your flight with smoke on. Smoke oil goes quick.

Smoke oil loves to seep under monokote seams. Brush some Lusterkote clear on each seam. (or you will be recovering often.) I'm not sure how other coverings do... I expect all heat-shrinks to have similar problems.

Inspect the system regularly... if you accidentally use the wrong type fuel tank or stopper... you end up wth a plane full of smoke fluid. (and its worse than spilling glow fuel in the plane.)

take short pieces of copper wire and twist around each tygon tube connection. (The DuBro hoze clamps for this size tube are useless on tygon. ) Squeeze them tight! The barbs obn the pump hold fine... everything else I have had without wireing it in place has slipped free.

RE: smoke system
 

I do eveything FHH said, but I tap the exhaust pipe just where it exits the head. Also, there is a smoke oil that I use called Ultrasmoke. It is non petroleum based, so it doesn't attack your covering (Doesn't stink either)

RE: smoke system
 

What kind of smoke oil do you guys use ? Can light machining oil work ?

RE: smoke system
 

And Mike, have you ever tried "lamp oil"? It's the stuff they sell for those decorative oil lamps with the 'hurricane' globes. It even comes scented so your plane can make your flying site smell like a pine grove. ;)

It's a serious question. I'm sure I read about people using it, but there weren't (or I don't remember) any details.

Can you list an address or link for Ultrasmoke?
Dennis-

RE: smoke system
 

I have not tried Lamp Oil, only because every time I have seen it, it cost's more than Ultrasmoke (which is $10/gal)

Ultrasmoke is available from Air Capital Hobbies in Witchita KS. They used to have a great site, but it's been down for a long time. They can be reached by calling: (316) 522-4905

RE: smoke system
 

I've used "SuperDri" and I've used the home-brew of kerosene + corvis oil. about the same smoke... but the SuperDri cleans up much easier, and doesn't stink.

I haven't seen the Ultrasmoke....

I have heard of ALL KINDS of homebrew smoke oils.. the only real requirement is the mix not ignite in te muffler. (that would be really BAD![X(])

RE: smoke system
 

Yea, I really wish they'd bring their website back. I should call the guy and see if he still has the html files, then I could just throw them up on my server.

FHH, is Super-dri petroleum based?

RE: smoke system
 

I've seen baby oil used with pretty good results and it smells nice too. Only problem is that your other half might wonder what you've been doing.:D

RE: smoke system
 

I tried squeezing a baby to get some of that stuff once, but what came out wasn't OIL!

RE: smoke system
 

Sounds like a lot of extra hassel, I think I will skip it for now. Thanks to all for the info

RE: smoke system
 

EEEEEeeeewwwww... [:'(]

RE: smoke system
 

Again, Mike, Mike, Mike. (Walks away shaking head.)

Thanks for the info on Ultrasmoke. I've copied the phone number. Yet to try smoke, but once I finish the Skybolt....
Dennis-