Starting the engine
 

Hi, I got my throttle unstuck today. Filled it up with gas and put a new glow plug in it. I hooked up the igniter from my 12 volt battery. I think its working - it gave alittle spark when I first touched the plug - How do you know if the igniter is working?? It wouldn't start - well wouldn't even flip, so I opened up the carb all the way - put my finger over it and drew up fuel for the carb - put it back to idle and put the igniter back on and it fliped this time everytime but didnt start - The prop makes about a turn or two but doesnt crank. Any suggestions on what to do now!!! - I have never cranked an engine before - well not since my homemade airboat made out of pine 18 years ago on a very long rope. It was fun though. Especially since I was about 10. LOL

RE: Starting the engine
 

If you don't have a 12 Volt starter, then I sugget you get one of those.....I once didn't have one, and it took forever for me to crank my engine for the FIRST time ever!!

Once I got the starter, I just put it up to the nose cone (spinner) and started spinning, and eventually it will start, now always......

Also, check to see if all your head screws are tight.....I had the same problem and my engine wouldn't start because I didn't have enought pressure or whatever because my head screws (for the engine, not my head!!:D) were loose, and I didn't have a tight seal...

Hope this helps...

I'm sure alot of others will come and help too......

BTW, What type engine is it??

RE: Starting the engine
 

I'll check that - I got it started with a different igniter but I only let it charge for about 45 minutes I dont think it lasted long - the engine started twice for about 10 seconds then died. I will check the head screws. Im trying to find a used started but no luck so far. Sure would beat my stick. lol

RE: Starting the engine
 

The motor is a OS Max sf 40 - I have a os fx 60 that im trying to get the throttle unstuck - havent had luck yet - will I have to take it apart or is there a better way - I put gas in there but it hasnt went down yet???

RE: Starting the engine
 

What has got into the throttle??..is it stuck at the carb, or back at the servo.....I'm not sure, but I got some battery acid and it LOCKED that sucker up at the carb......well anyways, I got some baking soda, and hot water, wiggled the throttle around and it came loose and haven't had a problem since........I don't think that's why it's getting stuck, but at least you'll know this if you happen to spill battery acid into the carb!!:)

Good Luck....

RE: Starting the engine
 

It is stuck at the carb - I have it off the engine now and I am using some stuff to break rust and etc. It still isnt coming loose. the throttle keeps slipping against the medal - I keep tightening the screw for the throttle but cant get it to break - I tried tap it and multiple coats no luck so far.

RE: Starting the engine
 

HHHHmmmmmm..........I would feel better if you got more opinions...maybe somebody else has something else that might work for ya........


I hope someone else comes around to help ya.......!!?!???

RE: Starting the engine
 

You aren't using a 12 volt battery straight on the glow plug are you? They're designed for about 1.2 volts. You can use a resistor to drop the voltage, any OS engine manual will tell you how to do it. If you hook a glow plug up to 12 volts though it's only gonna last for about a second, but it'll be mighty hot!
Try soaking the carb with liquid wrench, tapping it gently with a plastic screwdriver to more the oil around, then working it. If that dosen't work, then try heating it with a plumber's propane torch. IMPORTANT NOTE remove all needles/O-rings and other plastic parts before heating! Just try and heat the outside very gingerly, the object is to expand the carb body without heating the barrel. Oh, and liquid wrench does burn, so try and get it wiped down first.

RE: Starting the engine
 

If tour igniter sparked when you touched your plug then I think you are using 12 volts and should be using 1.2
You also may have the engine flooded. Make sure that you are using the proper equipment.

RE: Starting the engine
 

Thanks for replying - I was thinking about putting the carb in the oven. I took off the O-ring on the bottom, the needle valve - throttle assembly - Is there any other things I cant see in the carb that would not handle the heat. When it comes out of the oven will it come loose while expanding or while its still hot do I need to put the plastic throttle assembly with a washer in between to break it loose while still hot????

RE: Starting the engine
 

Oh yeah forgot one thing - I have used liquid wrench and even soaked it in it. Didnt do a thing. The engine and all parts look very clean - even looking in the hole where the carb went is clean and oily.

RE: Starting the engine
 

hirst,
I had one carb that I couldn't get loosened up to save my life. (The engine had been in a drawer for about three years.)

I eventually had to carefully heat the body of the carb with a small torch. I used the screw for the throttle arm and a couple of small washers to hold it tight. (Don't want the plastic to melt.) Should be able to move the throttle barrel while the carb body is still hot, and then it will stay free after it cools off.

You can buy small "pencil" torches that you re-fill with "butane" for cigarrette lighters. I've seen them go on eBay for about $8 shipped if you can't find one locally. These torches will work pretty well for soldering wire for landing gears and stuff too.

That glow igniter should be on the charger for at least 10 to 12 hours if it's really low.

Good luck,
Dennis-