I run ZENOAH engines (G45 and G23) many years and I can start them very easily by hand flipping. Nowadays I get a new FUJI BT-32A engine. But I can't start it by hand flipping with the same procedure. After doing some tests, I find that the weak spark results in the problem. The spark of plug is really very very weak which I almost can't find any spark symposium. But after starting by a high-torque starter, the engine's stability attracts me. So I like it very much. Can anybody give me any advise about starting it by hand? I don't like to bring the heavy electrical starter and 12V battery when going to enjoy flying. Thanks for any response!

I had a Fuji Bt 32 and found the same thing! Whats up with that And like you the I had several Zenoah's and could hand start them. Any way so I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I went out a bought the little spring starter they sell for the motor and that works well. It weighs only 3 oz and is very effective, I liked it. The only draw back is it did cost about 70$ US.
So good luck with that.

Mine hands starts OK. It likes to be very wet before it will hand start.
Ed M.

Bentgear, mine did hand start when new but eventually would not. So go figure, how about yours is it new! I have heard of other people having no problem hand starting these motors so maybe its got something to do with spark and the ATM module. Any way the little spring starter worked well, or for about the same money CH may make a jump starter for it?

I've notived with my 50, that if the magnets are not in the right position before starting to flip the prop, its not starting. The manual shows to have the magnets at an approx. degree(15-20?) before the module so you need to positon the prop on the shaft for your starting style. I also made a mark on the prop shaft to see where the maganets are behind the cowl.

Flip and Fly, bought mine used so I don't know how much it has been run. I have only put about 5 gallons thru it.
Ed M.

Hay NavyE6FE, you may be on to something there. I know that on the Fuji there are more magnetic timing plates in the flywheel than say a Zenoah. The Fuji has one more than a Zenoah so this could have something to do with prop positioning when starting! I don,'t know any more, sold mine!

I think that spring starter is OK for starting. But it's difficult to be acquired in Taiwan. So I do my best to find what's wrong with it. "Flip and Fly " says he has the same conditions. But "bentgear" says he hands starts OK. As to "NavyE6FE" points the magnet's degree... I'm confused![]
I think my BT-32A have the accurate degree of magnet, because it's brand new and runs very normally. I firmly believe that I can get the appropriate priming conditions and get the most rapid flipping when starting it. "bentgear", do you (or anyone) have the gist for hands starts?
By the way, the other perplexity is that the engine exhausts more unburned black oil (I use 50:1 synthetic oil, 20*8 prop. and stock muffler). Is it normal or not?[X(]

Try mounting the prop in the 12-12:30 position just as the flywheel is starting compression. I think that's what NavyE6FE means by having the magnets in the right postion.

Jim

All,
I looked into Fuji engines and some of the feedback I got was to make sure the mag is only a business card width away from the flywheel. In other words, loosen up the mag bolts, slide a business card in between it and the flywheel, press the mag against the flywheel and tighten down the bolts and it should be fine. This is what I was told, I have no experience with the engines but this was what I was told... I hope this helps. Let me know.

Fuel/oil mix for the Fuji gasoline engines must be at least 40:1. 50:1 is a bit short of oil.

The main problem with hand-starting is getting high-enough speed to allow the magneto to give a high-enough spark. The engine should be choked so that it's quite "wet", and spitting a bit of fuel from the carburetor. A very brisk flip should allow it to fire.

If you cannot obtain the spring starter from your engine, it can be ordered from us:

FJIG1032 9400068 SPRING STARTER BT-32A US$79.99 + shipping.