Hey guys,

Anyone out there have any experience with a 3w 50i with the dual pickup ignition. I have one and it will not start consistently hand flipping. Put a starter on it and it starts. As I understand it the red magnet is supposed to be the one used for starting and the green one is used when the RPM picks up. My guess is there is something wrong with the red magnet or the timing thus that is why it will start using the starter. More RPM makes it start on the advanced timing of the green magnet. I have tested the spark manually. It does spark on the red sensor however it is not real strong. When I check the plug after a few attemps to hand start is is always real wet. After the engine starts it runs great. Any ideas or things I could try would be appreciated. This is my 2nd and last 3W. Both of them were hard starting not to mention the lack of service from AI. Too bad because they are a strong engine. My DA, and BME run great.

Thanks for any help

Doc Adams

Have you tried slapping the prop.....this can increase the rpm?

I have thought about kicking it but not slapping it. I have put extra effort into the flip and that didn't help. Next time Ihave it out I will put on a glove and give the slap a try. Thanks for the help

Docadams

Hi,

the 3w-50 is hard starting when the reed valve is not sealing well. In general, this is the hardest starting engine of the line. I have 13 of them used on a research fleet. Often the reed curls and you need to flip it over. I usually just grab the starter being the lazy sort. Great power and great durability.

Hope this helps

Elson

Hi Bugman,

This sounds like a good possibility. This engine is new but I purchased it from a hobby shop. Who knows how long it set around before it was sold. My only concern is that the engine seems to be flooded when I check the plug. So my question is would the flooding just get worse if the reed valve was more efficient.I am making an assumption based on your comment that the reed valve is loosing some of its ability to pump. I could be wrong about the flooding, maybe it is normal for the plug to be this wet.How is the spark on your engines. Mine just doesn't seem very strong. This seems to be normal for 3w ignitiions. I just don't know what it should look like. Another question that comes to mind is: Does the 3w like to be wet or not so wet to start? Sorry for running on but you sound like you have good experience with 3w engines so I am taking the opportunity to pick your brain.

Thanks,

Doc Adams</p>

Another idea would be to replace the ignition with a RCXL igntion. I got one from CH when the igntion on my 3w-50i went bad. They sell a universal sensor kit that attaches via a hose clamp. Looks a bit crude but works very well. I've had two of these engines and although I have not run them much, both ignitions went bad, both fixed under warranty. The RCXL ignition has my vote, even if only because it can operate with 4.8volts instead of 6. You are using a good 6 volt battery, right?
Sam

Hey Sam,

Thanks for the post. Iam using six volts on the ignition. This is a new pack. I haven't gotten to the point of purchasing a new ignition at this point however I may decide to do that. Stillgathering all the input from folks like you then I will try some of the ideas and see what works and what doesn't.

Thanks,

Doc Adams

Try going with a direct lipo that is what I am using and have never had problems starting, just 3 or 4 flips with choke on and it will start and stop, unchoke it and 2 or 3 flips and that is it, this is a new engine by the way...

Well Bugman you were correct. The reed valves were curled just as you said. The engine starts great now. Do you know of any material that might hold up better than the stock material..

Thanks for the help.

Doc Adams

Sometimes you just guess correct. I generally plan on flipping the reeds over once after a couple of years, then just replace them. It seems to be a 3w weak spot in the design. When you think about, those reeds flex 7500 times per min for how many hours? then they fail.


Glad to guess correct.

Elson