I've had a few inverted 2-strokes in my somewhat checkered past. The ones that were tightly cowled (read that: can't choke the carb.) all required that the plane be placed on a stand inverted. This put the engine in an upright position. They would, of course, start right up and then you had to do the fine, delicate act of rotating the plane back on its feet without cutting yourself to ribbons with the spinning prop.

Okay, so that's the price to pay for hiding the engine. My dilemma is that I'm going to start on a twin engine project that will be both big (89" wingspan) and heavy (approx. 20-25 lbs.). And it looks like a 2-stroke will be the only thing to "hide" in the cowls. Obviously, doing flips with the airframe to start the engines would be out of the question for both safety and practicality.

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions on how to start up an inverted 2-stroke without have to go through all of the above?

Al

40's style heavy metal!

After you have fueled the tanks....and before you connect the glow,
spin both engines to make sure they are not flooded, or hydro-locked.

Now, put you finger over the exhaust outlet, and spin the motors for
three seconds each. This will pressurize the tanks, force fuel to the carbs,
and the motors will suck in fuel....and be primed.

Now hook up the glow....and spin the motor....it will start instantly....

Dave.

I'm with Flyboy Dave on this procedure for getting the cyl's wet and ready for the glow igniter's. The only advice I can add is make sure you have 2 good hot igniter's and if you are using an on-board system make your own. The twist on head systems are a pain.

Most of our 60 two cycles were inverted the last several years I flew pattern and we had few problems getting them started. Open the throttle, and hit the starter for a 10 to 15 second burst, which will allow the engine to draw fuel. Then close the throttle to a slightly fast idle, turn the glow lighter on, and give it a quick tap with the starter. This worked on pumped YS and OS as well as non-pumped engines.

Your worst nightmare is getting the engine flooded. Pinch off all fuel lines before starting so the plane won't set there in the pits and drip fuel into the engine.

FB Dave's approach sounds totally workable as well.

Clair

In my control line days I used to flip them over and start them. But most R/C planes are too large. Last time I tried this I got a prop strike that tore my coat. Now I just spin it up with the starter with the glow starter and wait for it to suck up the fuel, if I am iimpatient I tap the exhaust pipe, it often starts right when I tap the exhaust closed.

Awesome SPitfire pic! Heavy metal indeed