I am having a problem with this engine. First let me say that it's on a Sig Somethin' Extra, and it's turning an 11X6 APC prop with cool power 10 percent fuel.

Now to the trouble. I maidened the plane yesterday, first thing in the morning and it flew like a champ. I ran out of gas and dead-sticked it right onto the runway. Not too bad for my first glow powered flight.

So i am pretty psyched to get it back up in the air. Refueled, and started it back up. No indications of a problem...yet. Warmed it back up on the ground like I did previously, made sure the transition was still ok, and took the runway. Looked good for the first 75 feet or so, then it started hunting (I guess thats what you call it) a bit. I turned back toward the runway, and she conked out on me. Another uneventful dead-stick to the runway. (Excuse me while I pat myself on the back.)

Ok, to make a long story a bit shorter, I took it back out this morning, and guess what, same exact thing. Great first flight followed by 3 dead-sticks. All to the runway i might add. If I can get it running good, I think I will love this plane.

Like I said, this is my first glow experience, so I am not sure what to look for. I don't have a tach, so I just leaned it until it sounded like it was at max power, and richened it up a few (2 or 3) clicks. I checked the fuel system for air leaks and found none, not 1 bubble in the fuel lines. Maybe I should add that this engine is completely stock, I haven't moved the stops, removed the baffle from the muffler or anything.

I would appreciate any help, as it's frustrating to have it fly so well at first then not fly at all.

Also, what other props would be worth trying?

Thanks in advance,
Jason

Golly, there are so many things that could cause the problem.
Let's start on basics. Every engine has a sweet spot and the way you find this is to run the engine up to top RPM and then back off rich roughly 200-300 RPM. When you take off, the engine will gain back the loss of RPM since it has been unloaded. You might be too lean.
Check that the clunk is still on, check to see if the pick up line is still on the tube that goes through the rubber plug, make sure you are connected to the muffler pressure fitting, and, perhaps before you take off, hold your model straight up to see if the engine quits and isn't too lean. Got a piece of trash floating around in the tank?
I've seen the brass tubing that goes into the tank have sharp edges that cut into the fuel line so make sure the end of the tubes, on both ends, are nice and smooth and rounded off with a fine sandpaper.
Let me know if you find the problem. About to install two Evo .46's in an Aero Commander and don't want them quitting on me.

3dbob

Thanks Bob, I'll try to richen it up a bit and see what happens.

As far as the tank goes, when i was doing initial ground runs, I had an air leak somewhere in the tank, so I took it out and replaced all the fuel lines. I made sure everything was in top shape in there this time since it was a pain removing the tank.

What does holding the plane vertically while running tell you? I did this once, and while going from idle to any other throttle setting, it seemed to hesitate and stumble a bit.

What I found really odd, is that the first flight of 2 days in a row were flawless, then the rest were not so much...

Jason

I would recommend getting a fuel filter inline with the carburator, flush the carb and remote needle housing with the needle removed.

Check to see if there is any play in the crankshaft bearings. I have a friend that got three sets of bearings that were bad within three tanks of fuel and the engines would not run right it would surge. Horizon was very good about it all and my friend finally seems to have an engine with good bearings and the piston/sleeve fit is very nice on the latest replacement.

Didn't want to hear about those bad bearings Skypilot. Makes me wonder about installing the Evo .46 in my Aero Commander.
Is anyone else out there having Evo .46 problems? I may send them back to Horizon and get something else.
I disagree with Skypilot on the fuel filter thing. I've seen them clog up with junk that would normally go right through the carb and personally, I think they cause more problems than they are worth.
Holding the airplane up vertical will allow the engine to lean out and quit, if it's going to.
Just hold it up straight vertical at full power for a few seconds.
The air leak you had may have been from a hole in the fuel intake line in the tank and you might want to make sure the tubing does not have sharp edges as I mentioned earlier.

3dbob

3D,

I use the large Dubro filters and after 16 gallons of fuel thru my 160FX I have never had it clog, but I have cleaned it twice.