FT-120 problem
 

I have a new/old FT-120. It ahs the regular carb, not the aiir bleed type. New "F" plugs. Tank is at the correct height and ood compression.

It can get it to run (3 blade 13x8 - 8,800 RPM) and idle at around 2,300 RPM (With glow driver) But the running is rough and it spews out ton's of oil from the breather - esspecially after it stops. Low end is really rich an the idle mix screww is almos all the way in (another 1/8 turn and the low end is closed) Transision is spluttery. Occasionally it will find some RPM and it sounds like a well oiled sewing machine, but most of the time the exhaust sound is spluttering and explosive.

Any ideas?

thx

RE: FT-120 problem
 

Your fuel may be bad?

RE: FT-120 problem
 

Oh that's interesting. It's new this season (10%) I'll try some newer stuff. The stuff I'm using is onthe last quarter of the jug. Although I'm good at keeping air out. But it's worth a try. If that's not it, any other ideas?

thx
/colin

RE: FT-120 problem
 

Do you think the cam is in time? How does the compression feel?

RE: FT-120 problem
 

Are you sure you are "playing" with the correct screw?

In the carb you mentioned the LS needle is not in the center of the throttle arm but on its side. I have seen some people in my club messing with a wrong screw instead of the LS.

Just a thought.

Stelios

RE: FT-120 problem
 

are you sure it doesn't have an "air bleed" screw that you are turning...........never seen or heard of the FT 1.20 coming with any carb other than the air bleed.........even version II and the first 1.60's came with air bleed carbs. did you buy a different carb?
otherwise, if in deed it is an airbleed carb and you have the screw almost closed, then that sure describes what you are saying more so than anything else.

RE: FT-120 problem
 

Yep.. The screw is in the center of the throttle arm, not on the side. Plenty of compression. Can't tell about the cam. I bought the engine from the original owner. It didn't look like the carb had beed changed. So I assume this is the original one

Picture is included.

RE: FT-120 problem
 

It sounds like you have the original FT 120 which had a metering carb and can be identified by the letters FT 120 embossed on the right hand side of the crankcase. The low and midrange on this carb left much to be desired in that the idle mixture had to be set very rich to allow the engine to accelerate properly. You will probably have to use onboard glow to get a decent low and midrange.The later model had the letters FT 120 II embossed on the right hand side of the case. This engine had the airbleed carb.

RE: FT-120 problem
 

The carb in your photo has nothing to do with the carb I have in my FT-160 (model 2003) that is not airbleed.

However, check and try to figure out what your LS needle controls; fuel or air. If it is air you have to anscrew the LS in order to alow more air in your mixture and lean it.

Stelios.

RE: FT-120 problem
 

Thanks Waco.
You are correct, it's the original (Mk I). I'm going to try fresh fuel and run the LS more open. I'm thinking that it maybe too closed and I'm metering the LS mix with the HS needle. It's loosey weather here so it'll be a few days before I can get to it.
thx
/colin