Propane start question
 

I now have 14 flights on my elan with a P-80 se. The first flight of each day I get the blue propane flame at the tailpipe before the pump kicks in for the Kero. I have tried several ways to avoid this. I use just a short squirt of propane into the onboard tank, and I have cut the % of gas down to 60% from 80%. I still get the propane blue flame though.

It is becoming annoying as I give a quick burst of Co2 each time this happens.

The temps here in Tucson when I fly are in the 90's approaching 100 F. This morning it was in the 80's, and it still happened.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you solve it?

Thanks,
Stan

RE: Propane start question
 

are you using propane or powermax?

RE: Propane start question
 

I am using Powermax, sorry forgot to mention that. The answer I have received from some local guys is learn to live with it. Other people I have talked to say it never happens to them using the same setup as me. Very frustrating.

Stan

RE: Propane start question
 

it's normal to get a short blue flame with gas start, but it shouldn't be more then a few inches out the tail cone (which shouldn't be a problem). if you can get a reliable start every time dial the gas flow down a bit more.

RE: Propane start question
 

If I go lower on the % of gas would that raise my starting temp?

Thanks for your advice.
Stan

RE: Propane start question
 

Sorry to hear of your troubles.

Can you tell me who are the "local guys" so that I can inquire as to what you are going through?

RE: Propane start question
 

On my motors (old P80 and P120 non se) I have the gas flow to 30% and starts up just fine. I use Powermax.

RE: Propane start question
 

Thanks KillerG

Several people have said that they lowered there % with okay results.

Stan

RE: Propane start question
 

gas flow percentages are widely effected by the installation.......full bypass/open/half bypass/etc........ I've ran anywhere from 20% to 80% on differing setups. now i use full offboard and fully control the gas flow myself.

RE: Propane start question
 

If you use full offboard and manually controlled gas flow, is it OK to use propane (i.e. the Coleman green bottle)? Any changes needed to the ECU settings?

Thanks,

Craig

RE: Propane start question
 

i use full offboard 100% propane (green bottle) with the ECU not having the ability to control anything (no solenoid used), but just for a test i took a fully bypassed installation (Tam F-18) that was setup for onboard PowerMax and after draining the onboard tank i simply hooked an offboard propane to the fill line, opened the regulator fully and initiated a start, she fired right up with no adjustments needed. while I'm sure there will be a few situations that require a small change or two I'd say for the most part you'll get a perfect start with no modifications needed.

RE: Propane start question
 

Thanks KC, I'll give it a try!

Craig