Hi Guys, I want to give my new VMax-7 every opportunity to "fire-up," before completely giving-up on it and returning it to Lite. I've now got it "spinning-up" ok, having bought a faster starter motor (which I didn't need for my V-6 BTW). My glow-starter is fully-charged and producing a good glow, and I've tried everything from three to seven washers (and even a prime with model diesel fuel), without any success. As a final attempt to breath life into my engine I want to use "fresh" fuel, but I can't get any of the recommended fuels where I am

I see that I should use 17% to 20% Castor and anything between 15% and 30% Nitro. The nearest to this I can buy (without placing, and waiting for, a special order) is "Model Technics 10% Expert Mix GX," some of which I bought just last week

I also have some pure Nitro "in stock" and talking to a couple of local model shops this morning, I've been advised to "Mix your own," so that's what I intend doing. I'm thinking that I should mix just a small amount to start with, so that I don't just waste the stuff

So, if I pour out 50 fluid ounces of the Expert Mix, how much pure nitro would I need to add to make-up a 25% nitro fuel? The Expert Mix comprises 10% Nitro, 20% Castor and 70% Methanol. The next question is: having added the pure nitro, will the resultant percentage of the Castor content still be sufficient?

Tony

The percentage of oil per 50 fluid ounces will drop but if its no less than 16-17% I don't think this would hurt......your only trying to get the engine to fire. I will say this though...I don't thing your fuel is the problem......not that I know what the problem is.
Mark

I have to agree with Mark, Tony, you ran your v-6 on this fuel and I used the same fuel for both my vmax's.. Alan

I agree with you both, my existing fuel is probably fine (I never had any fuel "go off" - ever). But I live in the UK and when (or if!) I return my VMax-7 to Lite I want to know that I've given it "every opportunity" to actually fire-up and run. It wouldn't look very good if Lite simply dripped a little of the "correct" fuel into the carb and found my engine ran perfectly, if you see what I mean

I'm thinking I should add 10 fluid ounces of nitro to 50 fluid ounces of my 10% nitro fuel. If my maths is correct (and it may not be) this will make the fuel around 25% nitro and just short of 17% castor

If my maths is sound, and if I get to ok from Lite to do this (without invalidating the warranty) . . . . is anyone running 25% in a V-7 and if so, how many washers are you using?

Tony

Tony litemachine told me to run 25% and 4 washers they said this combination is best, Although some motors will vary at least this is a good starting point. I went and got some norvel 25% fuel for my new v-7 when it gets here. Alan

Thanks Alan. I'll start-off with four washers - just as soon as Lite give me the ok to try my own fuel mix

Re-reading the instructions for the VMax-7 I note that I can go down to just one washer if necessary, so that fits-in with starting-off with four washers doesn't it

Tony

These norvel's are so finiky.. do you ever remember haveing this kind of trouble with your air planes ?? I didn't think so I would brake it in and set the needle thats it.. Alan

You're right Alan. The LMH is my 49th model and I have never had this kind of problem with any of my earlier model engines. What's even worse is that club-mates bring their engines to me for fault-finding, tuning-up, replacing bearings, etc!

I still haven't had the ok from Lite about my plan to add 10 fl oz nitro to 50 fl oz of my 10% fuel, so progress is at a standstill right now

Tony

sorry to hear about the hold up. Maybe we can get our motors running at the same time by the time I get my 2nd v-7 Alan