help getting my old os46ax running again
07-21-2012, 07:20 AM
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help getting my old os46ax running again
Hi,
I'm going to get back to flying again. I flew for a couple of years with my Sig LT40 trainer and Something Extra but a move and life got in the way and I haven't flown in about 4-5 years now. Both planes have OS .46ax engines. The SSE motor wasn't ever flown just broken in. When I turn it over it feels relatively crisp - similar to what I remember it feeling like when I was flying regulary. The one in the LT40 will turn over but it doesn't "pop" around, it kind of drags.
I'm sure there's gunk in there from sitting so long. What do I need to do to get these engines cleaned up and going again?
I'm going to get back to flying again. I flew for a couple of years with my Sig LT40 trainer and Something Extra but a move and life got in the way and I haven't flown in about 4-5 years now. Both planes have OS .46ax engines. The SSE motor wasn't ever flown just broken in. When I turn it over it feels relatively crisp - similar to what I remember it feeling like when I was flying regulary. The one in the LT40 will turn over but it doesn't "pop" around, it kind of drags.
I'm sure there's gunk in there from sitting so long. What do I need to do to get these engines cleaned up and going again?
07-21-2012, 07:47 AM
#2
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RE: help getting my old os46ax running again
Just heat it up with a covering iron or hair dryer to get it turning over smoothly, maybe a drop of after run in the head then roll it over. Reline your fuel tanks and try firing them up. The worst thing that will happen is you may need to clean them. If there is no grinding feel when you hand turn them the bearings are probably OK.
I have engines I have tossed into a box a decade ago and just heat and start them on my starting stand without trouble. Too many people think they have to tear them apart after storage, just try starting them first, they will usually fire right up and run well. Once running there own heat will loosen up any stiff Castor if you used it. Don't over think it.
I have engines I have tossed into a box a decade ago and just heat and start them on my starting stand without trouble. Too many people think they have to tear them apart after storage, just try starting them first, they will usually fire right up and run well. Once running there own heat will loosen up any stiff Castor if you used it. Don't over think it.
07-22-2012, 03:55 PM
#5
RE: help getting my old os46ax running again
+2, I rescued a os 46 from sitting in a barn for an undetermined amount of time,got it home put fuel in it and it fired up and ran fine. Still in service.
07-22-2012, 05:35 PM
#6
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RE: help getting my old os46ax running again
Geez guys - you're making this way too simple and easy!
Have fun with your LT & SSE! Excellent engines for both.
Oops - oh yea - check out how well (or poorly) the tank and fuel lines have survived. Hold pressure? Clamp off the line to the carb. Blow into the pressure line and clamp. Release after 15 seconds. You should hear pressure release - if not - look for an air leak.
Have fun with your LT & SSE! Excellent engines for both.
Oops - oh yea - check out how well (or poorly) the tank and fuel lines have survived. Hold pressure? Clamp off the line to the carb. Blow into the pressure line and clamp. Release after 15 seconds. You should hear pressure release - if not - look for an air leak.
07-23-2012, 04:24 PM
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RE: help getting my old os46ax running again
Already planning on just replacing the fuel tanks, lines, batteries, etc. Thanks for the advice.
07-23-2012, 04:50 PM
#8
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RE: help getting my old os46ax running again
Just flew my LT40 (OS46FX) and SSE (OS46AX) today. Can't wait to hear how your (re)maiden flights go with yours.
Oh, just make sure that the carb rotor guide screw is tight. Mine can loose (but no lost) mid-flight resulting in a free sliding carb rotor and a dead stick. No biggie as I was at 3-mistake high altitude today as it's been 9 months since I last flew anything.
Oh, just make sure that the carb rotor guide screw is tight. Mine can loose (but no lost) mid-flight resulting in a free sliding carb rotor and a dead stick. No biggie as I was at 3-mistake high altitude today as it's been 9 months since I last flew anything.
