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Engine - First run!
Today I ran my engine (it's new) for the very first time (0.46) and it was MY first time running an RC engine.
Some observations: 1. When filling the tank the manual says disconnect line to carb and to muffler, fill at carb until muffler overflows. Since my carb line is under the cowling and pretty unaccessible, I disconnected muffler and used for the filler, a third line, which I think is for a fuel probe (if I add that later). Not a drop ever came out of the muffler vent tube, but the carb started peeing gas. Can I safely assume that I FILLED my tank? Or was that not the right way to do it? Total engine run time was probably somewhere between 5-10 mins...can't remember, and the tank is, what, 1/2 to 2/3 a coke can in volume say. 2. Nearer the end of the run there was alot of oil coming out of the muffler. And when done, i picked up the plane and goopy reddish-brown (oil?) came pouring out of the muffler exhaust. I hope that is typical, on a brand new motor. I ran the needle at various settings from about 2-1/2 turns out (per manual) to 2 turns and 3 turns during the run. Any thoughts on that? thanks |
RE: Engine - First run!
Hi
The fuel will come out the path of least resistants. How is the muffler oriented is higher than the tank? as for oil caster oil dosn't burn much so the higher the caster content the more goup you get. But it is the best lube for your engine. Danny |
RE: Engine - First run!
Actually the muffler, tank and carb are all at about the same level. Ok, so I'll assume I got a full tank. Kinda curious how long a typical tank lasts (on a plane running a 0.46 engine). I understand that tank sizes vary, but assume for an ARF kit of a plane size that would run such a motor.
So ALL that gunk running out is oil and that's what it's supposed to do? |
RE: Engine - First run!
around 10 to 15 is normal depending on the engine and tank size. you might want to check that you don't have a kink in the muffler line or tank tubing and that its not pushed up against the top of the tank sealing it off
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RE: Engine - First run!
Fuel WILL come out the pressure line to the muffler when the tank is really full, because that line should be plumbed into the TOP of the tank.
Leave the carb (throttle) shut clear off when fueling. This will minimize any fuel running through the carb. Yes, glow engines spit a LOT of oil residue out the muffler that tends to get all over the plane. Try putting an exhaust deflector on the muffler and directing it away from the plane. Send me a PM if you have other questions about getting you going good. Ernie |
RE: Engine - First run!
ORIGINAL: von Richthofen Today I ran my engine (it's new) for the very first time (0.46) and it was MY first time running an RC engine. Some observations: 1. When filling the tank the manual says disconnect line to carb and to muffler, fill at carb until muffler overflows. Since my carb line is under the cowling and pretty unaccessible, I disconnected muffler and used for the filler, a third line, which I think is for a fuel probe (if I add that later). Not a drop ever came out of the muffler vent tube, but the carb started peeing gas. Can I safely assume that I FILLED my tank? Or was that not the right way to do it? Total engine run time was probably somewhere between 5-10 mins...can't remember, and the tank is, what, 1/2 to 2/3 a coke can in volume say. 2. Nearer the end of the run there was alot of oil coming out of the muffler. And when done, i picked up the plane and goopy reddish-brown (oil?) came pouring out of the muffler exhaust. I hope that is typical, on a brand new motor. I ran the needle at various settings from about 2-1/2 turns out (per manual) to 2 turns and 3 turns during the run. Any thoughts on that? thanks An experienced flyer could show you the situation with your tank, help you run & adjust your engine, and set up your controls. Without that assistance, I forsee problems with the engine running and troubles with the controls. Please get personal assistance from an experienced flyer. Best wishes, Dave Olson |
RE: Engine - First run!
Ernie and Scar, Thanks for the info.
Ernie-I didn't think to shut off the throttle first. I will try that next time. The fuel feed (to carb), muffler vent and auxilliary line (again, presumably for a fuel probe) are all at about the same level. They form a triangle pattern as they all go into the TOP of the tank, although, I believe the fuel-to-carb line is the lowest of the three which might explain the carb overflowing first. Scar- It is a cowled engine, and I am new to RCs, but not mechanically inept (I built many finicky british motorcyles and tuned many of their carbs). I'm pretty sure that I have my controls well sorted out but will seek assistance when I go to fly; frankly, I won't even be flying it since I've never flown before, so I will enlist the help of an expert to get it off the ground. I don't think I am having any significant fuel line issues, I suspect it is as Ernie said: If the vent line is at the top, then you would expect the carb line to overflow first, right? I do appreciate all your guys' help. Many thanks. |
RE: Engine - First run!
The planes most people use to learn RC flying do not have cowled engines. What plane do you have?
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RE: Engine - First run!
It looks kind of like the one in your picture.
It's a PC-9 by Seagull models. What is the issue, cowled vs. uncowled? Does that make it more difficult to fly? Or setup? I recognize it may not be the easiest plane to start with, but it should still fly, in the hands of someone who knows how to do so. |
RE: Engine - First run!
For a beginning pilot a cowl is just something else to break on the inevitable 'less than perfect' landing. A cowl adds complexity to the fueling and defueling of the plane, as you have experienced. A typical trainer style plane has an easily accessible engine with only two fuel lines.
I just looked at the plane on the Horizon web site. Their words: "If you’re tired of the ole’ trainer and ready to take the next step, Seagull’s extremely affordable PC-9 40 is a great way to go. This .40 powered sport scale rendition of the famous Swiss turboprop military trainer has more than enough maneuverability to start exploring basic aerobatics, but enough stability so you won’t sweat the landings." With the right instructor you can learn to fly using almost any plane. But, the learning curve would be a lot shorter with a 'primary trainer' versus a somewhat intermediate plane. The plane I'm holding is a Sig Astro Hog. My brother took one of these to Wyoming in late may to introduce a nephew to flying. The plane is a gentle flyer but he realized it wasn't a good trainer after all. He has picked up a traditional trainer for a future trip. |
RE: Engine - First run!
Can you guys confirm my layout for the fuel probe that I will install:
1. Install fuel probe in cowling. 2. Insert the airplane's current "fuel tank-to-carb" line onto one fitting on the probe (perhaps inserting a fuel filter in between). 3. Cut a new length of line to go from the other probe fitting and route to carb. I assume that when filling, there is a one-way valve that only allows fuel to go into the tank. When engine is running, fuel runs from the tank, thru the probe, and onwards to the carburetor. Is this correct? I think it's a Great Planes probe. Finally, what purpose does the 3rd line coming from the fuel tank serve, if any? Is it simply there so that one can have a filling line as opposed to the probe? thanks Chris |
RE: Engine - First run!
yes correct
as for the third line well iv seen it used as a double fuel pickup fill line fuel pump return iv never used it. |
RE: Engine - First run!
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if you must have a cowled airplane one of the most impotant components you can have is a fueling valve great planes has one for $11.99 from tower hobbies. i have scetched a little diagram of how to intsall you can put it eather on the cowl or on the front of fuse eather works fine i have used one several time.as far as fuel going to the carb with the fueling valve when you insert your fueling prob provided with the valve it cutts flow to carb and only goes to tank.the part number is GPMQ4160. just my 2 cents i have been in modles for over ten years now i am building a p-51 mustang right now be off the building board soon. thanks.
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