My engine was flooded the first time i was about to start my first take-off. There's even leak from somewhere from the engine, but it stopped when i continued filling up the tank. But the engine just wouldn't crank up. I know that the engine was flooded and i de-flood it by pulling the recoil starter a couple of times after closing both the carb and throttle needles and turn it back to its initial position after that.But then there's not even a sign that it would start-up. MY questions are:-

1) Is it normal and safe if there's a leak?

2) Whats the best needle settings for the valves?



Specs:-
Hirobo Zx Shuttle
Os 32 Engine

1) Any type of leak is absolutely NOT normal and NOT safe. Could you see where it was coming from? You may have a loose connection or plug. Get that fixed before doing anything else!

2) According to the OS manual Here The high end should be 1 1/2 turns out from closed. You will find it much easier to clear a flooded engine by just disconnecting the fuel line and removing the plug. Try another plug and make sure your glow driver is charged and try again.

Good Luck
Ross

i did most of the advice given from those seniors, took out the plug and drain off the fuel and re-charge the glow starter. Unfortunately, i still couldn't start it. Did the settings right and based exactly from the OS .32 hx Ring engine manuals.
Wonder what when wrong. Until i burnt out my glow starter.

Just say that every procedures was carried out correctly;

Can i just start the engine right away after connecting the glow starter to the plug extension or should i wait for few minutes to heat up the plug before i could start?

I understand that the glow starter should be warm when connected to the plug. Mine didn't before the burnt out. Arrrghhhh....

The plug should glow hot orange immediately when the glow driver is connected. Take it out and check it. Is it not even trying to start? I would suspect your plug, driver, starter or fuel. Is the fuel new? And is your starter turning it over fast enough? Is this a new engine? And when you start make sure the carb is opened up enough and primed. Make sure your needles are set correctly, otherwise it won't start...

Hmmmm . . . plug extension. . . . I once saw a guy try to start for about 30 minutes before we realized that he had the plug extension bracket connected to PLASTIC and not the engine block. As such, no glow power, no heat, nada! He thought that it was Ok, 'cuz when he took the plug out and tried it, it lit - without the extension! Make sure that your plug extension has a good ground, or connect your glow driver DIRECTLY to the plug and try again . . . .

- Tim

For your info:
I connect the plug extension to the tip of the plug (at the engine block) and the other end to the glow starter. Is this correct? Tawdawson mentioned about grounding. Should there be any grounding. Cos there 2 types of plug extension they gave me.

1) Clip and 'Plug' extension
2) Washer type extension (Is this for grounding? I doubt so.)

I understand that i can use either one, right?

In order to get power to the plug, there needs to be a full cicuit. Power goes to the plug via the extension lead, and returns back to the driver via the plug body, normally to the outer case of the driver connector. With the single lead extensions, this power must be returned via the plug to the crankcase, and to the bracket that holds the nib that you connect the driver to - that bracked MUST be mounted in direct metal to metal contact with the engine, or you will not have a complete circuit, and will not light the plug. Where (and to what) do you have the end of your plug extension which is NOT connected to the plug, mounted to?

- Tim

Hi guys, i think i got it..


So Tad you mean the ring washer type extension should be connected to the plug extension's body and the other end will be on the heli's bracket, right? Cos yesterday, i tried and tested and the plug glows! Tadaaa....!! But of cos the plug was out from the block.

I tot of fixing the glow plug extension to the heli's body frame. Can i just drill the body frame just to fit the glow plug extension and will it form a circuit? Where do you fit yours?

Day by day i'm getting some improvement. Thanks

I fasten the plug extension onto the heli under one of the engine mounting bolts, and my helis have fibre/plastic frames. If you have an aluminum frame, you could probably put it elsewhere, but the further from the engine, the more potential trouble and resistance in the circuit.

- Tim

Tad:- I managed to start the engine and rev up above 50%. It was about to take off until when the tail rudder about to spin to the right. I think there's still some zeroing i need to do. Just play with the throttle to run-up the engine.

I shut the engine by closing the throttle fully thru the trim and i understand that i should let the engine cool of a bit for refuelling. After refuelling, i couldn't start the engine as per normal. Even when it managed to start, it just goes dead..about a couple of times. I reckon that the fuel was too rich, but i took out the plug to de-flood it....but its still the same. Should i open the throttle needle fully just like the first time? Cos i did some tuning to the needle and throttle adjustment valve.

At this point I would suggest that you try to find someone who is local to you to go fly with to help you. Hardware build questions are one thing, but as far as engine tuning issues, it is almost impossible to give good advice without being able to see or hear it . . . . sorry!

- Tim

Its ok, thanks bro....it has been quite a good help and tips from you. Appreciate it so much. I reckon you'll be a great help to me in the future...hehe. Thanks

A Very overlooked part of the OS manual reccomendations for fuel selection/use by newer modelers!!


According to what I recall of the OS manual for my 32...
You ae supposed to break it in (and run it as well, I spose) on at least 25% oil and 15% nitro...

This mixture is simply not available in many RC shops (heli specific or otherwise), this meant I had to start mixing my own fuel to stay in accordance with the manual (adding castor oil to premix actually). Scarym but the results were fantastic.

Even when I had the mix VERY close to what OS specified, I did'nt end up very close to their suggested settings:

The main needle ended up at ONE turn out.

The other needle will depend on your setup, mix and visible performance (see midrange exhaust plumes).

I was worried it might be too lean.....as this was my 1st totally 'new' engine (after rebuilding the worn out Enya proved fruitless to say ther least). So.......... I proceeded with exacting caution (and adherance) to the supplied OS manuals' reccomendation.
But it fires instantly and lites up as well as an injected mercedes now that I got it dialed in, and smokes very nicely for a 32.
After two seasons of hard play (about 9 gallons worth), there is virtually NO evidence of any undue scoring in the piston sleeve or elsewhere.

Hope this helps in some way.. GL
:banana:

hi guys, i'm using my Futaba 6XHs for my hirobo shuttle zx, previously it was in the Mode 2, which the throttle and the aileron controls from the right stick, but somehow or rather my new found friend meddle with the radio and it accidently change to mode 1, where the throttle and aileron controls from the left stick. Can any1 give me some tips to change to mode 2? Cos the manual didn't indicate that. Thanks