siclick33

I have an old Wren 54 Mk3 with a ECO (manual start) ECU which I'm thinking of upgrading to kerostart.

Is anyone here running one of the newer kerostart Wrens and, if so, how are they? I know the engines are good but am interested in experiences with the start cycle. Is the start reliable? Are the plugs reliable?

Terry Holston

My Feedback: (1)

Starts every time No problems at all. The nice thing about Wrens Kero plug, they are user changeable. I hava a spare, but have never needed it.

PaulD

My Feedback: (39)

Here is a post in the Wren support forum showing how to set up their kero start conversion including a video. It's something they just added and looks good so far.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11426039

PaulD

Wren Turbines USA

My Feedback: (39)

Wren ( UK ) will be holding their Spring Open Day in April. You are welcome to attend and have one of the staff guide you through the conversion!

ww2birds

My Feedback: (14)

Hi S'33,

I have three Wren 160s and one Wren 100, all kerostart. They start very smoothly and while Ron did supply me with a spare for the Kero plug I have yet to replace one.

I've attended the open day before and it's a great time .. and a good way to get the upgrade done and have some great food from the Man Grill :-)

Hope to see you in April, Ron!

Dave McQ

siclick33

Cheers,

I'll probably upgrade mine before the open day My engine has been removed from the model for a small tweak so now's a good time to do it. Good to hear that the system works well (which isn't a great surprise) and I'm looking forwards to ditching all my off-board starting cables, batteries and gas!!

dw_crash

My Feedback: (6)

Keep in mind.....these are smaller engines.....how much weight extra is Kerostart?

DW_Crash

Terry Holston

My Feedback: (1)

Your plane will not know the difference. If you carry an onboard Propane tank , the weight will be less.

Eddie P

My Feedback: (4)

An ounce or three depending on the battery you choose. On a 20 pound jet there is probably 2 ounces of dead bugs on the leading edges. For ARF guys, Get a dremmel tool out and grind away that extra glue seeped out of over glued joints that isn't doing anything but riding along without a ticket, that's 6 ounces right there. Even on a Wren 44 powered model (and I don't think you can get auto start on something that small) 2 ounces will even be manageable I'd think. If it's too heavy, then it's too heavy somewhere else.

HarryC

My Feedback: (1)

The Wren 44 is auto-kero-start.

Gordon W

It sure is. I've got three 44 Golds, they are all auto-start, and they are a dream to fire up on kero-start. No more carting the propane bottle around in an inside pocket in my coat to keep the gas warm on winter days

Gordon

siclick33

Just a quick update to say that I did upgrade to Kerostart. I ordered the parts from Wren and Xicoy and did the conversion myself, which was incredibly easy. My first attempted start was this evening and it fired up first time .

This engine previously had a ECO ECU so I can now leave the starter lead, battery, gas canister and connector, glow plug and glow lead at home. Much more user friendly