Powermax Problems..
 

Lately I have been having this problem with Powermax condensing to a liquid one inside the gas line. I am using a dreamworks PM trigger.

Its gas when I test spray into the atmosphere but once it gets in the line I see bubbles. Some popping on start up as well. Nothing horrible but just wondering as to the cause.

Would this possibly be caused by a new Powermax container? I just finished my last, No liquid at all with the near empty one. Or is something els going on?

Does anyone hold the Powermax container upside down while administering gas? Just asking because I heard their is a clunk in the tank.

Thanks! Pete

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

I have the same problem. I improved but not fully resolved this by adding a lot less powermax before a start. I now connect the bottle for 1-2s every other flight. That works for me most of the time. This is with a P70 and P120.

Arnaud

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Hold can upright when filling the onboard canister. Yes, there is a clunk in the Powermax can. Stop filling the canister as soon you see the flow slowing down. You will probably get about 6 or 7 starts with one filling.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Pete,

Filling the on board or off board tank you hold the Power Max upright, there is a clunk in the Power max can. You want to put liquid in the onboard tank. Make sure your on board tank is vertical. Let the on board tank warm up before you use it. It will be cold when it is first filled. Vapors form at the top of the onboard tank when the tank is warmed and that is what is fed into the engine. From a full tank a little liquid is inevitable at first.

Bob

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Are you using onboard or offboard gas?

If using onboard (i.e. a tank in the model) you want it filled with liquid so you must hold the can the right way up.

If using offboard (i.e. connecting the powermax can straight to the engine) you want gas so you will have to hold the can upside down (or use a different manufacturer that doesn't use a clunk in their gas bottles).

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Don't connect Powermax directly for start up. Too much pressure. If off board is desired, make one of these and connect to the inlet side of the propane valve, turn on Festo, start turbine, Festo off and remove canister.
Hold canister upright so you get gas and not liquid.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Why not just connect the can?

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

If your talking about Powermax can, too much pressure

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

if you're flying JetCat just swap to off board propane and ditch the PowerMax, save the solenoid valve (those things ain't cheap) and fly with less onboard weight. Some Jet Central and Wren turbines don't like the off board propane without all the onboard gadgets to help regulate it but JetCat's fire up first time every time and it's so easy my 6yr old can do it.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

I'm not following you when you say "fly with onboard weight".

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

i was in the midst of trying to edit it when my ISP kicked out, and got it fixed but not before you posted.......it's LESS onboard weight. you don't need to use the solenoid so you save the weight of it as well as the onboard tank, all you need is the 3-4mm adapter and the check valve on a pig tail.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Gotcha

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Probably should have mentioned I'm starting Off board.

Just took the P-60 out. What I did was grab my old PM canister that I swapped out because I thought it was getting low. Hooked up my trigger to it and the start was beautiful. I guess either let 3/4 of the PM gas out before you use it (kind of a waste) or use a rig similar to suggested above to reduce the pressure.

Thanks guys! Pete

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Have you tried starting it whilst holding the can upside down?

Here is a pic of the inside of the can.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

I stopped using an onboard cannister. I use the pmax offboard. I have much better results and super easy, controlled starts.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

But KC, without the solenoid there's too much pressure directly from the Powermax bottle,
true or false???


Hector

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

i have no idea, as stated in my previous post do away with the PowerMax and get 100% propane bottles, they cost 98¢ at my local Wally World for a 16.4 oz size and you get hundreds of starts from a single bottle and best of all, you never have to shake it when it gets cold out. :)

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

EXACTLY

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Wish I could go to the green bottle but my Jet Central wont light on it. Tried it a handful of times, It wont pop [:o]..

Pete

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

The problem is there is never a 6 year old around when you need one...:D

Danno

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

I have hundreds of perfect kero starts, you guys have no idea how good this starting system is now from jetcat. Propane...[:@]
V..

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

i know how good it is but personally i prefer propane starting, less wear and tear on the starter and O-ring as well as the batteries and no flames at all.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Sorry KC, I missed that part.


ENT

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

.... Untill you need another $200.00 Kero plug to replace.

I've been doing it KC's way for 2 years now, and I'm still on my first $1.00 bottle of propane and the original $10.00 Rossi plugs. Flawless starts on my P-70 & P-80 SE.

RE: Powermax Problems..
 

Just replaced my old P120 with a P120SX and it only comes with kero start.