cranking big gassers
 

i have a big mustang with a fuji 64 cc engine in it with non electronic ignition. do you guys crank your big engines by flipping the prop or do you use an electric starter and if so what kind? i managed to crank my mustang 2 times by flipping and decided thats way too much work.....oh before i forget it is a new tight engine just starting to break it in...tia,,,hydro

RE: cranking big gassers
 

I usually put the choke on
advance about 1/4 throttle
and flip by hand till it fires-usually about 3-4 times
once it fires
Take off the choke
throttle at idle
usually cranks on first or second flip
ALWAYS use a glove to crank big motors guys that dont use a glove usually have nicknames like " four fingered louie" or "stubby"
Use a glove

RE: cranking big gassers
 

Hi i have bought from SDS hobby a large starter for up to 80cc engines, it works fine for my 85cc 3W, the on/ off switches are not brilliant but the starter works well i have made my own adapter for the prop drive but you can buy them from SDS. It has a 6 to 1 gear reduction so hang on.
The starter costs $46 dollars.
I run it off a well charged 12 volt car battery or a 5s lipo.the lipo is about 18 volts and it takes this no problem
Super Big Starter (Can use for 80cc gas airplane)
http://www.sdshobby.net/super-big-st...lane-p-2149.ht

RE: cranking big gassers
 

I use this on my G62's. 18v milwakee battery drill. Works! I make my living with my hands. Had a close call last year. Minor incedent but could have been real bad.
Edwin

RE: cranking big gassers
 

hey edwin,,that looks like a great idea. i have an 18v drill. where did you get the big spinner cone?

RE: cranking big gassers
 

Tower. Its about a 2 1/2" I think. Cone and insert both from Tower. I used a 5/16" allen head grade 8 bolt, anything less and it bends. Drill the cone and tap it for the threads and use a locking nut on the back. I have two, a smaller one for spinner nuts and domes, and the big one. I tried it on a quadra 70cc awhile back and it wouldnt start that one, it was pretty high compression. Havent tried it on my GT80 yet, havent needed to. We have a 84 year old guy in the club that uses a big sullivan with a miller gear drive to start big ones.
Edwin

RE: cranking big gassers
 

After fighting with a GT 80, I bit the bullet and reinstalled the spring starter. Just like a big cox .049 now....

RE: cranking big gassers
 

The Sullivan Megatron starter (Tower Hobbies) will crank up to 110cc gassers with no problems.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXADJ2&P=ML
Need to hook it up to 24v to have adequate cranking power. I use 2 lawnmower batteries from Wallmart for $25 bucks each and hook them up in series for 24v.
It's worth the investment if you're getting into big gassers. Need to use a car starter modified for RC use if you're cranking 150cc monsters though.

RE: cranking big gassers
 

Spring Starter are like cheating

I put one on most of my big motors
G 62
GT 80
adds little nose weight
if you fly warbirds you probably need the nose weight anyway
Love them

RE: cranking big gassers
 

Yep love my spring starter. If something goes wrong, it is really easy to get a lot of flips while trying to figure it out. Regardless of what people say, something will go wrong. A tank issue, flood, under primed etc. Problem is, I wish all engines had the spring starter option. Only Zenoah that I know of. An EI equipped engine really does not need one though.

RE: cranking big gassers
 

I use a big Sullivan belt reduction starter for everything. Easy on the fingers. 2 12 volt batteries for fire alarms( reliable) coupled for 24 v. I have started the big radials, and even an opposed 4 cyl. We bring it everywhere. I've seen too much to hand crank anything, no matter how easily they supposedly start..........Doug

RE: cranking big gassers
 

US engines have the spring starter too. My 41 and 35 HAD them. Both broke, I think due to user error in the previous owners. Arent they supposed to be lubed somehow to stay good? Doesnt matter, the drill works fine. I havent run my GT80 since I bought it so I cant comment on that yet.
Edwin

RE: cranking big gassers
 

Spring starters are supposed to be lubed every now and then( requiring engine removal). They also need cooling holes drilled in the mount(or box etc.) to function properly. I've also noticed(as well as several others) a slight reduction in power from their use. We also had one seize up (due to not being lubed) and force a deadstick on a quality plane. I'll pass........Doug

RE: cranking big gassers
 

Great Idea.

My procedure without a starter is as follows.

-Choke on
-full throttle (it will not run away with full choke)
-prop till it fires
-choke off
-throttle to idle
-prop again till it starts (usually only 3 or 4 times.

This is a tried and proven method and works every time unless you have a problem with fuel or ignition

I also ALWAYS use a heavy glove to hand prop.

RE: cranking big gassers
 

I have my friend do it for me