well guys, I got my elevator problem fixed with some great input. This is most likely a question for Tom. I have had zero problems with my engine (3mm-toc-53) However, I flew the plane the other day & it started great, the next day the engine started to flood very quickly & I couldnt get it to fire. With the regular starting procedure choke closed I would get a good it to start then quit, then open choke & start pretty quick. Now, with choke closed I get just a quick pop not really a start. I asked in the gas engines forum & someone said I might have a air leak in the crankcase,,,,,, any thoughts, Dave

First, I doubt it's a flooding problem. The way to check this is to pull the spark plug out when you get to the point where you think it's flooded. If the plug is filled with gas, you're right. If not then it's a different problem.

Do this test then report back, or just call me.

TF

Tom, I did that test yesterday & the plug was dry. I noticed that the fuel was soaking around the choke area & there were drips coming from under it, cant pinpoint yet just where...

I just went out this morn & tried to start, choke closed some throttle got a very weak pop, thats it. opened choke cant get it. with many flips with choke closed, I guess its loading up in carb & dripping out. Plug is mostly dry maybe a little wet....... I checked for spark looks good......... I gotta get off to work now, I'll try another start tomorrow, thanks..... Dave P.s. crazy what happened out there with that shooting at fort hood.....just heard another shooting in florida......

still no luck, maybe I'll see if I can find someone around here who has an electric spinner & see if I can get it started that way, if not I guess I'll send it to ya & see what you think, Dave

See if there's somebody around there that has another RCexl ignition like yours? They are all pretty much the same as long as it's for a CM6 plug. It's possible that the problem is in the ignition.,

TF

tom, if its a bad ignition would I still get spark..... because spark is good. with choke on today the plug was super wet dripping when I pulled it. I,m at a loss.

Yes. I have seen a few RCexl ignitions that will pop when starting but won't actually run. They spark at low speed but won't spark at higher RPMs.

TF

Tom, I went out again tonight & tried to start.... this time I turned the hi end needle about an 1/8 lean & I got some pops, so I turned a little more and she fired up. I wonder if it was to rich... I did the pinch fuel line test when wide open & tuned her in to just rise in rpm a little, so I didnt think it was rich....... anyway, I,m gonna fly her monday, I,ll let you know how things went. So for know I,ll hold off on anything else. Dave

It's possible that the high needle was vibrated open. There's no real reason for that to suddenly happen on an engine that had been well adjusted and working fine, but it has happened with several engine brands. next time you take the cowl off, watch the adjustment needles as the engine is run through the rpm range a few times to note if they move at all. Might want to make a paint mark on each one to make for easier sighting.

I started it this morning although it was hard to, I noticed looking at the plug while spinning the prop like trying to start, that there wasnt always spark, I got a feeling its the ignition.... Tom, when its running wide open, I pinch the line & its dies quickly before any rpm change....I assume too lean.......

tom, after we talked on the phone the engine is popping real good right now with choke closed, so I open choke & she fires up with a couple flips, runs at half throttle but cuts out at full

Sounds like it's time to clean out a carb. What type of gas filter do you use on the fuel line and in the gas can?

looks like theres one on the pick-up in the can & another at the nozzle end. I have a sullivan in-line going to carb... These carbs look complicated, I,m hesitant to open it up

have you tried setting it back to the factory settings and starting from their again?

First chance you get, dump the Sullivan filter. They only work so-so for glow fuel and pretty not much at all for gas. Attached is a picture of a filter you should pick up a pair of. Saw and mower shops or anyplace that sells better gas powered yard and cutting equipment. One goes in your plane's gas tank, replacing the clunk. The other goes into the gas can, acting as a clunk/filtered pick up. Filters to 10 micorns and because of the felt will pick up the last drop of gas in the tank and break up any bubbles.

The carb looks complicated on the outside. In fact, it's quite simple. If you take one apart simply lay it out in the order a part comes off the carb. Note the orientation so that it goes back on the same way it came off. use a can of compressed air like those found at office supply stores to blow out all the tiny fuel passages. That is the area that is likely killing the engine when the throttle is advanced to high.