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Author Topic: Starting 'm Up  (Read 1027 times)

Offline phil c

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Starting 'm Up
« on: November 24, 2021, 08:10:47 PM »
Starting combat engines takes a bit of "knack" but it isn't hard.  My flying buddies and I usually got good starts but we never really nailed it.

A few years ago a Czech friend of mine told me this procedure that is nearly bullet proof.  It does require an engine that has been well broken in, isn't worn out, and had a decent amount of pop when you flip it over cold. Some engines tend to bind up until they get warm, so be aware.

Fuel the bladder, or pacifier.  Train the bladder to blow up from the sealed end and line it up right at the closed end of the tube.  Start the fill.  Let the bladder hit the tube wall. Keep a slight tension on the fuel line.The bladder needs be guided so it fills smoothly and the fuel line goes pretty much up the center of the tube.  On F2D ships just center the bladder in the tube and train it to fill in the middle.  For most engines they start best in the launch setting- slightly on the rich side of flat out.

Point the venturi up.  Either let in enough fuel to get close to the NVA body, drip fuel in from the filling syringe.  Flip the prop a few times, level the plane and flip the prop a few more times, then drop the left wing and flip it a few times to get fuel into the bypasses.  Finish up with the right wing down and flip the prop a few times to get some fuel into the head.

Apply electrons to the glow plug and turn the prop over.  If all is well it will give a sharp kick.  Turn the prop backwards counterclockwise.  It should kick pretty hard.  Level it with one blade up lightly against compression, pointing straight up the cylinder.

Hit the blade on the crankcase side a smart blow down.  The motor should backfire and start to run, release the fuel line and check the needle setting.

Release the fuel line and check the engine setting if there is time.

Use the same procedure on a restart.  Unless the engine is extremely flooded it will kick after a few flip.  If it doesn't, flip it counterclockwise.

Other things to worry about:
Combat engines generally run best if they are launched slightly rich- not burbling, just a few rich misfires.  If it goes off too lean it will overheat and lose power.  That can also damage the piston/liner/conrod, the glow plug, and bearings in a plain bearing engine.  Big fast motors may take a test flight to verify setting.  Allow time to do so.

Always check the glowplug for glow.  Check that the coil is centered and not bent or partially melted from too much heat.  A displaced coil can usually be straightened with a pin. If the coil is melted, toss the plug and use a new one.  Always check a new glowplug for the coil shape and placement and that it all lights up brightly.

Always make sure you and your pitman know exactly who does what.  In Fast that will usually be a two man starting crew.  As soon as the motor is running the holder should take over adjusting the engine is needed(or the pilot will set it himself, whatever)  One is mainly the starter, the other is the launcher.  As a launcher I MUCH prefer being able to hold the motor mount in my hand to keep the plane from getting knock out of control just as the motor starts.
phil Cartier


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