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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Leester on May 27, 2007, 04:47:37 PM
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Is there a secret to starting a Brodak 40 inverted without constantly flooding it ? I'm using a clunk tank with vent,fill and feed lines. I usually chock once flip through 3 times and try to start but end up having to pop the glow plug out drain fuel and blow out the plug. HB~> HB~> HB~>
Thanks
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Put an airfilter or a piece of pantyhose on the intake. Choke it just enough to the filter wet. Most of the fuel sucked into the engine will run out, wetting the filter and leaving just enough for a good start.
The other trick is to put a measured prime into the intake instead of choking it. It will take some experimenting, but 6-10 drops is a good place to start. Choking the engine often does not pull in a consistent prime. Measuring the fuel into the engine, as long as you don't accidentally let some run in from the tank, is better.
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I know this is gonna upset some people, but we've been doing it for oh, about 50 years now. But you have to have a helper. Flip the plane on it's back.
I start every inverted engine by flipping the plane over, except for the PA engines on Pipe in my big plane. Those you just "snap" the spinner backwards with it sitting on it's wheels. ;D
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If I had an airplane with an upright engine (I don't), I'd flip it over, just to be kewl and 'razzle jazzle' (an attempted Shultzi-ism) with Big Bill. While I actually proposed this scheme at NW CL Regionals to both Dave Royer and Mike Conner, both declined the invitation. Both seemed reluctant only because it was for official flights, tho. Too bad. Think of the 'impression points' the Judges would give. LL~ Steve
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I've got a B-40 in a Nobler and do as Phil C does - put about 6 to 10 drops into the intake before I start it. I haven't yet established the exact correct amount though. I also find the B-40 a bit "stiff" until its got fuel well and truly into the innards, so sometimes spin it over with an electric start to loosen it up.
Flipping it over on its back is not an option for me, as I usually fly alone. :)
Which I guess is another reason I went for the upright-engine T-Bird as my latest plane.
Where do you guys get your intake air filter material from? It seems a very good idea, but have never seen it advertised or seen it in hobby shops. I'd have thought it would be just about essential for those RC cars? But I must admit dust is not usually a problem in the UK - but mud is.
Charles
Canterbury
UK
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Charles, I believe most use the BruLine filters available at Tower Hobbies.
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Those who don't use Bruline filters probably use ladies nylon stockings cutup into round patches and installed with nylon zipties or neoprene o-rings. Adjust the restriction with multiple layers. H^^ Steve
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Thanks Steve
I'll have a word with my wife and daughter when they get home this evening . . .
Charles