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Author Topic: Engine run questions.  (Read 1247 times)

Offline Tim Wescott

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Engine run questions.
« on: July 31, 2011, 08:06:37 PM »
My #2 plane is a Sig Skyray.  It currently has an old OS 25S in it, and I'm having trouble getting it to run right.  I understand that it's not really enough engine for the plane, but my aim isn't to win stunt contests -- it's to have a relaxing 'after practice' plane, and something that I can use to teach a beginner, if I should ever get one in my sights.

It seems like it wants to run at 9500 - 10000 RPM on the ground, but if I launch at that speed it leans out.  If I launch rich, it either never speeds up, dies in the air, or (every once in a great while) gives me a good run.

I'm running 15% nitro, about 22% total oil content.  I'd tell you the venturi size, but I don't know -- its either 3/16 or 11/64, with a 1/8" diameter spray bar (I'll post dimensions the next time I'm in the same building as the plane).  Prop is a Top Flight 9-5 wood ('cause that's what I have lots of!).

So -- what should I be looking at changing, to make this run right?  Is the above set of behaviors a sign that it needs a smaller venturi?  More oil in the fuel?  A smaller prop?  Something else?
AMA 64232

The problem with electric is that once you get the smoke generator and sound system installed, the plane is too heavy.

Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: Engine run questions.
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2011, 08:32:45 PM »
More castor oil for sure. I think the prop is about right, tho I've not been impressed with any TF paddle blades that I've ever used. How about a 9-4 or 9.5 x 4.5 APC?

The venturi & spraybar dimensions seem wrong. I would expect the venturi bore to be around .250" or even larger, and the spraybar is probably bigger than .125".  H^^ Steve
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Offline Tim Wescott

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Re: Engine run questions.
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2011, 08:38:34 PM »
More castor oil for sure. I think the prop is about right, tho I've not been impressed with any TF paddle blades that I've ever used. How about a 9-4 or 9.5 x 4.5 APC?

The venturi & spraybar dimensions seem wrong. I would expect the venturi bore to be around .250" or even larger, and the spraybar is probably bigger than .125".  H^^ Steve
I made the venturi, but I can't remember what drill I used.  I know that the spraybar is 1/8" diameter (with a #5-44 thread) because I made that, too.

I was out flying yesterday with my other plane that has an FP-20 on it.  I have a pile of 9-4 APC props and I almost slapped one on just to see what happened.  Maybe next time...
AMA 64232

The problem with electric is that once you get the smoke generator and sound system installed, the plane is too heavy.

Online Brett Buck

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Re: Engine run questions.
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2011, 08:51:05 PM »
More castor oil for sure. I think the prop is about right, tho I've not been impressed with any TF paddle blades that I've ever used. How about a 9-4 or 9.5 x 4.5 APC?

   25S? I don't think it's going to spin nearly fast enough to get an acceptable flying speed, at least without just gutting it out. I would try a 9-6 and start cutting it down until you can get decent lap times (maybe 4.5-4.6 seconds on 55-56 foot lines).

    The oil is certainly a good idea; that may be the entire problem right there. Run it with lots of good old fashioned castor oil. Overheating would certainly explain the observed issues - set rich it stays cool and holds the setting, lean and it overheats and goes leaner.

     This is not a good performance combination.

    Brett

Offline Tim Wescott

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Re: Engine run questions.
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2011, 09:00:22 PM »
This is not a good performance combination.
That's why it's a trainer.  But I want to make the most of what I have.
AMA 64232

The problem with electric is that once you get the smoke generator and sound system installed, the plane is too heavy.

Offline Tim Wescott

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Re: Engine run questions.
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2011, 09:20:07 PM »
I'd tell you the venturi size, but I don't know --
13/64, with a 1/8" spray bar.  That works out to an area of about 0.016 square inches.
AMA 64232

The problem with electric is that once you get the smoke generator and sound system installed, the plane is too heavy.


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