Hi Big D,Big D wrote:Maybe it’s my starting teqnique?
1. I turn the ignition
2. I say a small prayer
3. Put on electric fuel pump for a few seconds and then turn it off
4. Chokes on
5. Mags on
6. Turn ignition without giving juice – Starter motor turns the prop
7. Prop turns, nothing happens, battery gets moeg
8. I swear a lot
9. I hand prop about 15 times
10. I swear a lot and rest
11. I hand prop another 20 times and swear alot
12. Eventually she starts
I used this technique for the first 6 months of ownership and often had similar results. This frustrated me (like you) and so I developed the following starting technique after consulting several “wise menâ€Â, namely: -
1. Switch facet pump on to fill carb bowls.
2. Choke on, ignition and mags off - use pull start and give the motor 5 gentle pulls to “get the juices flowingâ€Â.
3. Choke, ignition & mags on, give a good “all that you got†pull – fires instantly.
4. Quickly place right foot against left rear tyre and apply cruise throttle whilst progressively reducing choke.
5. Rev engine to the point where it runs smoothly (at approx. 3 000 rpm) for 1 minute.
6. Ambient temp above 10° C, close cruise throttle and climb on and then use brake and foot throttle as necessary, or
7. Ambient temp below 10° C, switch off mags and ignition after 1 minute and allow the higher temp in the motor to dissipate. Feel RHS radiator water jacket (header tank) – should have an inkling of warmth confirming thermostat functioning. Climb on and start conventionally – fires instantly.
Benefits of using this technique.
a. Saves starter motor and prolongs battery life.
b. A good fast hand pull spins the motor much faster than cranking with 15 Ah battery. At a low cranking rpm, the induced spark is relatively weak.
c. Engine flooding is virtually impossible with this technique (no 45 minutes periods of colourful language).
d. Spark plugs at less than 25 hours with clean filters etc. assumed.
e. Airmanship as taught “Prop Clear!â€Â, prop blast etc. also assumed.
Regards
John ZU-CIB