At the 2019 AMA NATS, John Park of Brighton, MI. mosied over and said; “You started that engine with one flip. How did you do that?” Should have said; “John, it was blind luck.” But one must remember the definition of luck:
LUCK: When Opportunity meets Preparedness.
Remove the tank vent and start fueling. Notice the 20ml of airspace in the fuel syringe. Empty about 60 ml of fuel into the tank and stop.
Maybe it is 75% Preparedness and 25% Opportunity. Although, the engine did start at the AMA NATS on the first flip. The basis of my starting method comes from Charlie Reeves of the Paducah Aero Modelers of Paducah, KY. The method is refined over the years for my particular needs.
The Equipment:
Engine: OS Max LA-46
Tank: Sullivan 6-ounce Rectangular RST
Fuel System: Uniflow (engine, muffler pressure, & vent connections)
Starter: Tower Hobbies 12 volt
Igniter: Ni-Starter by Sonic-Tronic
Fuel: SIG Champion Fuel 10% Nitro
Primer Fuel: SIG Champion Fuel 35% Nitro (NOTE A)
Fueler: Lee Machine Shop Plastic Syringe 5 oz (140 ml)
Hold finger over the tank vent. Then start fueling until a steady stream of fuel comes out of the venturi. Then take your finger off the tank vent. The pilot is not looking for a steady stream in this photo.
There are several different techniques for starting a model internal combustion engine. The key is to find one which works for you. Then repeat the technique for each engine starting.
This series of tasks are for an inverted or a horizontal mounted engine. To use this technique on an upright engine, hold the aircraft with the wing vertical for Task 10 (NOTE J).
At the AMA NATS, pilots are to have their aircraft fueled prior to entering the flying circle. This is due to the large number of pilots entered. This substantially reduces the time between flights. This request is common at most local contest. Therefore, complete Engine Starting Tasks from 1 thru 15 in the pits. Complete Tasks 16 thru 21 in the flying circle.
Put five drops of Primer Fuel into the venturi.
Engine Starting Tasks:
With the glow plug igniter in place, pull the prop thru until you feel a bump.
What IF:
Completing Task 17, you do not get a bump;
17a. Remove the Ni-Starter,
17b. Put 5 drops of Primer Fuel into the venturi,
17c. Flip engine over 5-7 times,
17d. Return to Task 16.
Have a great flight if you are completing. After the flight, be sure to “Thank” the judges.
Most of the NOTES below provide the “why’s” the specific task is done. A few give additional information.
Walk behind the engine to remove glow plug igniter. The engine was not started for this photo.
D The steady stream removes air bubbles between the Tank and Engine.
E The 20 ml of air eliminates the syphoning of fuel from the Tank.
F Five drops are the amount for 40 and 46 size engines. Adjust the number of drops for smaller or larger engines.
G HOT engine starts:
If you cannot hold the engine’s head, it is too HOT to start.
If you can uncomfortably hold the engine’s head, it is a HOT start.
Do not prime the engine,
Hold finger over the venturi and flip 5 times.
Return to Task 16.
If you can hold the warm engine’s head, it is a COLD start.
H For us older lads, use an electric Starter or a Chicken Stick for (CCW) starts.
J The photo numbers on each photo corollate to the above task.
Practice this series of tasks a dozen times and you will get the hang of starting your engine. This technique does not guarantee a start on the first flip, but it increases the chances of a first flip start.
Practice, Practice, and more Practice causes this series of 21 tasks to become automatic.
Thank You John for asking a simple question on an often-frustrating task.
