Starting a VW.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 38
Likes: 63
From: The Smaller Antipode
SGC I have no doubt, in fact as I mentioned a local friend installed that on his new Turb. but I have to question the cost effectiveness for a 43 yr. old engine. I'm being pestered into installing a new 1600 version, in which case of course, but ....... advancing years and difficulty recognising one end of a spanner from t'other ........ etc.
The paucity of population to turn to when the front Widget doesn't quite mate with the left hand Sprogget is a consideration, too. ( there are only 4 million in the WHOLE of NZ ) and I've recently had to re-build the exhaust system from scratch, all requests for information about how to replace it eventually ended up with an admittance that 'they' had built it themselves, and most male N.Z. country-dwellers are handy with the oxy-acetaline welding kits, but not me. I eventually imported bits from Great Plains and modified to fit, close fitting, non-Turbulent, engine cowlings didn't help, either.
Hatzflyer - thanks, I'm going to be away from home for a few days, will probably P.M. you when I get back. ( Lucas S.4 mags, Solex on top, pump off Bedford truck circa. 1960 - I'm told - with priming lever )
Thanks again, all - meanwhile, the fog has cleared, the arm feels strong .........
The paucity of population to turn to when the front Widget doesn't quite mate with the left hand Sprogget is a consideration, too. ( there are only 4 million in the WHOLE of NZ ) and I've recently had to re-build the exhaust system from scratch, all requests for information about how to replace it eventually ended up with an admittance that 'they' had built it themselves, and most male N.Z. country-dwellers are handy with the oxy-acetaline welding kits, but not me. I eventually imported bits from Great Plains and modified to fit, close fitting, non-Turbulent, engine cowlings didn't help, either.
Hatzflyer - thanks, I'm going to be away from home for a few days, will probably P.M. you when I get back. ( Lucas S.4 mags, Solex on top, pump off Bedford truck circa. 1960 - I'm told - with priming lever )
Thanks again, all - meanwhile, the fog has cleared, the arm feels strong .........
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 38
Likes: 63
From: The Smaller Antipode
I gave the old Turb. a good talking today, and told it that the weight of PPRuNe had descended upon it.
It started first swing - honest !
Didn't do anything different, so still haven't sussed out a foolproof method that I can rely on, will get back to the fray next week.
Many thanks.
It started first swing - honest !
Didn't do anything different, so still haven't sussed out a foolproof method that I can rely on, will get back to the fray next week.
Many thanks.
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: suffolk
The coils in Lucas mags are often the trouble. They contain thousands of windings thinner than a human hair. They can break and the mag will still work(sometimes), dampness can make this situation worse. If it won't start, take the cap off the mag, put a paper clip onto the mag body so that the end is about 1/8 th of an inch away from the little brass pip that connects to the spring in the cap. You should get a fat spark. If not have the coils rewound.
Turning the mag over without a grounding wire ( as above) or no plugs attached is a no no as it burns out the coil.
All contacts need to be clean in the cap and the point settings are crucial.
Valve clearances are also crucial.
Standard start for your set-up cold engine...Make sure you have a head of fuel by using lever on pump untill resistance is felt. 2 pumps on throttle, turn one blade to suck in. repeat 3 times to prime each cylinder.
Crack throttle just beyond fast tick-over.( they like a good gulp to start )NOTE MAKE SURE AIRCRAFT IS WELL CHOCKED,UP ELEVATOR LOCKED ETC. It will start suddenly without warning at a relatively high throttle setting.
Practice swinging using the centre of the prop blade, do not use the tip because 1) it won't start,2) you'll brake the prop.
Give it a really good swing,with practice you can get it to go over one and a half turns. Don't be scared of it..a half hearted swing will never start it!
Good Luck!
Turning the mag over without a grounding wire ( as above) or no plugs attached is a no no as it burns out the coil.
All contacts need to be clean in the cap and the point settings are crucial.
Valve clearances are also crucial.
Standard start for your set-up cold engine...Make sure you have a head of fuel by using lever on pump untill resistance is felt. 2 pumps on throttle, turn one blade to suck in. repeat 3 times to prime each cylinder.
Crack throttle just beyond fast tick-over.( they like a good gulp to start )NOTE MAKE SURE AIRCRAFT IS WELL CHOCKED,UP ELEVATOR LOCKED ETC. It will start suddenly without warning at a relatively high throttle setting.
Practice swinging using the centre of the prop blade, do not use the tip because 1) it won't start,2) you'll brake the prop.
Give it a really good swing,with practice you can get it to go over one and a half turns. Don't be scared of it..a half hearted swing will never start it!
Good Luck!
