Shuttle Quits Running After Half A Tank Of Fuel

[d21skycop@sbcgl]

I haven't flown my shuttle since last year. Everytime I have run her, she quits abruptly after she burns a half a tank of fuel or so. I did have her stored in the basement. Could dust have gotten into the carburation system? The tank was emptied before I stored her.

[hawkman]

could be a carb problem, I would remove the carb and clean it out. The fuel might contain castor oil which could easily have gummed up.

If the heli flew fine a year ago then it must be a partial blockage, bear in mind that as the fuel level drops the engine will run a little leaner....there is some rule that says the centre line of the fuel tank should be level if not slightly above the inlet to the carb.....the layout of the heli will provide for this but the richness of the mixture will alter as the level drops.....so your engine runs ok when full but is probably a bit lean......as the level drops the mixture leans out and the engine quits?

Make sure to add some oil to your engine when storing....you might know this already....but if not:

remove the glow plug

tip the heli up and add some oil....turn the engine over...by hand

add some oil through the carb intake...turn the engine over....by hand

you want to protect the engine bearings...this is the aim....because if they rust then the engine will never run properly again.

Good luck

Rob

[Aztek1701]

Hi there,

I saw a guy at the field with exactly the same problem. It turned out to be a split in the clunk line in the tank. It could be a carb problem but before you pull your engine to bits, take the fuel tank out and check the clunk line isnt split halfway up.

Take care..... Azzy

[hawkman]

Good point....why didnt I think of that...DOH!!!!! its usually the little things that cause problems.

Rob

[d21skycop@sbcgl]

Thanks for the advice. I changed the glow plug and forced air throught the lines and she works fine now. I'm thinking she may have gotten some dust in the carb and blwoing air through it cleared the problem. Five tanks of gas later and no problem. Now its back to teaching myself to fly.

Thanks again,
D21skycop

[mrclueless]

I stuck a Thunder tiger header tank on the side of one of my Shuttles, and it doesnt run lean anymore toward the end of the tank. Also its easier to see how much fuel is left...not that I dont like doing autos.