DLE-55 running problems

[Al Lewis]

Good luck buddy!

[ibanezex718]

Great news guys!!!! Problem solved. Thank god it was only a 10 dollar fix and so simple. She runs great again, ran an entire tank just to be sure, so she'll be flying again tomorrow!

[Al Lewis]

Hooray!!!

[ibanezex718]

So today, in the middle of my first flight, the problem has come back in the same manner it did before. It cuts out, and back fires. Ran fine for the test in my yard, and about 7 minutes of flight time. A friend of mine at the field said it could very well be the entire ignition, because these 50cc motors vibrate so much it could have caused a short in the box, causing these problems. He said to have the ignition box mounted with some foam under it and to the point where you can move the box with ease. Well I had it mounted on the side of the engine box, with about 1/2 inch of foam, but have it tight. So this could be the problem.

Does anyone know how to test an ignition and check for any short circuits? Or has anyone experienced ignition problems like this?

[ibanezex718]

also, would it be worth it to send it in for repair or service or should I just order a new one?

[Al Lewis]

You can get a tester or a new ignition here.

http://www.southeastrcengines.com/see_020.htm

[JoeAirPort]

Did you check the timing as suggested?

http://www.ch-ignitions.com/timing.html

[ibanezex718]

The tester would be good to have, but I don't think that tester specifically can detect the kind of problem I'm having. I don't think it will tell me if it is misfiring. Also if that tester did tell me the problem, then I'd still have to buy a new ignition. I'm almost tempted to just order a new ignition off the bat. Has anyone ever experienced an ignition going bad? If so how did the engine react?

[JoeAirPort]

It's free to check your timing using the link I supplied. And if you bought a new ignition and your timing is still incorrect, guess what? Money spent and nothing gained (except a spare ignition).

[Tired Old Man]

I've been flying 50's for years and have never shaken an ignition apart. Previously I had been using CH ignitions exclusively, but the most notable difference between the CH and the RC Exl is the case composition and the potted components. It's damn hard to shake apart a potted ignition. You buddy is way off base.

You could have a weak ignition coil, a weak battery, an intermittant switch, a weak sensor, a weak magnet, incorrect timing, or a carb screen loaded up with crap. For the moment I'm going to run with the battery due to gasser experience levels. Then I'd go to the switch. If you have a tester and have not used it, well....

Timing is too easy to check. The only thing hard is getting past the intimidation of doing something you've not done before. Here's a quick check that lets you know whether or not you need to check with more accuracy. With the engine at TDC, is the hub magnet about 1/4" past (to the left when looking at the hub from the end of the prop shaft) the hall sensor centerline? If so, it's close.

[rcign]

My conversions have the ignition circuit INSIDE the rear mount...Vibration is not a problem unless the circuit is not potted with electronic silicone...Heat is not a issue either....

[ibanezex718]

Ok I just went ahead and ordered a new ignition, some of the local guys and I tested the ignition with their ignition tester, and it misfires at all rpm ranges, which is exactly what it does when it runs, it seems there is a short somewhere inside the ignition box. So I'll be waiting for that to get to me. In the meantime I had ordered some misc. parts for another giant I will be building soon. I received my dual batter system in and it looks like one of the wires is missing or maybe it's normal. I'm not sure you guys tell me. Here's a picture of one of two j-plugs that plug into the receiver.

[Tired Old Man]

Typically the white is a signal wire, not one of the power leads.......

[ibanezex718]

Thats what I figured, so I think it's faulty

[imhooked]

	Quote: Originally Posted by ibanezex718
	The tester would be good to have, but I don't think that tester specifically can detect the kind of problem I'm having. I don't think it will tell me if it is misfiring. Also if that tester did tell me the problem, then I'd still have to buy a new ignition. I'm almost tempted to just order a new ignition off the bat. Has anyone ever experienced an ignition going bad? If so how did the engine react?

Yes I did. Had maybe 4 or 5 flights on my DL-55. I got out to the field one day, put the plane all together, fueled it up, tryed to start the motor up and it never would fire. Had a full charge on the ignition battery, but still no fire to the spark plug. Ordered a new ignition from Jodi, got it in within a couple of days. Put the ignition on, 3 flips and I am up and flying. I have not had a single problem with it since. Why it was running fine when I left the field one day and then wouldn't start the next,,,,,beats me. But that is my experience.

Do yourself a favor and go ahead and buy a new ignition. You could chase this problem for a while and never be able to build any confidence in your motor until you know for sure. If it turns out not to be the ignition, oh well, now you have an extra and you can move on to the next diagnosis. Just my .02.