Re: removing the primer
> A guy in the hangar next door just completed an RV-6, his second RV, both
with
> 0-360s. He did not install any type of primer in the new 6. When I
questioned
> this he said he never used it in his 4. That even on the coldest days,
the
> engine started quickly and smoothly without it.
>
> So, over the past couple of months I've experimented on my 6A by also
never
> using the primer. Boost pump for 3-4 seconds. Pump the throttle once,
and turn
> the key. Usually it fires right up. Occassionally it may take and extra
second
> or two on the starter, but never enough to seem troublesome.
>
> Therefore, I'm inclined to remove the primer system entirely. One less
thing to
> break. One less set of fuel lines to leak.
>
> Any thoughts on this?
> Andy
Andy,
I originally was not going to install a primer system, then ended up putting
a pushbutton switch and wiring in for an electric solenoid system before
closing things up. I do not have the solenoid and fuel lines in yet and have
been simply using one full stroke of the throttle when starting. This has
worked fine although as you mention it does seem to take an extra second or
two compared to planes with a primer.
One thing though, it is VERY IMPORTANT to not pump the throttle until you
have already keyed the starter and the engine is moving. This will suck the
fuel stream from the accelerator pump up into the intake tubes and
cylinders. If you pump the throttle before turning the key the fuel simply
drains back down through the carb into the airbox. This fuel can then ignite
if there is any backfire whatsoever. I have personally witnessed an intake
fire from this technique. Fortunately those standing by had the pilot keep
cranking and it sucked the flame back into the engine when it started and
blew the rest out. So please, engage the starter BEFORE pumping the
throttle.
Frankly, I'm in no rush to install the fuel plumbing since things are
working fine for now. All those extra fuel fittings make me nervous... more
places for failure and leaks. Of course now I have a nice button on my panel
labeled "PRIMER" that is non functional. Oh well.
Randy Lervold
RV-8, N558RL, 70 hrs.
www.rv-8.com
-- Please support this service by making your Contribution today! --
Return to the Matronics Email List Homepages