Hi Ricardo, It is true that the compression ratio is higher than for a 2 stroke Rotax and that this requires an extra effort on the battery. I had to change my battery, the one was from when I had an old and tired 532 and I had not used it for 2 years, it could not start the engine. I bought a completely sealed and extra powerful battery (I don't remember what it was but will look next time I fly). It is important to turn the prop by hand before starting, and when it is very cold I use an external battery for the first start of the day - I don't even try without it, it would just drain the already cold battery... I also have some friends with a Victor 2 plus and they had difficulties finding a battery powerful enough to start the engine. I assume the compression is even higher on that version. Regards Fred
Hello Fred, I was referred to your blog by a friend who is considering a Simonini Victor 2. He asked me about your issue of draining the fuel mix by removing the plugs. This problem on the Simonini was unknown to me although it was required on the silver top 542 Rotax I had before I installed a Simonini Victor 2 serial #44 in 2002 to replace it. This was the earliest model and 688cc. I ran it approximately 150 hours before selling the aircraft to build a four place. I never once had to drain fuel from the plugs and it always started right up with no primer using only the chokes. Many times the temperature was well below freezing. My fear in having to drain raw fuel tells me the rings have been soaked with gas/oil mix as it runs by and will burn out slowly adding carbon build up behind in the piston groove pushing the rings outward and eventually forcing them to score the cylinders. One day then you will have too low of compression to start the engine. The ceramic coated cylinders are very expensive to replace or recoat. My question to you is to ask if your carburetor float valves are leaking fuel past while it is not running. Do you turn off the fuel valve? I thought I would ask this question to help me understand why removing the plugs has become a normal part of preparing the 728cc Victor 2 for flight. Do others commonly have this problem also? You are definitely enjoying your aircraft and I enjoyed watching your video and reading the comments.
Hi Lynn, sorry for a late reply. See my latest message - I'm working on this issue and will confirm if the issue is resolved by the added (and closed) fuel tap. I know other users have reported the same issue. My exchange with Ricardo appear to confirm the theory that the carburetor float valves are leaking fuel. To be followed... Regards, Fred
Bellissimo ! )))
ReplyDeleteAlberto
Very funny Fred, my best wish for you from Spain, good flyers for 2013.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Merry-Christmas and a very happy new year from Brazil. Fly safe! Regards, Gabriel.
ReplyDeleteHi Fred,
ReplyDeleteCould i have your email to ask you my doubts regarding the maintenance of the engine Simonini Victor 2?
For example currenly i'm having problems to starting the engine due to the battery i believe. (I have a ICP SuperBingo).
Do you recommend an specific battery for this engine?
Which is your experience about this?
My email is rlouisg@hotmail.com and i'm in Barcelona.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Hi Ricardo,
DeleteIt is true that the compression ratio is higher than for a 2 stroke Rotax and that this requires an extra effort on the battery. I had to change my battery, the one was from when I had an old and tired 532 and I had not used it for 2 years, it could not start the engine.
I bought a completely sealed and extra powerful battery (I don't remember what it was but will look next time I fly). It is important to turn the prop by hand before starting, and when it is very cold I use an external battery for the first start of the day - I don't even try without it, it would just drain the already cold battery...
I also have some friends with a Victor 2 plus and they had difficulties finding a battery powerful enough to start the engine. I assume the compression is even higher on that version.
Regards
Fred
Hello Fred,
ReplyDeleteI was referred to your blog by a friend who is considering a Simonini Victor 2. He asked me about your issue of draining the fuel mix by removing the plugs. This problem on the Simonini was unknown to me although it was required on the silver top 542 Rotax I had before I installed a Simonini Victor 2 serial #44 in 2002 to replace it. This was the earliest model and 688cc. I ran it approximately 150 hours before selling the aircraft to build a four place. I never once had to drain fuel from the plugs and it always started right up with no primer using only the chokes. Many times the temperature was well below freezing. My fear in having to drain raw fuel tells me the rings have been soaked with gas/oil mix as it runs by and will burn out slowly adding carbon build up behind in the piston groove pushing the rings outward and eventually forcing them to score the cylinders. One day then you will have too low of compression to start the engine. The ceramic coated cylinders are very expensive to replace or recoat. My question to you is to ask if your carburetor float valves are leaking fuel past while it is not running. Do you turn off the fuel valve? I thought I would ask this question to help me understand why removing the plugs has become a normal part of preparing the 728cc Victor 2 for flight. Do others commonly have this problem also?
You are definitely enjoying your aircraft and I enjoyed watching your video and reading the comments.
Hi Lynn,
DeleteIn the meantime that Fred reply your question let me comment my opinion.
The "issue of draining the fuel mix by removing the plugs" only happens when the engine Simonini Victor2 is installed in a plane with "high wing".
On the other hand is true that this issue can be avoided if you turn off the fuel valve each time that you park the plane.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Blogger:
http://bingosimoninivictor2.blogspot.com.es/
Hi Lynn,
Deletesorry for a late reply. See my latest message - I'm working on this issue and will confirm if the issue is resolved by the added (and closed) fuel tap. I know other users have reported the same issue. My exchange with Ricardo appear to confirm the theory that the carburetor float valves are leaking fuel.
To be followed...
Regards,
Fred