Solo 2350D won't start

I believe the SH gliders ship with a yellow strap that is wrapped around the propeller hub. Lak used a cord, but the process is basically the same.

Only to be attempted with the utmost care and always with the wings attached....

https://youtu.be/C0UJtqhZJMo

On Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 6:51:13 AM UTC+11, wrote:
I believe the SH gliders ship with a yellow strap that is wrapped around the propeller hub. Lak used a cord, but the process is basically the same.

Only to be attempted with the utmost care and always with the wings attached....

https://youtu.be/C0UJtqhZJMo

Thanks to all who responded. For those not familiar with the Solo 2350D, the following should help. The engine is windmill started in flight. There is an adaptor on the prop hub to enable an electric drill to be used to start the engine – I assume this is for factory testing. Thanks for the video showing the strap method, but I’ve been advised not to try this. The Duo has two fuel pumps – a pilot activated electric Facet, located under the rear seat & a vacumn diaphragm on the pilon under the engine. There is no throttle – when it starts it runs at full power. Fuel used is premium unleaded (98) which has no ethanol. The engine has a cutout function which occurs if the revs exceed 6500rpm – it cuts back in once the revs drop below 6500. Keeping the airspeed at 50 – 55Kts prevents over revving.
What I’ve done so far. Checked the Facet for fuel flow & it’s ok. Pumped 10 L of fuel from the tank in 12 minutes, so tank venting is ok. When starting the engine the electric pump is used until the engine starts & then the diaphragm pump takes over. I haven’t checked the diaphragm pump but will try the syringe method. SH advise this pump is no longer manufactured & an overhaul kit is not available. These pumps were also used on outboard motors & there are aftermarket overhaul kits available eg.. https://www.westmarine.com/buy/sierr...38616--1764349 https://www.westmarine.com/buy/sierr...393103--210893
If any one has used one of these, please me know. SH are now supplying an alternate pump which I believe is a Mikuni. Also can anyone advise what the pump pressure should be?
I’ve also stripped & cleaned both carby’s – no sign of any problems, but I intend to order new gaskets & diaphragms. This problem arose soon after the annual inspection, during which both NGK spark plugs were replaced. I’ll fit two new plugs in case one is faulty. And I’ll pull the seat pan to ensure there are no kinks in the fuel line. Regards, Bill

As a long term poster on car forums.....fantastic feedback....thanks (for someone that may ask, no known neurological issues other than flying without an engine....;-))...extra dots may be likened to a pause when actually speaking to someone...

I was thinking either a collapsing fuel line, tank cap that wasn't venting, possibly a bad diaphragm (wasn't sure if float or diaphragm).

Spark plugs....not a typical issue....very low on trouble shooting list. Sounds like fuel, but short duration.

Whenever you find the issue, PLEASE post back on resolution, too many forums someone posts an issue, many possible fixes, usually never feedback on resolution.
Help the next peep that actually searches.....

Thanks.

On Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 4:32:59 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
As a long term poster on car forums.....fantastic feedback....thanks (for someone that may ask, no known neurological issues other than flying without an engine....;-))...extra dots may be likened to a pause when actually speaking to someone...

I was thinking either a collapsing fuel line, tank cap that wasn't venting, possibly a bad diaphragm (wasn't sure if float or diaphragm).

Spark plugs....not a typical issue....very low on trouble shooting list. Sounds like fuel, but short duration.

Whenever you find the issue, PLEASE post back on resolution, too many forums someone posts an issue, many possible fixes, usually never feedback on resolution.
Help the next peep that actually searches.....

Thanks.

One thing often overlooked with diaphragm carbs is the pop-off pressure of the needle valve. Incorrect pop-off pressure might account for this behavior. This pressure can usually be adjusted by either changing the spring or by bending the needle lever.

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=...10.f9GczK9WkxE

Tom

On Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 11:08:36 AM UTC+11, 2G wrote:
On Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 4:32:59 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
As a long term poster on car forums.....fantastic feedback....thanks (for someone that may ask, no known neurological issues other than flying without an engine....;-))...extra dots may be likened to a pause when actually speaking to someone...

I was thinking either a collapsing fuel line, tank cap that wasn't venting, possibly a bad diaphragm (wasn't sure if float or diaphragm).

Spark plugs....not a typical issue....very low on trouble shooting list.. Sounds like fuel, but short duration.

Whenever you find the issue, PLEASE post back on resolution, too many forums someone posts an issue, many possible fixes, usually never feedback on resolution.
Help the next peep that actually searches.....

Thanks.

One thing often overlooked with diaphragm carbs is the pop-off pressure of the needle valve. Incorrect pop-off pressure might account for this behavior. This pressure can usually be adjusted by either changing the spring or by bending the needle lever.

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=...10.f9GczK9WkxE

Tom

I'd never heard of the "pop off" pressure test. The 5 year inspection schedule for the original 2350 requires a pressure test of 0.4 bar (~ 6psi) allowed to decrease by 0.1 bar/min. https://aircraft.solo.global/img/cms...5_Englisch.pdf
Both of the carbys on our 2350D met this requirement indicating the needle & seat are ok. I'll report the outcome of fault finding, but it could be a few weeks. Rgds, Bill

I am having a similar problem in my Ventus Ct. Mine will not start at all.

Is there any way to check for spark on the ground?
I pulled the plugs and hand propped while holding the plugs to the side of the engine case and could see no spark.

Is there a A&P familiar with the Solo motors in south east U.S., or better yet Florida?

Thanks for any help.
Mike

Originally Posted by Mike N.

I am having a similar problem in my Ventus Ct. Mine will not start at all.

Is there any way to check for spark on the ground?
I pulled the plugs and hand propped while holding the plugs to the side of the engine case and could see no spark.

Is there a A&P familiar with the Solo motors in south east U.S., or better yet Florida?

Thanks for any help.
Mike

Hi Mike

Even if you were getting a spark it might not be that helpful in diagnosing the reason for not starting.

An acquaintance with a D2cT was having a similar problem. He was getting spark, testing as you did. He also had the coils bench tested as being ok but it eventually turned out they were breaking down under load so no joy. He is an experienced 2T & 4T mechanic who used to road race back in the day and he was stumped by it

New coils fixed his problem

:-/ Colin

Can you do that manual spark test in a hangar?Â* In dim(mer) light you
should be able to see a spark, if there.Â* Or you could have your plugs
tested, or simply replace them.

On 3/24/2020 4:55 AM, Mike N. wrote:
I am having a similar problem in my Ventus Ct. Mine will not start at all.

Is there any way to check for spark on the ground?
I pulled the plugs and hand propped while holding the plugs to the side of the engine case and could see no spark.

Is there a A&P familiar with the Solo motors in south east U.S., or better yet Florida?

Thanks for any help.
Mike

--
Dan, 5J

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 6:55:06 AM UTC-4, Mike N. wrote:
I am having a similar problem in my Ventus Ct. Mine will not start at all.

Is there any way to check for spark on the ground?
I pulled the plugs and hand propped while holding the plugs to the side of the engine case and could see no spark.

Is there a A&P familiar with the Solo motors in south east U.S., or better yet Florida?

Thanks for any help.
Mike

Not expert on this contraption, however:
- coil failures are not uncommon (vibration breaks of lead at coil), and
- IIRC mechanic at Seminole is familiar with Solo sustainers
Hope that helps,
Best Regards, Dave

PS: Sounds like you already did the coil test and saw no spark, right?

On Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 3:39:05 PM UTC-7, BillT wrote:
On Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 11:08:36 AM UTC+11, 2G wrote:
On Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 4:32:59 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
As a long term poster on car forums.....fantastic feedback....thanks (for someone that may ask, no known neurological issues other than flying without an engine....;-))...extra dots may be likened to a pause when actually speaking to someone...

I was thinking either a collapsing fuel line, tank cap that wasn't venting, possibly a bad diaphragm (wasn't sure if float or diaphragm).

Spark plugs....not a typical issue....very low on trouble shooting list. Sounds like fuel, but short duration.

Whenever you find the issue, PLEASE post back on resolution, too many forums someone posts an issue, many possible fixes, usually never feedback on resolution.
Help the next peep that actually searches.....

Thanks.

One thing often overlooked with diaphragm carbs is the pop-off pressure of the needle valve. Incorrect pop-off pressure might account for this behavior. This pressure can usually be adjusted by either changing the spring or by bending the needle lever.

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=...10.f9GczK9WkxE

Tom

I'd never heard of the "pop off" pressure test. The 5 year inspection schedule for the original 2350 requires a pressure test of 0.4 bar (~ 6psi) allowed to decrease by 0.1 bar/min. https://aircraft.solo.global/img/cms...5_Englisch.pdf
Both of the carbys on our 2350D met this requirement indicating the needle & seat are ok. I'll report the outcome of fault finding, but it could be a few weeks. Rgds, Bill

This is the carb pop-off pressure test.