Baby Bee Will Only Run Backwards

[Bobby_M]

I have an .049 Baby Bee with a Kavan tank extension that has been packed away for about 20 years. I have found a use for it on a glider so after a thorough cleaning I was delighted when it started on the first flip. But I soon realized it was running backwards. No amount of tries could get it running the right way. I have even tried an electric starter and have made sure that the prop is not a pusher. Any suggestions?

-Bobby

[pda4you]

Are you saying that when you "start" it with an electric starter it runs backwards? If so you starter is turning the wrong direction.

It's been a long time since my .049 days, but I can tell you that if it runs backwards you usually have too much prime.

On larger 4 stroke engines I prime and then flip the spinner in the backwards direction and they flip and run in the right direction every time. Try flipping it backwards and it should run forward!

Mike

[Tony Oliver]

That's exactly right - if it starts the wrong way, it's too rich, but they are easier to start when wet. As the man says, just flip it backwards and you're off!

Tony

[Tim Wiltse]

Bobby,

The good thing about a reed valve engine is that it will run either way. Sometimes a Cox will just like to run backwards. No big deal just get a reverse rotation prop and your off. Or get a starter spring, that will solve it for sure. With big electric starts if you aren't carefull and over prime it will lock up and with the power of the electric starter you will bend the rod!!!!

Later,
Tim

[TEM]

I was out looking for a 1/2A starter cone for my starter but they didn't have any at the LHS and the shop keeper told me to make one out of a small piece of rubber tubing. So in the end I took a piece of plastic pipe and epoxied it onto the pinion gear on a 540size RC car motor. Lined the inside with the finger cut off a rubber glove for grip. Runs off 4 sub C cells. Works awesome and is not strong enough to damage the engine. However, it will not work for anything bigger than .049.

In addition, if you geared the 540 car motor 3:1 or 4:1 and running off 4 cells, it is strong enough to start a .10