Raptor 30v2 w/TT .39 New - Losing Power

[e_brown]

Hey guys, I've adjusted the low speed a little and the high speed alot and this thing does not run well at all.

Both needles are tight like they have a spring behind them thats waaayyy too strong. Its hard to tell when they're bottomed out and i've never seen needles like these on the TT .39 BB.

The first thing that happened today was we went to fire up the New Raptor 30 for the first time. It hovered so nicely and the 401 gyro makes this thing so nice to fly. BUT, after it hovers for a little while it loses power and rpm and I gotta land quick.

New motor, only ran about 2 tanks through it today - running 30% Wildcat Heli-Mix.

Idles fine, and will hover for about 15-20 seconds before losing power. I opened the low speed and high speed but nothing really seems to make a difference.

Tomorrow I'll REALLY OPEN the low speed but my question, I guess, is has anyone else had this problem? I've had tons of r/c engines and never seen one run this bad and have these sorry a$$ needle valves. Usuallly this condition would warrant a slight low-speed adjustment but I probably turned the low speed an entire turn with no change - high speed i opened at least one turn.

Thx,

-E

[heli_newbie]

I just had to fiddle with this exact setup on a flying buddies machine. His machine was experiencing the exact same symptoms, which i'm guessing are leaning out as the load comes on. We have to REALLY back both needles out, especially the high speed (almost 2 full turns or something like that). No clue if this is normal, cuz i've only setup OS until this point, but it did eventually richen out to where it would run.

[Crewdogg998]

Set up is pretty critical on this engine. If you have the instructions that came with the machine you should follow them carefully.
The main needle should be seated first, then the low to mid needle (small one). Then back out the main about 2 1/2 turns and the low needle about 4 if I remember right. That is about factory settings. If you make an adjustment to on needle you need to make the same adjustment to the other needle. Also, work in 1/8 turn increments or less! A couple clicks will make all the difference.
Lastly, check the muffler for security. Your symtoms are classic for a loose muffler..

[RICH S]

Hey guys, I've adjusted the low speed a little and the high speed alot and this thing does not run well at all.

Both needles are tight like they have a spring behind them thats waaayyy too strong. Its hard to tell when they're bottomed out and i've never seen needles like these on the TT .39 BB.

The first thing that happened today was we went to fire up the New Raptor 30 for the first time. It hovered so nicely and the 401 gyro makes this thing so nice to fly. BUT, after it hovers for a little while it loses power and rpm and I gotta land quick.

New motor, only ran about 2 tanks through it today - running 30% Wildcat Heli-Mix.

Idles fine, and will hover for about 15-20 seconds before losing power. I opened the low speed and high speed but nothing really seems to make a difference.

Tomorrow I'll REALLY OPEN the low speed but my question, I guess, is has anyone else had this problem? I've had tons of r/c engines and never seen one run this bad and have these sorry a$$ needle valves. Usuallly this condition would warrant a slight low-speed adjustment but I probably turned the low speed an entire turn with no change - high speed i opened at least one turn.

Thx,

-E



Mine did the same thing, followed all the break in procedures etc, and the engine failed. Upon dissassembly I found the ring failed, this was one of the worst glow engines I have come across in a while. I replaced it with the OS .37, no problems, break it in and go fly. Heli's have enough to pay attention to without engine issues. It's a nice ARF, Thunder Tiger just needs to fix that engines quality problems. I hear the little OS .32 is also very good. My suggestion is get a new engine and enjoy flying, the .30 is a nice heli.

[e_brown]

Thx guys - I did try adjusting the needle in small increments before really turning it out. It was almost bazarre the amount I turned the needles with no apparent effect on performance. The pipe was very slighty leaking at one of the seals so that has been tightened up now, good catch.

Anyway, I'm thinking about the OS 37 - it would make the heli perfect.

This was the first time I flew a Nitro Heli yesterday and what can i say - It was AWESOME! WOW, so much easier and stable than my little Axe Cp. Maybe I'll try to sell the Axe and buy a new motor for the Raptor. Hate to do it though considering the kit alone was $400.

Oh well - i will try to tune it out again today and see what happens. Appreciate the responses.

-E

[cubman221]

Mine was doing the same thing. I took it out of the helicopter, mounted a airplane propeller to it, and tuned it on the bench. After doing this, I only had to make minor adjustments once it was back it the helicopter. I has performed great every since.

[Steve Klyce]

Hi, if you still have problems with your high speed adjustment being to lean no matter what the needle valve setting is, then check your entire fuel system from the clunk in the tank to you jet in the carburetor for a restriction. It's possible that you have a piece of debri in your needle valve area or a piece in your main jet, also your clunk could have a piece of metal from the manufacturing process that might be restricting your fuel flow at higher engine speeds. One other thing make sure the pressure tap line going from the muffler to your tank is free flowing so the fuel tank can breath properly. Hope this helps. ;)

[Steve Klyce]

...

[e_brown]

Ok well I finally got another chance to go out and fly and I'm very pleased with the results.

I took the pipe off and used automotive RTV around all the joints, including the screw at the front and back. Also replaced all fuel tubing including clunk tube.

Ran both needles all the way in (hard to distinguish) then back out to 3/HS and 4/LS. Still needed richened up some more on both but it flew great this time around.

I had loaned my brother the G2 Simulator, so it had been a little while since I'd been at the controls of a heli.

All in all - it was a fun time. Flew 2 tanks of fuel through it with a mix of hovering and some FF back and forth accross the field. We had a 5-10mph cross wind and it made the Raptor climb a little higher than I wanted a few times, but its still in one piece and I'm really stoked to start practicing more often.

Now I need to find a field nearby to get a flight in after work!

Thx for all the help/tips, I really think the LS Needle was the answer.

-E

[Crewdogg998]

Great news! Thunder Tiger engines take a little more to tune right. I think that is why some owners get frustrated with them and cast them aside. I have six of the little guys and they are all very reliable..