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Custom cowling question - enclosing carb to protect from debris and dew

I have a Great Planes Super Sportster 40 MKII that runs in rough fields. The carb often sucks in wet grass, dirt and bug parts. I have tried to use a filter, but it doesnt fit well and gets clogged enough to affect the engine.

I built a box to enclose the carb which extends 3/4 to the top of the cylinder head and fits flush against the back of the prop. It looks like the front end of a delivery truck is glued to top of the cowling.

Because it is so bulky and blocks a good chunk of the prop wash, I wonder if this will be stable to fly, and I wonder if it will rob too much power from the plane.

Does anyone have a guess how this will work for me?

Has anyone found a way to attach a 'snorkel' to the carb to avoid trash and dew drops from being sucked in?

Thanks,

Mark Carter

Reply to
Mark Carter
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I will be surprised if your engine does not over heat.

Frankly, you are worrying about something that is not really an issue. The majority of us fly in conditions precisely as you have described. Me for instance. I have engines that have been flown mercilessly for over twenty, sometimes thirty years, with nary a problem.

Bug parts won't hurt anything, neither will a little grass. Grit from dirt is the real culprit and most of that is so fine than most air filter schemes that would provide protection from it just are not practical for model airplane usage.

Relax and enjoy your engine without all of the extra tricks. Chances are it won't last forever anyway.

Overheating the engine by blocking air flow to the cylinder is a known quick killer of model engines.

Ed Cregger

Reply to
Ed Cregger

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