Taking off from gravel

Full size flyers have problems with prop damage taking off from gravel - never tried so this is just armchair commentary...

Steve

I take off from beach sand, and made a filter.

I took a piece of foam (like in seat cushions) and make it about twice the diameter of the carb intake, then hollow out an area that will fit over the intake, and use a piece of steel wire to wrap around the foam to hold it onto the intake.

I have heard that a small piece of panty hose, with a small O-ring around the intake will hold it onto place.

The foam works for me, with no noticeable loss of power.

You can also find filters for use on buggy engines. Most of them are .15 size, but if you look hard, you can find other sizes. A homebrew is much cheaper, and works well.

I would definitely recommend some type of filter.

Alex,

If you go to my website at

and pick 'Helpful Hints', you will find the solution in 'Clean Carburetor Air'

EarlOfTroy AMA 40329

Alex wrote:

Put a long piece of wood/plastic on the ground/road for it to take off of. That way it doesn't taxi across the gravel.

I remember one club I went to had a dirt run way. They had gotten hold of some old carpet and laid it down bottom side up so the backing was up. Kept the dirt down pretty well.

One of the 'tricks' I use to keep my 4 strokes breathing healthy air when flying in odd places is a combination filter I have made. I took a small ball (~1/2 in in diameter) and put some window screen material around it and pull it tight. This creates a large volume sphere that is attached to the carb inlet and covered with stocking material. This allows for dirt and debris clogging parts of the filter and protects the 'draw' of the engine by permitting lots of air to come through the filter. Small filters need to be kept cleaner to be effective and not have a bad effect on engine performance.

YMMV

Jim Branaum AMA 1428

There are also ready made solutions...

A small patch of panty hose material, pulled over the carb opening and then rubber banded into place will keep the gravel out. Just be gentle after you have tackled the woman wearing the panty hose and are cutting out a patch.

Ed Cregger

P.S. If she resembles Rosie O'Donnell, pass that one up and find an easier target. (wink)

Why? Won't she have enough?

"Six_O'Clock_High" > easier target. (wink)

No one would ever accuse Rosie of not having more than enough of everything/anything.

Ed Cregger