Flying Flea Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Hello Ian, Nice write up, the Flea looks superb. Perhaps the problems were down to the pilot,he looks a bit like Prince Charles! Regards, Kieran. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Glad you like the pics Ian. Somehow your models always draw the lens towards them, automatically... No doubt you'll sort this engine issue. I just know you'll have discounted this already but, could it just have been the ambient temp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 Cheers folks. I suspected the engine issues were to do with my bodgeneered Carden Ford in one way or another. I used some gasket goo stuff for the ali cylinder head to engine block joint, plus more for the exhaust to block seals. What is happening is this goo is melting. At higher revs it is burning off, but at tickover and 'flying' settings the flow isn't enough to get rid of it and it is finding its way through the engine and leaving tarry deposits on top of the piston!! So I've cleaned of these deposits and flushed and wiped the goo off the Carden and am ready to reassemble. Anyone recommend a high temp silicone or thickish gasket paper? Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cymaz Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 I have used some of THIS Seems to stand up well to heat so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 Posted by cymaz on 24/06/2014 18:51:48: I have used some of THIS Seems to stand up well to heat so far. Cheers for that Cymaz, much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted July 10, 2014 Author Share Posted July 10, 2014 After a frustrating Greenacres in terms of the Flea, I've finally sorted the engine problems, turns out it was some manufacturing swarf in the vacuum port of the ali carb bend manifold. Found this out after changing and the stripping of engines, carbs, gaskets, plumbing etc etc. I was on the verge of assuming the Carden Ford was at fault, it being the only common factor, apart from the carb bend, but they are so simple that it couldn't be at fault, no cracks, bad seals, all the holes blow through etc etc!!?? Anyhoo, 8 goes tonight, with a needle tweak after the first three or four, touch and goes and its now a proven fact that the Flea doesn't do crosswinds at either end of its flight. It also turns great to the left, but a bit untidy to the right, just like a real one then!! Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Fenton Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 Superb! Well done Ian, knew you would figure it out Cheers Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Brilliant Ian now you can relax and enjoy flying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Walters Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Glad it's sorted Ian - I really enjoyed watching it fly at Greenacres. Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 Here's a good vid of the two Fleas together, first time in near perfect conditions!! (I've not sussed the linky vid thing yet!!! I've written that before I've posted, how's that for confidence!!??) Ian. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVd_ekrUFoQ Edited By Chris Bott - Moderator on 02/08/2014 22:50:15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 Cheers Chris!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted December 15, 2014 Author Share Posted December 15, 2014 Massive thanks to RCM&E and to Alex Whittaker for Alex' article on the Flea, made me swell with chufftness that did!!! Rounds the thread off nicely me thinks!! Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Bennett Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 twas a good read Ian. thourghly enjoyed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Macleod Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 so what was the final wingspan and auw? Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 Hi Bill, apologies, this message slipped me by!! The wingspan is 3m and the little creature weighs in at 19kg. Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Will you be able to find room for it on the boat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg shaw Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 Not unless I can find a mooring with a workshop, but fingers crossed Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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