Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
3300 failure to initially start
Hi,
I've had this 601xlb with 3300 engine with Bing carb for 2 weeks now. This plane and engine are new territory for me. It ran great with no problems for the ferry flight from Michigan to Kentucky, Due to weather, I've now only been able to get it out twice, and both times I had the same issue.
I followed the checklist, and the engine cranks, but fails to start. I eventually ran the battery down, both times. I charged the battery, which took about 20-25 minutes. Then, I just hit the key, and the engine started immediately. Subsequent starts were immediate, too.
It runs great, and this is the only issue I've had with the engine. Could it be that I'm not priming with the electric fuel pump enough? The checklist calls for 4-5 seconds of prime, then pump off. I don't think I'm flooding it. I'm not familiar with this carb, though, so I don't know.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Darrell
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Butler on
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I live in upstate NY and it’s 2 degrees F as I write this. I’m would like to know if anyone has operational experience with the Jabiru 3300 in the zero to 25degree range. I’m specifically interested in starting characteristics/ techniques and pre heating requirements. A 1-2 hour stopover to refuel and eat gets more complicated when arranging for preheat. Also how robust are the heaters typically installed on these engines?
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Permalink Reply by Darrell Doerhoff on
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Jeff, I haven't tried starting the engine when it's that cold, but I can tell you that that on Sunday, after about 2 hours with the heater plugged in, the top cowling was lukewarm to the touch. I touched the top of the engine through the oil access door, and the engine was warm, so I'd say the heater is robust.
I'm still getting aquainted with this engine, but have followed the advice presented on this thread about cold starts, and had a successful cold start on Monday. I'm learning.
Darrell
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I want to give a big heartfelt thank you to everyone for providing guidance. It's been about 3 weeks since I last started the engine, and today, applying what I learned from everyone, without preheating, the engine fired right up, and ran great. Now, I won't be worried when I make a trip.
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Permalink Reply by Ian McClelland on
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I installed the Jabiru cold start kit 5 years ago and haven't had a failed start since.
This kit powers up one of the coils when the starter is engaged to guarantee a heathy spark. Disengage the starter and the system reverts to the standard mag setup. All the information is on the Jabiru Australia site.
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I did my first valve adjustment to this engine this week(solid lifters), and every valve was out of spec. About 1/2 the valves had zero clearance, and a couple were over the 0.010” spec. I’m surprised it ran as well as it did. BUT what a difference now. The engine starts on the first revolution, so I wanted to let you know that a I’m still learning, and still very happy with this plane.
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Permalink Reply by Barry Sweeney on
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hi there Darrell, I have read all of the replys you got but no one mentioned that if the Jab motor does NOT get to 300 revs on the starter spark will usually not happen. That is one of the things that I know and I do not even have a Jab motor yet. I live in Australia and most planes with a Jab motor have an anderson plug mounted at the back of the firewall with a gap/ slot in the cowling that allows you to plug in an external power source usually one of those small emergency car starter things and thats all it needs. Happy flying, Barry
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Barry, thanks for your information, and especially about the Anderson plugs. My plane has the old style Piper jumper socket and a plug that has been adapted for connecting charger or jumper cable clamps. Needless to say, the are heavy, so I’m going to look into replacing them with Anderson plugs.
I haven’t had any more problems with starting the engine. In fact, it now starts right up. I really appreciate all the help I get from here.
Darrell
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Permalink Reply by James Nichols on
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Just had a similar starting issue, but related to the failure of the starter bendix. Starter spins fine, but does not engage the flywheel to turn the engine. Removed the bendix/overrunning clutch and the gear that engages the flywheel could spin easily without engaging the worm threads that allows it to engage the flywheel. I cleaned it up and reinstalled with permanent loctite. That gave me one good start and now its back to spinning. I have the Honda part on order, so will advise results. This is on a STOL 750 with an EarthX batt (100hrs).
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Installed Honda Overrunning clutch (31207-ZE3-003) $145. Looks like a better built part and is working fine. I have 6+ starts so far with no glitches. Gen 4 engine.
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Permalink Reply by John Austin on
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The genuine Honda part is definitely better built! The part appears to be much more nicely machined and there are some extra washers or bushings the original "pattern part" did not have. I went through the original and one identical replacement starter from Jabiru and then got a genuine Honda starter (recommended to me and sold by Ian Bent at CAMit engines prior to their demise) and have had zero problems ever since. Ironically, the Honda part cost less than the Jabiru part even with shipping from Australia! Once I had the part #, I found you could get them here in the US for even less at Honda Marine vendors. $145 is a good price!
Compare the so-called "pattern part" or copy to the genuine Honda part on the right ... you can look at the parts from 10' away and still see obvious differences!
John
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Permalink Reply by Dave Geiling on
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John, Can you share the part number for future reference? Or is the one you have the same as above?
Dave G
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Yes, the part pictured is the same # as James gave above - 31207-ZE3-003.
John
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