So I've been building an ultralight

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pbj:
I’ve told this story here before but it bears repeating.

So, I drove a home built car once. It weighed 1400lbs and had 168 horse power. It was the fastest vehicle I have ever driven. But the guy that originally built it never drove it more than around the block. He was some kind of engineer that worked on satellites and had the guys in the shop assemble it after hours. It was modeled after a BMW concept roadster that never went into production.

My dad bought it and let my wife and I take it down the highway. And I’m not joking, you farted on the gas pedal and you were over 100mph.

Everything was great until it was time to go back home and we had to sit while a gate opened.

The genius had used an oil temperature gauge with rubber hosing. While you were moving; there was enough air flow to keep things cool. Have I mentioned the engine was open air and mounted directly behind the driver and passenger? Gas tank was right beside it.

Anyway, long story short, the hose melted and sprayed oil all over the engine block. I used to have hair halfway my back. It caught fire. I am thankful every day that a young girl came running out from the neighborhood pool with a fire extinguisher and saved me and kept the car from exploding. I had second degree burns on my neck and back and got a clipper cut. The haircut lady was apologizing the entire time.

Quadruple check everything, Danny. No weird ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow--- shortcuts.

danny_galaga:
Nitrogen widget, yeah notice it was fine to start and then went really rough? First I thought the carbs might simply be unbalanced, but I'm pretty sure now there's a blocked jet or cracked O ring etc in one or both carbies. I was able to easily get the bowls off to have a look. First glance looked good but then noticed the petrol 'varnish' that can build up. Cleaned all that out and checked the pilot jets but nothing out of the ordinary . So this weekend I'm taking them off completely and giving them a more thorough inspection at home. Mat need overhaul kits, which are over 200 USD each carbie. Ouch!

PBL, oil and fuel pressure lines in the cab give me the Willie's, for exactly your unfortunate experience. Electrical for me.
And yes, I'll be double quadruple checking everything. The aircraft mechanic at the field will also get his boys to go over it too. He will do the first hour flying. I'd love to be the first but it's not recommended. This guy has tested probably hundreds of aircraft in his time.

danny_galaga:
Carbie. Notice the choke is quite a complicated beastie. Carbie also compensates for altitude so that it leans out the higher it goes. Not perfect, but acceptable

Edit: LEANS, not MEANS. stupid auto correct

Zebidee:
Yikes, that does not look like fun.

I think I've already related how I once pulled apart the carbie from my Datsun 120Y, cleaned it, reassembled it, and everything worked 100%... but there were 4 parts left over!

Something like that clock we've probably all pulled apart as a kid.

Then there is the challenge of balancing twin carbs :P

Good luck! Give yourself a good clean space to work in. Take lots of photos (so you know how everything goes back together).

danny_galaga:
Also, I'll completely do one carbie at a time, so I can also reference the other one

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