Webra Gasser disaster

[Fixer]

Well I went down to the local flying club today and took the gasser with me, to my surprise it started first time and seemed to be running well, it was still a bit on the rich side and needed adjusting but it was the best it's been so far with the temp gauge reading 224F.
I used the 1/4 tank that was in and then went back to the car with smiles on my face.
After having a cup of coffee I filled her up and when I applied the starter the engine tone just changed and now there’s an awful rattling coming from inside the engine. I don’t now if I should strip it down and find out what’s wrong or send it back.

Peter

[jimbob]

I wouldn't strip it - might give them an excuse to invalidate the warranty.

Call em on Monday.

[ChrisB]

Are you sure its coming from the engine?,have you removed it from the heli?

It could be the clutch gone

[Fixer]

Are you sure its coming from the engine?,have you removed it from the heli?

It could be the clutch gone

Your spot on, It must have been a lucky cup of coffee, When I took the muffler of the piston looked like new but it still rattled when turning it over by hand, so out comes the engine as I cant rest until I find out what’s wrong, as I said it must have been a lucky cup of coffee because when I dropped the engine half the clutch fell out, still not good news but it’s allot better than I thought it was going to be. Time for a heavy duty clutch I think.
Why does this happen?

[ChrisB]

If i am correct was this in a Raptor 60..?

The clutch after time tends to snap at in narrowest part,as the lining wears down the clutch needs to expand further and weakens this part..

There should be a little plate that goes between the fan and the clutch shoe to allow it to expand easier as opposed to being up against the fan

A stronger one should do the job and it may be wise to re line the bell with a new liner..

[Fixer]

I’ve noticed the 90 clutch is bigger, would it be possible to fit a 90 H/D Clutch.
The plate you mention is missing, this was a RTF Heli., yes I did fit the fan and clutch to the webra but I just put back what came off.

[ChrisB]

Im pretty sure the heavy duty 90 size clutch and bell will fit into a 60,i cant think why it wouldnt but it would be wise to check with the retailer..

[jimbob]

Just as a note, if its a Quick UK fan, then you dont need the plate as the top of the fan has machining to allow the clutch to move....

[Fixer]

Yep it is a Quick UK fan, I don’t remember what the top looked like but I will be taking the clutch off later. I think I will update the starter shaft as well; the 60 shaft broke yesterday as well.
I'm thinking now the 90SE would have coped better with this engine.

[Fixer]

Just as a note, if its a Quick UK fan, then you dont need the plate as the top of the fan has machining to allow the clutch to move....

Your right the Quick fan is machined on the top for the clutch
Thanks.

[Raptorite]

Yes the 90 size clutch and bell is bigger than the standard 60 one, it was sold as the heavy duty clutch assembly for the 60 some time ago and will go straight into a 60 airframe.

It might be worth checking the starter shaft while you are about it, as the original 60 one had a wide part at the bottom where it engages in the bearing in the clutch, whereas the newer one, which is the same as the 30/50 V2 is the same diameter across the whole length of the shaft. This is much stronger and is well worth changing while you have the engine out. You will also need a matching hex cup that the starter locates in.

Cheers,
Pete.