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For many, cold weather means hibernation. But your motor needs some
preparation to avoid problems come spring. It will appreciate some TLC
and treat you better. These tips, from long-time two-stroke expert Alex
Varv (www.Aerocorsair.com) will
help.
1) Fuel system:
- Start engine, warm-up, disconnect the fuel line from the
carburetor, start the engine and run the carburetor completely dry;
this way you will prevent gum-up; if your membranes are over one
year old, better overhaul the whole carburetor.
- Empty fuel tank and check the pick-up line for stiffness, cracks
and make sure all the connections are sound and protected with at
least cable ties
- Clean the in-tank check valve with filter if you have one (you
should have one)
- Clean the in-line fuel filter or simply replace it
2) Electrical system:
- Check all cables for damaged insulation, repair/replace and
anchor them to prevent excessive vibration which may rupture the
cable by connectors.
- Check spark plug cap/high voltage cable for unrestricted
continuity, clean any black powder or replace spark plug cap
- If you have a battery, check torque on the positive and negative
post screws an if loose, remove screws, use LO strength Locktite and
re torque
- Connect battery to a battery tender (you can leave it connected
all the time
3) Mechanical:
- Loosen propeller bolts especially if you have a wooden propeller
and store the propeller in a horizontal position
- Remove belt, clean rubber cake from the reduction pulley grooves
- Check big pulley for play on shaft or bearings and repair
- Check play on the main bearings (crankshaft bearings) by pushing
in and pulling out the small reduction pulley
- Overhaul carburetor if membranes are over one year old
- Inspect reed valve for damaged petals
- Tighten all the bolts and nuts on engine according to specs
- Lubricate electric starter Bendix shaft
- Lubricate ball joints (male and female) of exhaust manifold and
tuned pipe (antiseize compound or HI Temp Hondabond)
- Lubricate tuned pipe end and muffler flange connection (anti
seize compound or Hi temp Hondabond/Yamabond)
- Cover exterior of reduction belt and all rubber mounts (engine
and exhaust) with Armorall to prevent cracking
4)Cage/Frame:
- Check fuel tank connection to the frame (bolt or Velcro)
- Check any worn Velcro if existing
- Check for loose or broken strings on the cage
- Replace any bent tubes on frame or cage
5) Harness:
- Check all stitches
- Check all straps for wear and tear, repair or replace
6) Internal engine protection:
- Remove spark plug
- Pour one spoonful of two stroke oil into combustion chamber when
the piston is down (or fog the engine with a special oil available
at boat stores)
- Move piston up and down a few times
- Install spark plug
- Once a month, move the piston up and down (by turning the
propeller clockwise and counterclockwise
7) Parts replacement:
- - if you noticed any worn parts, now is the time to repair or
replace them
These instructions will help make your paramotor ready when spring
arrives.
Alex Varv, based in Las Vegas, Nevada sells and supports the Corsair
Black Devil and Corsair Kangook paramotor. He has been providing expert
advice on two stroke engines for many years.
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Alex with Corsair Kangook at the 2010 Salton Sea Fly
In
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