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Firestar KXP
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slingshot003

Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 28
Location: FL USA

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 7:47 am Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

Hello Jeremy,

You are going to love your new plane!  Your concern about the tail wheel is valid.  It is not designed to have a lot of side force on it.  You have to be careful with it and definitely don't blast the tail around with the prop while its on the ground. Give me a call, 35two-342-2982, if you have any questions.  I have a KXP1 as well. -Richard

lcottrell

Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1494
Location: Jordan Valley, Or

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 9:39 am Post subject: Firestar KXP

The link that I sent you will slip onto your tail wheel tube. The

braces for the tail wheel are both sides, using the existing bolts and

holes already in the tail wheel tube, Just drill holes in the collar

in between existing holes.



One of the posts by Jay Dub talks about wheel pants to keep gravel out

of the prop. The only thing that ever went through my prop always came

from off the top of the engine. :-/  Where the gravel kicked up by the

tires only hits the vertical stab and rudder. I have never had a

serious problem with anything like that, but if I was going to "solve"

the problem I would go with the "deflectors' like those on the bush

planes on the series "Flying Wild Alaska". They are merely flat pieces

of aluminum about 5 inches wide that are bolted to the wheel axle. The

problem with wheel pants is that things end up inside the pants. I

cannot prove it but the flat piece behind the wheel will do about as

much to decrease drag as do the pants.



Larry



On Tue, Dec 20, 2022 at 8:14 AM kolbflyer <j-lauer(at)live.com> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 



 Larry,

 thanks for the link to an upgraded tailwheel.  which one is a direct mount, if any?



 additionally, did you add those vertical bars to both sides to support the tailwheel assembly or just one side?



 Thanks again and hope you have a great holiday.



 Jeremy





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509745#509745




	




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byoungplumbing(at)gmail.c
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 2:40 pm Post subject: Firestar KXP

This is not the best picture,  but look at the front of the tail wheel attachment rod,,  up to the ring that attaches the back of the empanage to the tail boom....

I have a 1/4 by 3/4 flat bar on both sides.   They triangulate the lower vertical stabilizer to the tail boom and eliminate most of the side load.

___Boyd_________________





 looks like it could fold over if there was enough side loading.

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 anyone have pictures of their tailwheel attachment point to see if my setup is wrong or how to reinforce it.

 

 Thanks

IMG_20200623_131247285.jpg

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neilsenrm(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2022 2:43 pm Post subject: Firestar KXP

Jeremy

I too added the tail wheel brace to my plane. I have seen damage from others and felt it was needed. I used two pieces of 1/8 by one inch aluminum hardware stock to brace the tail wheel. Yes, both sides.

I also changed the tail wheel from the pizza cutter to Kolb supplied locking full swivel unit. Seems like Brian had a lighter unit he developed. I have the older style which required modifications to work properly. First drilled holes in the tail wheel bellcrank inboard/closer to the pivot so that the tail wheel would rotate enough at full rudder movement so the tail wheel would unlock. Then I added compression springs so that I could taxi in a cross wind without unintended tail wheel unlocking.

Rick Neilsen

Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC  

On Tue, Dec 20, 2022 at 10:14 AM kolbflyer <j-lauer(at)live.com (j-lauer(at)live.com)> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "kolbflyer" <j-lauer(at)live.com (j-lauer(at)live.com)>

 

 Larry,

 thanks for the link to an upgraded tailwheel.  which one is a direct mount, if any?

 

 additionally, did you add those vertical bars to both sides to support the tailwheel assembly or just one side?

 

 Thanks again and hope you have a great holiday.

 

 Jeremy

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509745#509745

 

 

 

 

 

 

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zeprep251(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 6:00 am Post subject: Firestar KXP

There is a lot of useful info at oh2fly.Org



Sent from my iPhone



 	  Quote: 	
		   On Dec 20, 2022, at 10:40 PM, Jay Dub <bearhawk(at)gmx.com> wrote:

 

 2nd photo

 

 Jay

  

  

  

 

 Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 at 12:14 PM

 From: "kolbflyer" <j-lauer(at)live.com>

 To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Firestar KXP

 

 

 Jay,

 Thank you very much for everything. I guess if I plan to trailer the plane back and forth to the airport, I'm going to have to come up with some other support system.

 

 Thanks for the pin recommendation, I have some wire hangers that I could use as a pin when moving it around and such.

 

 Sorry, for the HUGE pictures, had no idea they would post that size.

 

 Jeremy

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509729#509729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 tronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List][http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List[http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List]]

 [http://forums.matronics.com[http://forums.matronics.com]]

 p://wiki.matronics.com[http://wiki.matronics.com]]

 tribution][https://matronics.com/contribution[https://matronics.com/contribution]]

 

 

  

 <IMG_20221219_122812971.jpg>

kolbflyer

Joined: 12 Dec 2022
Posts: 23

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2022 5:06 am Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

Rick,

I bought some round tubing and I'll look at making some of those faces and see where they would mount to (existing bolts).



I've looked through the oh2fly website and there is a lot of good posts from trailer setups which will help a lot since it looks like I'll have to trailer until a hanger comes available at a reasonable price.



I was looking over the engine and it seems like the engine mounts are old and sagging and might need to be replaced.  Also the boots on the spark plug wires (coil ends) are starting to crack.  I think these are the correct replacements for the 447 single CDI https://aeroteks.com/products/rotax-plug-wire-and-cap-kit-ngk-ultralight-aircraft-engine.html

if anyone has some places to get replacement parts for the 447, please let me know.  its my understanding that there is only 30 hours on the rebuild and scoping the cylinders doesn't;t appear to have any damage and the times seem right.

if the 447 would have to be replaced, what would you folks recommend to keep it light.



thanks and hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and wonderful new year.

Jeremy

kolbflyer

Joined: 12 Dec 2022
Posts: 23

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2022 12:49 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

anyone with a KXP here, could you verify that your main gear legs are 1" dad at the fuselage.  I called to get the chromoly tube ones and they stated that the KXP had 1 1/4" dia gear legs and that. mine must be sleeved.



I have the original aluminum bent ones and they are also 1" so they are trying to validate that I actually have a KXP.



Thanks

Jeremy

kolbflyer

Joined: 12 Dec 2022
Posts: 23

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 2:11 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

Any recommendations on starting a Rotax 447?  I have a prime bulb (like a boat gas tank) to prime the fuel pump, Primer to prime the carb, choke on, throttle cracked, ignition on, and pull start.  Once started, turn off choke immediately and set idle to 2500 for 2min.  Monitor EGT and CHT temps.



Today was the first time starting the motor since purchase and it sat for about 3 weeks due to weather and personal stuff going on.  Took about 40min and LOTS of pulls to get it started.  I've looked into getting the electric adapter, but can't afford the weight penalty as I'm trying to keep it as close to 103 as possible.  I wish there was a portable electric starter system that wouldn't be added to plane weight.



Thanks for any recommendations.

stuart(at)harnerfarm.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 2:39 pm Post subject: Firestar KXP

Your procedure sounds fine to me and is basically what I do. I found on 

the Firefly I can't pull start it from the seat when cold but if 

standing along side it starts easily. After it is warmed up I shut it 

down, pull the chocks, strap in and then I can pull start it from the seat.



For the hard starting issue, how old was the fuel?



Did you pull the plugs to see if they were wet (flooded)?



Were you getting spits and sputters like it was firing but not catching 

or was it just a dead pull?



What did you do to get it started?



Some things to check:



Condition and tightness of the carb mounting boot. Should be soft and 

pliable. Any cracks will cause it to run lean.



Condition of seals for the throttle cable and choke if it has a cable.



Condition of fuel lines. A loose clamp could let it suck air, messing 

with your mixture.



If all that checks out, then you are probably looking at something in 

the carb. Mixture screw setting, float level, dirt and debris in the 

jets, broken needle clip...



My used engine that had been in storage for years started on the first 

pull when installed on the Firefly. Shocked the heck out of me as I 

expected to be cranking for a while. I did have to fiddle with some 

things to get it all tuned in but it still starts with only a few pulls.



Stuart



On 1/3/23 16:11, kolbflyer wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Any recommendations on starting a Rotax 447?  I have a prime bulb (like a boat gas tank) to prime the fuel pump, Primer to prime the carb, choke on, throttle cracked, ignition on, and pull start.  Once started, turn off choke immediately and set idle to 2500 for 2min.  Monitor EGT and CHT temps.



 Today was the first time starting the motor since purchase and it sat for about 3 weeks due to weather and personal stuff going on.  Took about 40min and LOTS of pulls to get it started.  I've looked into getting the electric adapter, but can't afford the weight penalty as I'm trying to keep it as close to 103 as possible.  I wish there was a portable electric starter system that wouldn't be added to plane weight.



 Thanks for any recommendations.





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509858#509858

aoldman(at)xtra.co.nz
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 2:57 pm Post subject: Firestar KXP

Try without cracking the throttle, 2 stroke bing carbs close the choke circuit if the throttle is open 

Sent from my iPhone

 	  Quote: 	
		   On 4/01/2023, at 11:42, Stuart Harner <stuart(at)harnerfarm.net> wrote:

 Your procedure sounds fine to me and is basically what I do. I found on the Firefly I can't pull start it from the seat when cold but if standing along side it starts easily. After it is warmed up I shut it down, pull the chocks, strap in and then I can pull start it from the seat.

 For the hard starting issue, how old was the fuel?

 Did you pull the plugs to see if they were wet (flooded)?

 Were you getting spits and sputters like it was firing but not catching or was it just a dead pull?

 What did you do to get it started?

 Some things to check:

 Condition and tightness of the carb mounting boot. Should be soft and pliable. Any cracks will cause it to run lean.

 Condition of seals for the throttle cable and choke if it has a cable.

 Condition of fuel lines. A loose clamp could let it suck air, messing with your mixture.

 If all that checks out, then you are probably looking at something in the carb. Mixture screw setting, float level, dirt and debris in the jets, broken needle clip...

 My used engine that had been in storage for years started on the first pull when installed on the Firefly. Shocked the heck out of me as I expected to be cranking for a while. I did have to fiddle with some things to get it all tuned in but it still starts with only a few pulls.

 Stuart

> On 1/3/23 16:11, kolbflyer wrote:

> 

> 

> Any recommendations on starting a Rotax 447?  I have a prime bulb (like a boat gas tank) to prime the fuel pump, Primer to prime the carb, choke on, throttle cracked, ignition on, and pull start.  Once started, turn off choke immediately and set idle to 2500 for 2min.  Monitor EGT and CHT temps.

> 

> Today was the first time starting the motor since purchase and it sat for about 3 weeks due to weather and personal stuff going on.  Took about 40min and LOTS of pulls to get it started.  I've looked into getting the electric adapter, but can't afford the weight penalty as I'm trying to keep it as close to 103 as possible.  I wish there was a portable electric starter system that wouldn't be added to plane weight.

> 

> Thanks for any recommendations.

> 

> 

> 

> 

> Read this topic online here:

> 

> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509858#509858

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

>

kolbflyer

Joined: 12 Dec 2022
Posts: 23

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

I seemed to have the. throttle open quite a ways as it ramped ups quickly (thank got it was tied to the truck). tail lifted up and everything.  I'll try it with keeping the throttle closed to ensure the choke system works right...sounds just like my Rotax 912UL when starting cold.



The fuel is unknown age, didn't check the spark plugs, but have some on order to swap out.  I'll check the carb boot and the cable boots too.  the throttle cable looks older and has some bends in it towards the lever.  I've also bought some spare spark plug wires as the boots are all dry rotted but not falling apart yet.



the plan was to start it outside with the brake set and wheels chocked and pull the chock when ready to taxi.



thanks all, now to work on the trailer system (finding the right trailer and getting it to support everything properly).

mojavjoe

Joined: 23 Dec 2013
Posts: 64

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 4:56 pm Post subject: Firestar KXP

starter fluid

 	  Quote: 	
		   On 01/03/2023 5:11 PM kolbflyer <j-lauer(at)live.com> wrote:

 

  

 

 

 Any recommendations on starting a Rotax 447?  I have a prime bulb (like a boat gas tank) to prime the fuel pump, Primer to prime the carb, choke on, throttle cracked, ignition on, and pull start.  Once started, turn off choke immediately and set idle to 2500 for 2min.  Monitor EGT and CHT temps.

 

 Today was the first time starting the motor since purchase and it sat for about 3 weeks due to weather and personal stuff going on.  Took about 40min and LOTS of pulls to get it started.  I've looked into getting the electric adapter, but can't afford the weight penalty as I'm trying to keep it as close to 103 as possible.  I wish there was a portable electric starter system that wouldn't be added to plane weight.

 

 Thanks for any recommendations.

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509858#509858

Richard Pike

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1671
Location: Blountville, Tennessee

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 8:58 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

Once again, I will be the blog Nanny and suggest that using the Windoze picture resizer to shrink the pictures down to an unobtrusive size rather than gigando size will make the threads a whole lot easier to live with.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/image-resizer

_________________
Richard Pike
Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)
Kingsport, TN 3TN0

Forgiving is tough, being forgiven is wonderful, and God's grace really is amazing.

zeprep251(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:12 am Post subject: Firestar KXP

2 strokes require a lot of fuel when cold because the mixture enters the crankcase before it gets into the combustion chamber ,and when cold the fuel doesn't stay atomize. My 503 wanted 3 direct shots of prime choke on,throttle closed, one pull.



                  

                                                                    On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 5:11:21 PM EST, kolbflyer <j-lauer(at)live.com> wrote:                 

                 



                 



                 --> Kolb-List message posted by: "kolbflyer" <j-lauer(at)live.com (j-lauer(at)live.com)>



Any recommendations on starting a Rotax 447?  I have a prime bulb (like a boat gas tank) to prime the fuel pump, Primer to prime the carb, choke on, throttle cracked, ignition on, and pull start.  Once started, turn off choke immediately and set idle to 2500 for 2min.  Monitor EGT and CHT temps.



Today was the first time starting the motor since purchase and it sat for about 3 weeks due to weather and personal stuff going on.  Took about 40min and LOTS of pulls to get it started.  I've looked into getting the electric adapter, but can't afford the weight penalty as I'm trying to keep it as close to 103 as possible.  I wish there was a portable electric starter system that wouldn't be added to plane weight.



Thanks for any recommendations.



Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=509858#509858





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jaydub

Joined: 07 Jan 2020
Posts: 74

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:56 am Post subject: Firestar KXP

Nobody has mentioned it but I think you may have answered part of the issue. You said, "fuel is unknown age." The Rotax engines do not like old mixed fuel. Jerry Olenik of Greensky aviation (since passed away from cancer) back in the 90's said the number one reason he saw for seizures and other running issues coming into his Rotax shop was old fuel. He recommended if the fuel, once mixed, is more than 2 weeks old, siphon it out and just run it in something else like a 4 stroke lawnmower or a 4 stroke motorcycle that doesn't have a catalytic converter. At that time he was convinced that if people ran freshly mixed fuel it would eliminate most issues. He said he made a lot of money from people running old mixed fuel. That seemed rather short to me and I would smell the fuel and change it at the first hint of smelling old and I did get over 450 hours out of that engine before selling the plane with just 2 decarbon jobs. There were times though the fuel was only a couple of weeks old and it was smelling rancid/varnishy.



On another note, my 447 back in the 90s needed to run with the choke/enrichener on full for a minute or two at a fast idle in the winter and about 20-30 seconds in the summer. You can hear the engine when it starts loading up with extra fuel and that's when you can turn it off.

 

It does sound like you had the prop installed which is good as the manual states specifically not to run the engine without a prop or damage can occur. Just wanted to make sure you knew.



As was mentioned the carb to intake boots were notorious for cracking with age making a lean condition and seizing engines. It is an item you need to inspect every preflight and periodically change it out at the first signs of cracking. There was a recommendation made by rotax at how often but my memory is not good enough to tell you what that is. There was an aftermarket company that made boots with a different material, not prone to cracking, but I don't recall the name of the company. I bought one of their boots that will be going on my 447 that will be going on my Firestar in a month or two that I am covering right now.



Jay

 

 



Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2023 at 4:32 PM

From: "kolbflyer" <j-lauer(at)live.com>

To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Firestar KXP




I seemed to have the. throttle open quite a ways as it ramped ups quickly (thank got it was tied to the truck). tail lifted up and everything. I'll try it with keeping the throttle closed to ensure the choke system works right...sounds just like my Rotax 912UL when starting cold.



The fuel is unknown age, didn't check the spark plugs, but have some on order to swap out. I'll check the carb boot and the cable boots too. the throttle cable looks older and has some bends in it towards the lever. I've also bought some spare spark plug wires as the boots are all dry rotted but not falling apart yet.



the plan was to start it outside with the brake set and wheels chocked and pull the chock when ready to taxi.



thanks all, now to work on the trailer system (finding the right trailer and getting it to support everything properly).

kolbflyer

Joined: 12 Dec 2022
Posts: 23

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 12:34 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar KXP

Richard,

Thanks for the link and I'll try to remember it when I get another windows machine.  Can I go back and resize the pics after they have been posted?  I'm sure I can find an app for the Mac to do that.



Jay\zeprep,

thanks for those data points on starting in the cold.  I did reach out to Rotax Rick and he stated to filter the crap out of the gas, keep it fresh (no older than 2 weeks), and mix it to 40:1 with Amsoil Interceptor 2-stroke oil.



Weather is crappy once again, but hopefully I can get it back out this weekend, unfold it, and run it some more with fresh gas, throttle closed, full choke, 3 squirts of prime.  I want to get it up to temp and try to clear everything out that has been sitting.  I really need to get a trailer and to an airport to be able to run. it up better than just in my driveway.



Thanks everyone.

Jeremy

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