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Reindeer
11-12-2005, 07:04 PM
Well, we got it altogether and have run the turbine 3 or 4 times; but it seems like sucessful startups are almost by accident, with long dry spells between sucessfull tries. When the turbine does run it is a thing of beauty. It responds well to the throttle; except if the throttle is advanced, or retarded, too rapidly the engine flames out. But there seems to be no basic problems once the turbine has started.

But getting the turbine to restart, after cool-down and a system reset, is a real chore; it seems as if it restarts almost by accident after many, many tries. Obvioulsy some parameter needs to be adjusted. At first we thought there was a problem in the LPG gas plumbing system, but we've gone through it and are now convinced that ii is now functioning properly. Also, the glow plug checks out ok.

We've checked the needle valve setting on the gas solenoid valve. Bergen instructions state the valve should be set at 4 turns open; Wren instructions state 1-1/4 turn. We've tried both settings, and every setting in between.

During the startup cycle, which we initiate by quickly pushing the throttle stick fully high, then fully low, and pushing the trim lever to fully high, the ECU does a glow plug check and the electric starter spins the turbine wheel to a maximum of about 7900 rpm for a very brief period. It goes through this starting cycle about 3 times before timing-out. Doing an immediate reset and retry, actually many, many times, proves to be unsucessful. Although 3 or 4 times it has actually started, almost as if by accident.

There must be some parameter that needs to be tweeked, but we are unsure what to do next. Any help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!! :arggg:

fitenfyr
11-12-2005, 11:26 PM
I recall seeing somewhere on the net about a similar problem with the Turbines.
It was something in the fuel filter system between the tanks and the Turbine.
Worst case call Chris or Larry on Monday and I am sure they can sort it out.
A search on RunRyder might yeild some useful info on the fuel issue. I am pretty sure that is where I saw it.
You might also try giving Taylor a call at RC Helijet. He knows turbines well and even though it is not one of his I bet he would help you trouble shoot.
He is up here in Washington and you might get him tonight or Tomorrow.

Gary Travis
11-13-2005, 05:13 AM
I pm'd you my phone number, give me a call and I will get you going
Gary

Sara
11-13-2005, 01:27 PM
I'm sure Gary will be able to sort things out, but you can also mail us at wren@parish.f9.co.uk
We are always happy to help.

Sara
Wren Turbines Ltd

Gary Travis
11-13-2005, 01:32 PM
Sara
I spoke with him a little while ago and I am pretty sure we have got it straightened out. He will be calling back and I will keep you informed.
Gary

Reindeer
11-14-2005, 02:37 PM
On Sunday I spent probably over an hour on the phone with Gary Travis running through various tests and system checks trying to get the turbine to start; to no avail. Everything seem to check out OK, except the voltage to the glow plug appeared to be too low.

Some how I just did not trust the voltage reading I was getting at the glow plug, so this morning (Monday) I pulled the glow plug and went through the startup cycle with the plug hanging out in the air, so I could see the coil glow during the startup cycle; it glowed nice and brightly. So, I stuck it back in the engine, and upped the glow plug driver setting on the FADEC to 40 (the maximum recommended value). The engine still would not start. So, I pulled the plug again and left it connected to the glow driver wiring, and stuck another glow plug in the engine, and connected my external glow driver to it. Eureka!! the turbine started right up. So, I reconnected the FADEC glow driver wiring to the newly installed glow plug. Once again the turbine would not start. Conclusion: something is wrong with the glow driver function in the FADEC. On the phone to Chris Bergen; he is sending a new FADEC module to try.

To all who may be reading and following this thread: When you buy one of these turbines, factory support is very important. The factory support provided by the Bergen team has been outstanding. Thank you Chris and Gary!

Garren

Gary Travis
11-14-2005, 05:33 PM
No thanks needed!! I am glad we got to speak and work through it. All the people at Bergen deeply appreciate when a customer purchases their products and are dedicated to getting you up and running.
If you are having a problem I treat it like my own, and will do what it takes to help. I am sure that Chris and every one at Bergen feels the same way. I can't wait to see your reaction when you take that baby for its first cruise!!
Gary

Heli_jack
11-15-2005, 07:25 AM
This is good to hear that a customer is getting the right treatment....worldwide.
Jack

cbergen
11-15-2005, 10:15 AM
Sometimes it also has to do with customer attitude when they call with a problem. Garren is very understanding and is very patient as we try to find out what the problem is. I have every faith that we'll figure it out, but having a little patience makes me work even that much more to get it right.

I'm more inclined to put that little extra effort into a problem, with a little understanding on the customers part.

Someone that calls up DEMANDING to know what I am going to do about this, may not get the same treatment.................

Food for thought.

Gary Travis
11-17-2005, 12:30 AM
It does make it easy when patience is a factor. I was overjoyed to get Garren's bird up and going, working over the phone is to say the least a challenge, but I would have to say it was a great feeling as I was on the phone with Garren when that bird came alive. He had to be the happiest guy on the planet.
Gary

Heli_jack
11-17-2005, 08:09 AM
Well regardless guys, you done him right and you deserve an atta boys.

Jack