My Centaur runs!

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

Got to a stage with my engine before final finishing to attempt a run.

I used an electric drill with an adaptor to drive the flywheel securing wedge which seemed to work well with no shaft/flywheel damage although the wedge was marked.

I screwed the engine to a piece of MDF which was G clamped to the bench.

With the ignition timed for tdc it did a few pops and bangs while I attempted a mixture setup. I found I could only get it to run with the ignition advanced by 30/40 Deg, seemed quite a lot? I was imagining sort of 5/10 Deg?

I also experimented with the lift valve in the carburettor. It is suggested that a 'light spring' be fitted to retain it against it's seat, my interpretation of that it seems was too light as I have given my original a bit of a stretching which it seems it needed.

My setup highlighted the situation that I need to address with the throttle, it was able to move of its own accord while running and I need to secure the engine down better as it shook all the screws out of the base!

Anyway, it runs, some fettling required now!

Alan

[Harry WilkesParticipant @harrywilkes58467]

Glad it ran video would be nice when your ready

H

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Nice one. Yes video would be good. And yes sounds like a lot of advance but if it works, it works. What fuel are you using?

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

Been trying different springs in the carb on the lift valve, seems to make a vast alteration in running although it still seems to need plenty of ignition advance.

Only had it running on petrol at the moment albeit about 6 months old!

Seems a lot better for doing a bit of running in and even with my large ring gaps (0.010!) compression appears good.

I shall continue with the trials as I am aiming for a nice slow regular tickover!

Hope this link works to view it running (excuse the mess!)

Alan

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