ZDZ 40RE First nights run

[Jim_Woodward at beaerospace.com]

Hi All,

I had some fun running a ZDZ 40RE last night and I thought I would pass 
along the information:  Setup.  New ZDZ 40 RE, included Falcon ignition, 
APC IMAC 18x10 prop (waiting for Bambula larger props to arrive), header: 
Webra, muffler:  D.H. can muffler from the ST2300 days, 93 Octane, Lawn 
Boy Ashless 2C oil (non-syn) mixed 32:1.  Ingition battery, 4.8 volt Nimh. 
 Three total runs, 5 minutes or so each, about 16 oz or less fuel used. 
Needles set at factory recommendation each, 1.5 turns open. 

Took 4 flips with low throttle set, choke closed, to get fuel to the 
Walbro carb.  5th flip was a pop.  I opened choke, 5th flip engine was 
running at idle speed.  The engine ran fine alternating between high and 
low throttle, for about 5 minutes.  The engine only quit once I 
discunnected the ignition battery.  At a reasonable idle, the engine just 
ticked along. 

I'll skip to the high lights.  For the third run I leaned both needles 
about 1/4 turn.  Engine was cleanly running without obvious richness as 
during ititial run.  The throttle response was as near instant 
acceleration/deceleration as I've every heard from any gas/glow engine. 
Playing with the throttle pushrod, you can rev the throttle quickly, and 
as fast as you can move the throttle arm the engines rpms keeps up (rear 
induction rotary thing).  My impression was that the engine was 
runnig/sounding like a highly tuned 2-cycle motorcross bike you would see 
in a stadium racetrack!  This IS NOT A WEED-WACKER 
ENGINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Later today I plan to run wth AL 140 sized 
tuned pipe.  It was interesting to watch as no visible exhaust reside 
exits the muffler, where obviously before with a glow engine you see a 
huge wave of exhaust coming out.  I've also watched a DA 50 run, and this 
ZDZ left me with a totally different opinion of gas engine throttle 
response.  (again, we'll see after a few more runs and some air trials).

Of course, one nights good running does not a good engine make.  I'll 
continue to investigate at least 2 gallons before installing in a plane. 
Thus far, the engine starts easily, can be turned over by my new starter 
(originally bought to handle the Webra 160), idles well, transisitions 
incredibly fast, and at least last night, left me with the impression that 
this small gas engine ran like a 2-cycle supercross engine! 

Overall impressions, the look takes a little getting used to, I added a 
longer throttle arm to the carb, and the choke arm comes off at a wierd 
angle.  Supplied hardware seem OK and the timing is VERY EASY to find TDC 
and set.

Vibration:  What vibration?  Running at idle, I placed my finger on the 
motor and there was hardly any vibration to take note of.  I've had my own 
glow setups have periods of extreme vibration, where this exhibited nearly 
none.  The new Falkon ignition setup now supplied is supposed to have 
reduced vibration, and from my perspective has obviously done so.  Of 
course, the engine was essentially mounted to a large box so the mass of 
the box was much higher than the mass of the engine. 

Anyway - trying to enjoy the hobby,


Jim W.

James Woodward
Program Manager
B/E Aerospace Business Jet Group - Miami
9100 N.W. 105th Circle
Miami, FL 33178
(305) 459-7155  Office
(305) 459-7185  Fax
(954) 319-0873  Cellular
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