Ram 500 Start Gas Settings
10-14-2017, 01:56 PM
#1
Ram 500 Start Gas Settings
Fellow Jet Jockey's,
Never had problems with getting continuous starts with my 500 using Powermax. Now using regular propane i cannot get it to start with any consistency. Any one with experience and tips on the best gas settings to remedy this??
Thanks,
JP
Never had problems with getting continuous starts with my 500 using Powermax. Now using regular propane i cannot get it to start with any consistency. Any one with experience and tips on the best gas settings to remedy this??
Thanks,
JP
10-14-2017, 03:16 PM
#4
My Feedback: (5)
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Holland Patent,
NY
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jpor22,
Which version of the ECU software are you running in your RAM 500 ?. There are vast differences in the gas settings to achieve a reliable start. I have an FTE 500, essentially the same as RAM 500, and had my ECU updated several times by Bob Price-ECU designer. Also, I use Coleman Powemax with the "trigger assembly" and an off-board tank for consistent stats.
Rgds,
Art ARRO
Which version of the ECU software are you running in your RAM 500 ?. There are vast differences in the gas settings to achieve a reliable start. I have an FTE 500, essentially the same as RAM 500, and had my ECU updated several times by Bob Price-ECU designer. Also, I use Coleman Powemax with the "trigger assembly" and an off-board tank for consistent stats.
Rgds,
Art ARRO
10-14-2017, 03:41 PM
#6
Coleman stopped making the powermax canister in 2011. Any found after that were just the stock in the distribution channel.
The gas itself was a 35% propane, 65% isobutane mix.
This is a very similar material to many current brands (typically 70/30% blends). The difference is that the powermax had a different threaded top and it had a internal pickup tube so you could get liquid from the bottom of the can while it stood upright or on its side.
These other brands have the same mix but they do not have a pickup tube, so if you need to fill liquid mix with them, just flip the can over. They all use a standard lindal valve.
Coleman even has their own brand now.
The gas itself was a 35% propane, 65% isobutane mix.
This is a very similar material to many current brands (typically 70/30% blends). The difference is that the powermax had a different threaded top and it had a internal pickup tube so you could get liquid from the bottom of the can while it stood upright or on its side.
These other brands have the same mix but they do not have a pickup tube, so if you need to fill liquid mix with them, just flip the can over. They all use a standard lindal valve.
Coleman even has their own brand now.
10-15-2017, 09:57 AM
#8
AA,
I have the C-03 Version since B. Price upgraded it in 2007-8. Since then never a problem with starts! I've also used the Rossi R8 plug which lasts longer because of a thicker filament. Rossi is no longer in business I'm told, but I recently found a source for the plug at Planet Hobby in Nashville, Tenn.. The part no. is now Novarossi C-8S.
Bob, I'll call this week.
Thanks to all for the help.
I have the C-03 Version since B. Price upgraded it in 2007-8. Since then never a problem with starts! I've also used the Rossi R8 plug which lasts longer because of a thicker filament. Rossi is no longer in business I'm told, but I recently found a source for the plug at Planet Hobby in Nashville, Tenn.. The part no. is now Novarossi C-8S.
Bob, I'll call this week.
Thanks to all for the help.
10-15-2017, 02:08 PM
#9
My Feedback: (2)
Ram500 Starting
AA,
I have the C-03 Version since B. Price upgraded it in 2007-8. Since then never a problem with starts! I've also used the Rossi R8 plug which lasts longer because of a thicker filament. Rossi is no longer in business I'm told, but I recently found a source for the plug at Planet Hobby in Nashville, Tenn.. The part no. is now Novarossi C-8S.
Bob, I'll call this week.
Thanks to all for the help.
I have the C-03 Version since B. Price upgraded it in 2007-8. Since then never a problem with starts! I've also used the Rossi R8 plug which lasts longer because of a thicker filament. Rossi is no longer in business I'm told, but I recently found a source for the plug at Planet Hobby in Nashville, Tenn.. The part no. is now Novarossi C-8S.
Bob, I'll call this week.
Thanks to all for the help.
No starting problems since Bob upgraded mine to C0-3 using Coleman Green gas and have used Fox Plugs and Rossi and regulated valve. Open valve one click till propanes lights then open on more click for ramp.
10-15-2017, 02:36 PM
#10
My Feedback: (5)
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Holland Patent,
NY
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jpor22,
I had Bob P. update my ECU s0ftware to CO3 also for improved starts and running. My Gas Adjust settings range from 003 to 006 with the lower setting on hot days. Note that these settings apply to Coleman Powermax gas mated to a off-board gas canister. The best glowplugs are the Rossi R-8 followed by an OPS RC-300- both "cold" plugs but hard to find. I've found the most consistent starts using a 2S 2000 mAh LIPo in lieu of a NiCd or NiMh ECU. battery. Hope this helps.
Rgds,
Art ARRO
I had Bob P. update my ECU s0ftware to CO3 also for improved starts and running. My Gas Adjust settings range from 003 to 006 with the lower setting on hot days. Note that these settings apply to Coleman Powermax gas mated to a off-board gas canister. The best glowplugs are the Rossi R-8 followed by an OPS RC-300- both "cold" plugs but hard to find. I've found the most consistent starts using a 2S 2000 mAh LIPo in lieu of a NiCd or NiMh ECU. battery. Hope this helps.
Rgds,
Art ARRO
10-15-2017, 04:31 PM
#11
Art,
Using the Coleman green gas canister, I'm still tweaking the settings. Last is - R8 plug at 38 and gas at 068 with ok results. The ECU battery is an 2300mah A123 with never a problem. Also, you can get the plugs at Planet Hobby in Nashville, Tenn.
Thanks,
John
Using the Coleman green gas canister, I'm still tweaking the settings. Last is - R8 plug at 38 and gas at 068 with ok results. The ECU battery is an 2300mah A123 with never a problem. Also, you can get the plugs at Planet Hobby in Nashville, Tenn.
Thanks,
John
10-15-2017, 06:48 PM
#13
Guys,
My problem is inconsistent starts with the change over to pure propane. Since the last post I've gotten one start with the settings I last posted but cannot get repeat starts. After the first start...nothing. I will continue to change the gas settings again and see what happens.
Thanks,
John
My problem is inconsistent starts with the change over to pure propane. Since the last post I've gotten one start with the settings I last posted but cannot get repeat starts. After the first start...nothing. I will continue to change the gas settings again and see what happens.
Thanks,
John
10-16-2017, 02:54 AM
#14
My Feedback: (4)
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Latrobe,
PA
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guys,
My problem is inconsistent starts with the change over to pure propane. Since the last post I've gotten one start with the settings I last posted but cannot get repeat starts. After the first start...nothing. I will continue to change the gas settings again and see what happens.
Thanks,
John
My problem is inconsistent starts with the change over to pure propane. Since the last post I've gotten one start with the settings I last posted but cannot get repeat starts. After the first start...nothing. I will continue to change the gas settings again and see what happens.
Thanks,
John
10-16-2017, 08:20 AM
#17
My Feedback: (5)
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Holland Patent,
NY
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jpor22,
Your gas adjust settings are not indicative of the latest ECU software as installed by Bob Price. The CO3 software setting range is from 1 to 10 with the higher values providing more gas. My setting range is 3 to 6 with the lower values for higher ambient temperatures. I've also found that the Powermax propane/butane mix provides a softer start as compared to the pure propane in the green canister and the Dreamworks regulator
Thanks for the lead on the Rossi glowplugs as my supply is nearly depleted. I've switched to the Merlin Turbine Plug with an extended nose and a nichrome element. The extended nose moves the element deeper into the combustion chamber without teasing the element out of the plug body.
Finally, Bob P. should sort out your RAM 500 starting problems.
Rgds,
Art ARRO
Your gas adjust settings are not indicative of the latest ECU software as installed by Bob Price. The CO3 software setting range is from 1 to 10 with the higher values providing more gas. My setting range is 3 to 6 with the lower values for higher ambient temperatures. I've also found that the Powermax propane/butane mix provides a softer start as compared to the pure propane in the green canister and the Dreamworks regulator
Thanks for the lead on the Rossi glowplugs as my supply is nearly depleted. I've switched to the Merlin Turbine Plug with an extended nose and a nichrome element. The extended nose moves the element deeper into the combustion chamber without teasing the element out of the plug body.
Finally, Bob P. should sort out your RAM 500 starting problems.
Rgds,
Art ARRO
10-16-2017, 10:42 AM
#19
My Feedback: (5)
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Holland Patent,
NY
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Matt,
And, what is the "right gas"-pure propane or butane/propane mix ? Also, do you have to invert this gas canister to properly feed the gas port on the turbine??
Rgds,
Art ARRO
And, what is the "right gas"-pure propane or butane/propane mix ? Also, do you have to invert this gas canister to properly feed the gas port on the turbine??
Rgds,
Art ARRO
10-16-2017, 02:02 PM
#21
Yes if it was starting fine on powermax, it will start on any of the other mixes, MSR, Campingaz, etc.
If you are running onboard gas, flip the can to fill. Ofboard, dont flip.
Or I guess you can also update firmware, make phone calls, troubleshoot on the flightline, that can be fun too.
