Light Aircraft Association

I went to run up the 912 engine in my Mainair Blade today and went through the usual "turning over till the gurgle". I noticed after a while, for it takes a very long time to gurgle, that fuel was dripping out of the port carb air filter as I turned the engine over. The choke was off and the throttle was closed. It was 6 weeks since the engine was run.

Havnt noticed this before, any comments anyone? I waited till the drip had stopped and cleaned up the fuel, the engine started, ran rough for while and then all was fine.

Also why does it take so long to gurgle, sometimes I just cant make it do it! Oil level is ok. The oil reservoir is located high up on the Blade and the oil usually drains back into the sump after a while.

Cheers Richard

Sound like the carb float valve is not seating , probably a bit of muck on the seat. Remove the float bowl and let some fuel flow through.If you have a squeeze bulb use this to flush the fuel through the carb. replace and try. If it persits then it may need stripping and cleaning but this trick normally does it.
Slow to gurgle: Most who have this are turning the prop thruogh the tdc compresstion too quick. You are wanting the gas to leak past the pistons as its the blow by gas that returns the oil. Turn slowly and feel the pressure bleed away , some I have seen look like there trying to hand start it. Cold thick oil will return slowley . Once you have the oil to the minimum line start the engine and get the oil warm , then gurgl again to confirm the level.

Regards
Kevin

Thanks Kevin,

I went to run up again today, still didnt gurgle despite your advice, when I had a good reading on the dip stick I started. It was - 1 C !

No fuel leak this time so whatever it was it must have cleared.

Cheers Richard