Wren 54 starter problem

[Jon H]

Posted by onetenor on 18/06/2017 20:02:57:

Thinking sideways it was sticking right from the start and the 4 minutes running in that state without it being noticed caused the resulting slop and wear..It never did full size starters any good either.This more than likely is what upset data terminal too. Sorry to say but the motor needs a rebuild and a new starter in MHO Plus reprogged data terminal.

Good luck contacting Wren though

John O/T

Edited By onetenor on 18/06/2017 20:04:45

The data terminal issue was down to a broken wire within the telephone lead. I am not sure how this could have happened. The damage to the rpm sensor lead was likely caused by the engine sucking it into the intake. Fortunately it never made contact with the blades.

Rebuilding is not an option as wren no longer support it. Given that the engine runs fine now I fixed the electrics I only have the starter to worry about

[Denis Watkins]

OK Jon, a jet boy gave me a demo today and the Bendix is solid and purposeful, with no slop, and it flings to engage solidly, and disengages solidly and quickly.

There is no oil or lubricant or spring. The fitting and brass slide firmly.

Sadly, one sold on eBay recently for £5.99, and is worth a look there.

Looking at your YouTube vid, bears little resemblance to a working unit with no slop at all, no wear, no other movement other than

Positive in and out

Hope this helps

[Jon H]

Cheers Denis. I didn't think it could be right, I will check out my options

[Andy Meade]

Apologies if the sucking of eggs is involved, but Wren changed ownership a year or two ago. New details are here : http://www.wrenpowersystems.com/

[Jon H]

Posted by Andy Meade on 19/06/2017 15:05:38:

Apologies if the sucking of eggs is involved, but Wren changed ownership a year or two ago. New details are here : http://www.wrenpowersystems.com/

I am up to about 30 attempts to call the above with no answer

[Keith Simmons]

This is not good enough and wrenpowersystems should put their house in order.

Is wren USA a big market ?

If yes then I expect the Americans will do something about it as the turbines are not cheap.

Have you tried the American forums and did they offer you any good advice?

Well done in getting the turbine to work and I am sure you can rig something so to get the turbine starting and then running with the starter disengaging to your satisfaction. 🤓

Edited By Keith Simmons on 19/06/2017 18:42:52

[Bob Cotsford]

Here you go Jon, it's this or a Viagra in every tankful. Is there any chance your toolmakers could rebuild/remanufacture it?

[Don Fry]

Bob, poor devil can't keep up with Lasers.

[Jon H]

Posted by Bob Cotsford on 19/06/2017 19:05:12:

Here you go Jon, it's this or a Viagra in every tankful. Is there any chance your toolmakers could rebuild/remanufacture it?

If I can press the pin out I can sleeve it and then press the pin back in. What I cant work out is why it is like this when the engine is new

[onetenor]

The turbine's new but it begs the question is the starter new in that case ? Try contacting Wren U.S.A.

[Jon H]

Posted by onetenor on 19/06/2017 22:13:31:

The turbine's new but it begs the question is the starter new in that case ? Try contacting Wren U.S.A.

Wren USA are long gone, the link posted above is all that is left as I understand it

[Nigel Dell]

Jon

For information and possible help try contacting Larry Wolfe at Jet Hanger Hobbies as he/they used to be agents for Wren and in my experience does at least answer emails! I met him at a Mesa Jet meet a few years ago a really great helpful Guy.

[Jon H]

Posted by Nigel Dell on 20/06/2017 07:02:02:

Jon

For information and possible help try contacting Larry Wolfe at Jet Hanger Hobbies as he/they used to be agents for Wren and in my experience does at least answer emails! I met him at a Mesa Jet meet a few years ago a really great helpful Guy.

Thanks Nigel, i will give that a try

[Denis Watkins]

You must have noticed Jon, though a simple design as it needs to be

That Bendix, is made from a substantial piece of steel

But after the helix is milled both sides along the tube length,

Then there is barely a couple of millimeters of metal holding it together.

As a part, it is not for sustained use obviously, and only comes into use for a few seconds each flight

When that part is spun up, centrifugal force alone must send the heavier part out until it slams to a halt !

This must be a common replacement

[Jon H]

Posted by Denis Watkins on 20/06/2017 09:55:07:

You must have noticed Jon, though a simple design as it needs to be

That Bendix, is made from a substantial piece of steel

But after the helix is milled both sides along the tube length,

Then there is barely a couple of millimeters of metal holding it together.

As a part, it is not for sustained use obviously, and only comes into use for a few seconds each flight

When that part is spun up, centrifugal force alone must send the heavier part out until it slams to a halt !

This must be a common replacement

To be honest i am not sure. What would be perfect would be to speak with the original manufacturer and get the information i need directly but that seems to be out of the question

 

Just tried to call again and the phone system tells me they are closed and their opening hours are 9-5 mon-fri....but its 10.30 on tuesday sooo why no answer? 

Edited By Jon Harper - Laser Engines on 20/06/2017 10:28:06

[Peter Christy]

Could be they are away on holiday, if your calls have been within a 2 week period. Sloppy of them not to leave an updated message, though.

--

Pete

[Jon H]

I have been calling on and off for over 5 weeks

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

So still having problems ?,,   I did build and fly the kit 54 a great motor, but wren service is inexistent !,,,

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

Another flame out, this time with my Jubilee on take off, a good job I fitted brakes, a re start and off it went, it's very slow on start up especially the first in the day when cold, I will do a video and post it if anyone out their can tell me what I need to reprogram for quicker starts.