Fail-safe failing

[dodges4us]

I figured that I would get a second opinion on a problem that I am diagnosing. In my V-24 One Design boat it has a stock engine, but I have a question about the spark plug. I changed it to an Autolite :stupid: (SE2974) was a Champion (RCJ-6Y), but it does run very strong with that plug. I hate Autolites by the way and would rather have a Champion plug. The only reason I went to that plug was because mine was fouled and isn't cleaning up well. The Autolite is rather clean, but a little wet. The Champion plug was my break-in plug and that's why it is dirtier. No Champion plugs available around here. I have to order off the internet for them. Getting back to my problem...I installed a Venom Smart Temp. fail-safe and it worked fine at first, but now it's display dims down when the ignition starts, and then only the throttle servo stops responding. (which this fail-safe is connected to) I don't believe it to be the receiver or crystal, because without the fail-safe installed it runs like it is supposed to. I installed my Duratrax micro fail-safe in to try and it cut out faster than the Vemon Smart Temp. did. I just ordered a new Venom Smart-Temp. fail-safe thinking maybe it got water in it, but the new one is acting like the old one does. I'm not worried about buying the second Venom one cause I have a new T-Maxx to put it in. I changed the plug to see if it could be the problem, and to my suprise I believe it may be the culprit. I took the fail-safe and put it on the ignition wire and then the cylinder head to see if I had stray ignition voltage or the vibrations of the engine were causing failure. The fail-safe did NOT cut out or fade. So being too late to check it out some more, I am asking if this may be a possibility. :confused: Definately want a fail-safe in my $700 boat. Was thinking about getting a Nomadio transmitter and receiver with telemitry kit, but don't have that cash available yet.

[RickE]

I figured that I would get a second opinion on a problem that I am diagnosing. In my V-24 One Design boat it has a stock engine, but I have a question about the spark plug. I changed it to a Autolite :stupid: (SE2974) was a Champion (RCJ-6Y), but it does run very strong with that plug. I hate Autolites by the way and would rather have a Champion plug. The only reason I went to that plug was because mine was fouled and isn't cleaning up well. The Autolite is rather clean, but a little wet. The Champion plug was my break-in plug and that's why it is dirtier. No Champion plugs available around here. I have to order off the internet for them. Getting back to my problem...I installed a Venom Smart Temp. fail-safe and it worked fine at first, but now it's display dims down when the ignition starts, and then only the throttle servo stops responding. (which this fail-safe is connected to) I don't believe it to be the receiver or crystal, because without the fail-safe installed it runs like it is supposed to. I installed my Duratrax micro fail-safe in to try and it cut out faster than the Vemon Smart Temp. did. I just ordered a new Venom Smart-Temp. fail-safe thinking maybe it got water in it, but the new one is acting like the old one does. I'm not worried about buying the second Venom one cause I have a new T-Maxx to put it in. I changed the plug to see if it could be the problem, and to my suprise I believe it may be the culprit. I took the fail-safe and put it on the ignition wire and then the cylinder head to see if I had stray ignition voltage or the vibrations of the engine were causing failure. The fail-safe did NOT cut out or fade. So being too late to check it out some more, I am asking if this may be a possibility. :confused: Definately want a fail-safe in my $700 boat. Was thinking about getting a Nomadio transmitter and receiver with telemitry kit, but don't have that cash available yet.

Is the Autolite plug you purchased a resistor-type? A resistor plug is helpfull to cut any ignition "noise" and should always be used in your gashull.
Hope this helps,
Rick Eyrich

[dodges4us]

I guess that I am going to have to say that it was the spark plug that was the culprit. I just took the boat out tonight and it was perfect. I notice that my engine is running a little on the cool side. (184 degrees farenheit) At peak for 10 minutes of run time. I do not believe the Autolite plug is a resistor type. All I remember is that it was a cross-referenced plug for the Champion plug and was an anti-foul type. Got some Champion plugs on order. :cool: I'm just happy that it is working good. Thanks for the responce Rick. Here's a video link with it running on a local pond with the fail-safe out. It is installed now. :) http://www.rcuvideos.com/view_video.php?viewkey=298bb9930789c8ed59d4