Paramotor Maintenance - Cleaning the Decompression Port

[@barrywebber100]

Great information, I bought a used PAP 1400 paramotor running a ROS 125 engine and it seems almost impossible to start, it's so difficult to crank it over with the pull cord. I think the job you completed here might be the solution for my engines starting problem. Thanks for posting.

[@PPGMurse]

Great job. For me, the tinkering aspect of the sport is almost as much fun as the flying. Being able to maintain your own machine, learn more about it, and ensure it is as safe as possible. Too many people today do not know how to do things like this (basic maintenance) and it really is not that hard at all. Again, Great job.

[@PPGFlyr]

I really appreciate the comment and couldn't agree with you more. I like to take things apart, understand how they work and put them back together. I also do all my own maintenance on my Jeep, as well as, fix and repair most household appliances.

[@PPGMurse]

Same here. My retirement gift to me (truck) has had all work on it done by me: lift, bumpers, tires, etc. We moved into a new house last year (built for us) and I started putting my own modification in it. LOL.

[@SharkyintheSky]

Good video, thanks. I noticed at the end when you are flying. Metal on metal will wear out. Maybe put another material between the glider riser caribiners and your metal arms on your motor. That could help. Keep the videos coming.

[@rolloverriderpgr]

I went into cringe mode when you brought out the sand paper! Even 400 grit. You did leave behind scratches that will build up carbon faster as it gives it a place to build up on and sandpaper removes metal faster than you realize. When I did rebuilds, polishing the head and the piston with steel wool then pads and polishing compound on a drill or Dremel tool makes them smooth and shiney so build up happens much slower. Also pull the plug first! That is if you reuse it (not recommended for AC) and don't break it by accident. I use a tap to clean the plug holes after any head work as it will clean out the threads better than a rag then cleaner spray to flush. But nice job working upside down!!! Blue Sky's and Safe Journeys!

[@PPGFlyr]

Awesome comment. I love to listen to people who know more than I do. It's how I continually learn. Thanks for taking the time to post it. I have subbed your channel, as I was moved reading your story. Best of luck to you in your learning of PPG.

[@rolloverriderpgr]

PPGFlyr Thanks for subbing but there isn't much in it as editing and videoing isn't my best work! I'm hoping to have the funds up by summer for an Air Conception PPG and training hopefully with AvaitorPPG close to my old stomping grounds down south because they carry the lightest equipment this damaged body can carry! Plus it's WARM!! Cancer didn't help in keeping me warm! If you know any guys that do motorcycle racing engines they can help you with how to polish your head and piston by hand or check in YT but green scrubbing pads and believe it or not WD 40 does a great job at cleaning the carbon with green pads. Practice on an old lawn mower engine so you don't screw up your engine being over zealous using steel wool. Some mechanics won't use a compound to polish and also a lot of cylinder head polishing is done on a machine. Practice! The more you learn the more you save! And a tip! Listen to your body because I didn't! Blue Sky's and Safe Journeys!

[@PPGFlyr]

Excellent choice in machines and instructors! Best of luck to you.

[@rolloverriderpgr]

PPGFlyr research research and more research! I need light as I really don't want a trike or quad but if I find someone that will let me strap on their cage and run with it that will tell me if I can go for foot launch but cancer and brain surgery pretty much screwed me up into being disabled and if I had not started p!aying with power kites then an Ozone Buzz I would still be immobile, but after I got my Buzz and worked with it, after a few weeks I threw away the cane and can actually walk and run again! Now if only I could get the 40 pounds back that radiation and chemo sucked off me, I'd be happy as a mule eating briars! What's even funnier while training last summer at POM we figured out why I was having a hard time with it. I was still losing weight and the silly thing outgrew me after I bought it! Now I have a Sky Fides Evo 2 XXS that isn't a problem! LOL! loving playing with it but can't fly many sites until I get my P2! Blue Sky's and Safe Journeys!

[@jeffobrien1836]

Thanks for doing this. Big help to us beginners.

[@PPGFlyr]

My pleasure Jeff. I was planning on doing a follow-up to this video. Let me know if you have any other questions that you want answered.

[@PPGFlyr]

@Abu Timmy Thanks for watching and the comment. I specifically didn't mention the tension I put on the bolts, because every machine is different. I didn't want someone else using my specs on their machine and possibly over-torquing their bolts. I did use a torque wrench set to a specific tension when tightening my bolts. Also, this is a two stroke engine, so I mix the oil with the AvGas, so there is no need to change the oil.

[@kitzehan]

I think the Fresh Breeze Simonini needs 14 Nm tension on the cylinder bolts.

[@kitzehan]

Nice and informativ video. I would like to see more such technical maintenance vids about the FB Simonini.

[@PPGFlyr]

Thank you. I will be doing more maintenance videos as I do them to my machine. Definitely some coming this fall. Stay tuned.

[@kitzehan]

Great! Probably you subscribe my channel too because I plan to make Simonini maintenance videos too this fall and information exchange is possible.. I already ordered several special tools these days.

[@gyongyossypeter4485]

Have the very same FB Simo machine here in Sweden, since 2013. But I fly on Aspen synthetic fuel so no carbon buildup at all. Much more expensive though, about 2-3x the normal fuel. I can recommend it to skip this maintenence or, at least have it about every 200 hrs instead.

[@gaetanproductions]

very informative, thanks !

[@PPGFlyr]

You bet. I'm glad the video can be of use to someone.

[@gregnyc1979]

nice video!

[@PPGFlyr]

Thanks Greg. I hope it helps others.

[@fly-guyalberta3605]

Nice job!

[@PPGFlyr]

Thanks man. Maintenance is essential, so it makes sense to document it for others to use. I will try and make subsequent maintenance videos a little shorter.

[@mikebrady2073]

Excellent maintenance video. Thanks! But, did you need to use some anti seize lubricant on any of the aluminum/steel contact connections to limit corrosion?

[@PPGFlyr]

Thanks for watching. I have not used any anti seize lubricant on any parts for this motor. To my knowledge they are not recommended. Plus, I am not sure they will be idle for enough time to actually corrode. I keep my engine in a dry environment and clean it very often.

[@marcopena546]

Does the decompression hole go in the piston

[@JUANCAMES3]

Hi! What can i do if when taking off the 4 bolts at the bottom, one hole pole came out with it? How can i put it back in and tight it up well

[@facundogonzalez161]

Anyone knows if obstructed or diry decompressor port can reduce engine compression?

[@taggy4us]

Hi there. Good video. My engine a polini 130 refuses to start, the pull starter refuses to budge. But it can be pulled easily with the spark plug off. Could it b a case of clogged port?

[@PPGFlyr]

I really don't have any experience with that brand of motor, so I would be reluctant to give any advice without knowing more on the situation.

[@offthex2519]

How do you like those high hang points? Sub'd btw. Great video

[@PPGFlyr]

Thanks for the sub and comment Jesse. I really like my machine and hang points. I originally ordered the soft J bar with my system, but that would have been delayed about 6 weeks, so I went with the high hang points and haven't had any issues at all.

[@nicogrouls5900]

You forgot one of the most important parts!! You need to take of the cilinder and clean the pistonring grooves. When they get stuck due to carbon buildup it is over…….

[@Hurleyshobbies]

How much to expect to for paramotor? A paramotor that would be a good one? And a Good name brand that backs up there product with parts and service? I'm thinking new that I would have for years. I was a motor cross racer from a little kid to I hit 40 and got in to Rcplanes. I like the just me and bike feeling. If you know what i mean. And yes I would go through a training school. .

[@PPGFlyr]

Great questions. And I hear you about the riding. That is how I feel when I am flying. There are many considerations when getting a new paramotor. I have had mine about 5 years, so they are built to last and be maintained. I chose the fresh breeze because it works at a lower RPM, so it is quieter than other models. In the US, Southern Skies (Raleigh, NC) is the distributor of choice for Fresh Breeze. They have great training too. Another great unit that is fairly new, well built and lightweight is the Air Conception Nitro. It has electric start and Eric from AviatorPPG sells those and is an excellent instructor. Check out his video on this unit. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ2XqayOa6xlq8k) If I needed a new unit, this is the one I would get for sure. All this being said, the instructor that you go through will be able to guide you into a new unit. The typical cost for the engine is around $7,500, but will vary depending on which one you choose. If you have any other questions, let me know. Good luck with everything.

[@Jozef_Drab]

Do u use torque wrench for the screws? What value? Thx.

[@PPGFlyr]

Thx for the comment. I do use a torque wrench for tightening the head bolts on the cylinder. For those, I tighten them to 19 ft. lbs.

[@Jozef_Drab]

Thanks, I have to recalculate to ISO units :)). Fly the best.....

[@MrPants4me]

where the heck do you find/get those gaskets/orings for the head. I can't find it anywhere.

[@PPGFlyr]

My unit is a Fresh Breeze, so I just ordered them through Southern Skies, since they are a reseller of that brand.

[@MrPants4me]

PPGFlyr I couldn't find that piece on the sites diagram. did you call and ask? I'm preparing to buy a monster and doing my research ahead of time so I know what spare parts to go ahead and order with it.

[@PPGFlyr]

I went on to their website and found those parts right away. For the head, you want to be looking under the "Intake" portion of the machine. However, there should also be a "Maintenance kit" that you can purchase and that kit contains some common parts that need to be replaced every so often. When in doubt, call down there. Chris is very helpful and willing to answer most questions on the spot.

[@MrPants4me]

PPGFlyr cool thanks a bunch!

[@reesesamuelson1441]

is that a lot of carbon for 30 hrs? running too rich? was the spark plug dark or light brown? just wondering .

[@PPGFlyr]

The spark plug was more toward a lighter brown. I should have given a close up shot of that. As for the # of hours, I have heard from several that this was the right time to check the carbon build up and clean it out. I would rather new on the sooner side of the maintenance, than be later. Thanks for watching and the comments.

[@larrykorell750]

Did you reuse your head gasket?

[@PPGFlyr]

For the 60 hour service, I did re-use it, since it didn't look worn. I have taken it apart since then again and replaced the gasket.

[@davepark2406]

Do you use car gas or avgas?

[@PPGFlyr]

I use AvGas (100LL) that I get from my local airport.

[@subilife4609]

how the fxck does that engine run upside down

[@abutimmy3743]

no tension specs on the bolts? No oil change after you drilled crap in the engine?? there a reason why mechs do a course..

[@CovertMessiah]

SANDPAPER OF ANY GRIT IS MADE OF GRAINS, (IN YOUR CASE 400 GRIT), OF ALUMINUM OXIDE, WHICH WILL SCRATCH THE LIVING FUCK OUT OF ANY METAL. unless you plan to polish those surfaces to 2000 grit or so, you will build up deposits UBER fast, after your destructive maintenance. GOOD LUCK!

[@ryanrose8856]

Dude. This video is all kinds of BAD advice. A DRILL and Sandpaper?!?!?!

[@kjjosker]

The manual for this paramotor tells you to clean out the port with a drill.