by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2020 | 12: Maintenance
Fuel line degradation causes lots of problems. Depending on what fuel and fuel line you use it can fail in unsavory ways after only a year. Some types commonly found on paramotors degrade internally releasing gunk into the fuel filter and carb. Namely the piece past...
by Jeff Goin | May 10, 2020 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Motor
The 60+ year old marvel of technology that powers our flight is a nearly perfect match. Finicky, yes, but given the power, we get out of it’s few pounds, we can’t be terribly surprised. Tuned Pipe When the piston moving upward, it’s expelling...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2020 | 03 Handling the Wing, 26: The Wing, Mx: Paraglider
Nearly all newer paragliders have nylon rods in their leading edges to improve inflation characteristics and hold shape better during low-pressure events (near collapses). Some have them in the trailing edge. Those rods don’t handle sharp bends so special...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2020 | Mx: Motor
This can be quite the rabbit hole. For starters, two-stroke oil is like religion: people believe their particular oil is the best because, well, either they’ve been told or they’ve been using that oil and their engine hasn’t seized. Thankfully, there...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 18, 2020 | 12: Maintenance, Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Walbro WG8 Carb used on nearly all 80cc paramotor engines out there and others I’ve had this problem many times, even on brand new carbs. You blow in the tank vent tube while pressing the needle release (for priming), and fuel doesn’t flow. What the suck?...
by Jeff Goin | Jul 3, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Mx: Paraglider
Lightweight gliders area a dream to launch. What started out as gear for “hike and fly” free flyers has migrated into every niche of paragliding including paramotor. Over the past few years, they’ve entered nearly every maker’s lineup,...
by Jeff Goin | Jun 30, 2019 | 26: The Wing, Mx: Paraglider
I talked with a representative from line maker cousin-trestec, asking for tips on paraglider line care. Here was his response. Avoid getting the lines wet. If they do, allow air drying as quickly as possible out of sunlight to the degree possible. Avoid high heat. As...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Notes and references to this specific engine. There is a wealth of information on Black Devil motors at AeroCorsair.com. Links are listed here for convenience. See also the Chapter 12 article on Getting Parts. Carburetor | Redrive Bearing Replacement | Overall List...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Motor
While in Panama, far away from spare heads and helicoils, my spark plug came partially unscrewed. I found out when I went to remove it and encountered enormous resistance. Thankfully it didn’t blow all the way out but id did damage the threads. I could neither...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Thanks to Dan Clarke, Contraphioneer I’ve had the kill switch fail to stop the motor on more than one occasion after the motor had been running hard. Judging from the response I got from asking about it on the internet groups, many people have this problem with...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Resources for some common Simonini paramotor engines 2011 Mar 31 Thanks to Dan Clarke for information on correcting some Simonini issues and general information. 2007 Oct 2 Thanks to Adam Bell for the genesis and initial information on this page. This information is...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Harness Setup
To fully understand the many harness permutations and terminology, check out Harness Systems. Of many harness and motor adjustments, setting the proper motor hang angle affects far more than comfort. As covered in Chapter 12, correct setup can make or break launches...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Motor
When troubleshooting motor problems it’s handy to understand how the various systems work. Fortunately ignition is quite reliable and rarely causes problems beyond the spark plug. This may help when it does. Basic Coil Description A correctly timed spark is the...
by Jeff Goin | May 14, 2019 | Mx: Motor
How to tell your motor’s condition through it’s most tortured moving part The piston can reveal much about your motor’s condition. Besides showing how well the motor is “tuned,” it can show whether a catastrophic failure is imminent....
by Jeff Goin | May 13, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Resources
These shops or individuals work on paramotors for pay. Some extremely helpful folks, like Lance Marczak, do it for the sheer pleasure of helping people, but they can only do so in their spare time when it’s convenient. If you know of a shop that works on...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2019 | Mx: Harness Setup, Mx: Motor
Hanging too low? Thanks to Jason Wright If your harness leaves you too low and your butt sinks too far back in the harness, there’s a simple cure. It only requires some seat belt material and . The sling is not structural so it’s failure would only be...
by Jeff Goin | May 11, 2019 | Mx: Motor
The Top 80 (and others) clutch is held in place by pressure against a conical shaft. No spline. It gets locked into position pretty hard and can be a pain to get off. There is an easier way than trying to pry it off with a screwdriver, not that anyone would try that...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Priming is squirting fuel directly into the carburetor’s air/fuel intake stream, usually before cranking the motor. It helps with cold starts by providing an immediately combustible mixture. Squeeze bulbs are commonly used. They have two one-way check valves so...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Help troubleshoot ignition problems, especially on 2-stroke paramotors A gas engine needs fuel, air, and spark delivered at the right time and in the right amounts. Spark involves really high voltages (20,000) which can create a number of problems. Kill switches on...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Troubleshooting Common Coil/Stator/Ignition Problems on the Simonini Paramotor Engine | Overall Ignition / Charging Thanks to Paul Czarnecki who disassembled his Fresh Breeze Ignition System to show us how to fix two of the more common problems. Like all two strokes,...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Rebuild/Repair Kits for the Walbro Carbs used on Paramotors Walbro carburetors are used on more paramotor models than any other brand. Most have two needles for idle and high rpm and an idle stop adjustment although for smaller motors, the WG8 is prevalent. It only...
by Jeff Goin | May 9, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Adjustment and correction of problems found on Walbro Carburetors See also membrane carburetor overview, Buyers guide for Walbro Carbs and Rebuild Kits Visit http://tech.flygsw.org/walbro_tuneup.htm for even more detail. The most relevant parts have been included here...
by Jeff Goin | May 4, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Estimate the percentage of ethanol in pump gas, courtesy Conoco, Inc and EAA.org. See also All About Fuel. Most paramotor pilots use pump gas as opposed to avgas. In all likelihood, that means you’re getting alcohol, specifically ethanol, in your fuel. How much...
by Jeff Goin | May 4, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Extracting this much power from such tiny, lightweight motors, requires great care. The following will help you to make the most intelligent fuel choices for your favorite propulsion. Excerpted from Group K Technical Documents. See also Alcohol in Fuel, Does AvGas...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
The motor continues to run even after activating the kill switch | Emergency Kill All gas paramotors that I’m aware of shut down the engine by preventing a spark. The preferred method is by shorting out the coil with a switch on the throttle stem. Anything that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 30, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Motor, Propeller Safety
Simple, effective alternative ways to shut off a motor Being able to quickly shut off a motor is critical for several reasons, yet kill switches are easily disabled at their multiple connection points. So it’s good to have a back up. Here are some ideas. Spark...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 28, 2019 | Mx: Motor
This is, unfortunately, a lot of work. You’ll need a drill, 1/8″ drill bit (for the rivets), a rivet gun, rivets, rubber bands (to hold the starter pawls) and nerves of steal. OK, copper nerves may work but you’ll still need that rivet gun. Thanks to...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Most paramotors use a manual pull starter due to its simplicity and light weight. They’re slightly more reliable than an electric start because no battery is required but they’re far from perfect. Problem Possible solution or link. Pull starter feels...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
The ready supply of U.S. held parts for this machine is one of its draws. See also Specifics on the Top 80 There are at least three types of redrives for the Top 80 and several different gear ratios. The ratio is the number of teeth on the big gear divided by the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Membrane carbs are sensitive to the pressure required to push the needle valve off its seat to allow fuel into the chamber: pop-off pressure. This tool makes it easy easy to do. There is a fairly wide pressure allowance and that the what you measure with the motor...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 24, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Ding the tip of your carbon prop? Is the prop in good shape otherwise? This may work to repair it if the damage is minor. It’s based on the same technique as covered in Chapter 12 of the PPG Bible. Flying a repaired prop could cause injure or kill a bystander if...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Troubleshooting
It’s always good to support your local dealer to better ensure he/she stays in the business of providing support. But it’s also nice to know where parts are available can get you airborne when the dealer is unavailable or is not providing good service. As...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 22: Aerodynamics, 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Which prop you choose depends on which redrive you have. A high ratio means the prop spins at a slower speed and needs more pitch–a bigger bite. At some point of increasing pitch, efficiency suffers and/or the motor will bog down and won’t get up to its...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Spark Plug Selection Thanks Dave Moore and Brian Del Campo with this information. The NGK BR9ES is the most common plug. Do not combine it with a resistor cap–the spark will be too weak. Redrive & Bearings Visit the Top 80 parts site listed above to find the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Anything related to fuel or getting fuel to the motor including gas tank See also Choosing Fuel & Oil | Does Avgas Run Cooler? Is Avgas Cooler? Priming Fuel Tank Repair The fuel system provides fuel to the carburetor. It usually consists of a tank with vent...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Troubleshooting
Causes and cures of this motor killer Heat is a paramotor’s mortal enemy. Worst cases have the piston welding itself to the cylinder wall in the mother of all motor failures: a seizure. A close cousin is the piston burning a hole through it’s top. Molten...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Automatic Decompressor These use vacuum from the motor to create a hole in the cylinder so that the motor is easier to pull through compression. It must remain open for easy starting and stay closed afterward for proper running. If the decompressor is stuck open...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
For those who have aftermarket exhausts that vibrate and self destruct you will find this an early and easy fix before yours self destructs. Take a TOP80 standard crankshaft seal (for this application) and install it over the stinger. Place the silencer firmly against...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 23, 2019 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
Thanks Scott Traverse There are a number of preventative measures you can take to avoid needing the troubleshooting guide. The picture at right shows one such mod but most are much simpler. Minimize vibration by using high temperature silicon around and through...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
One of the most likely places for problems to appear is the tuned pipe and muffler. They usually revolve around vibration and cracking from heat. Exhausts usually have two parts, the tuned pipe and silencer. A few, like the box muffler of the long-retired Solo 210...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Start with the simple and cheap. Here are some that qualify. Repair cracks. Under air loads they can cause an aerodynamic imbalance besides sapping power. Static balance. Make sure the bolts are tightened evenly. If the prop is askew widthwise on its mount (making one...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Motor
Straight talk about this nearly religious subject | Fuel Feed Problems | Is Avgas Cooler Avgas or Mogas? Castrol or Pennzoil? 2% or 3%? What’s best for my engine? Ask this question in a room full of paramotor pilots then take cover. Instructors and dealers will...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
If your motor doesn’t start on the first few attempts, something is wrong. Continued pulling without corrective action will just wear the starting system and decrease your respect for the prop—making a life-changing prop injury more likely. Troubleshooting is...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Troubleshooting
Problem Possible solution or link. Calculating Redrive Ratio If you have a paramotor for which you don’t know the ratio you can calculate it using one of several methods, measure the radius (or diameter) or count the teeth. Here are the details of each method....
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | Mx: Paraglider
Paragliders are like film. Remember that? They like it cool, dry and dark. Care is sweetly simple–keep them reasonably clean, don’t stuff or fold tightly, and get them inspected periodically. The paraglider is more important than the motor in that...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 23: Motor & Propeller, Mx: Motor
Testing the difference in running temperature between car gas and av gas There’s a lot of dispute as to which is better to run in your paramotor, avgas or mogas (as in motorcar), especially with the higher ethanol content of mogas. But one claim is significant:...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 22, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep, 12: Maintenance
Many, if not most, experienced instructors believe that synthetic oil is better for a number of reasons. Motocross riders have sworn by it for years and they regularly run their engines to death and back. But for those who travel, getting decent oil on the road is...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, 27: The Motor Unit
Besides regular mechanical maintenance, treat your motor to low humidity storage, good fuel run through a filter and shade. The metal parts may not care about sun exposure but the harness sure does. Ours have ridden behind the Enterprise for years and show why...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 21, 2019 | 04: First Flight Prep, 12: Maintenance
Spreadsheet guru Glen Boyd started writing a quick & dirty sheet for calculating gas mixes for his own use. With a basic understanding of US & UK (Imperial) gallons, liters, and a Metric Converter calculator, he wanted to work out the conversion factors from,...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 20, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, 26: The Wing
A brake toggle entangling the prop can be fatal. Two fatalities have been caused by it, one captured on video. It’s most likely to happen right after launch, when thrust is pushing the motor towards the riser, and you let go of the brakes. It’s far more...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 20, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, First Flights: Launching
Do your lines catch on the cage hoop? Do the slide up easily? If not, this may help, especially for machines with cloth cage rim covering. It’s extremely helpful to put smooth tubing around the hoop. Tubing allows the lines to come up cleanly around the cage...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 18, 2019 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Harness Setup
I hear the darndest things sometimes. One frequent misconception regards paramotor harnesses. Over zealous sellers try to sucker people in to their gear using misinformation that requires a lack of understanding. If you ever “this is the only _____, and...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 17, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, 27: The Motor Unit
Getting the most from gas station pumps With fuel prices high, Shane Banquer, a helicopter pilot who has been in the petroleum industry for 31 years, offered some tricks on how to get more of your money’s worth for every gallon. Thanks to Eric Dufour for sharing...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 17, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, About, Ultralights
The draw of man’s simplest way aloft and answering the common question “Are paramotors Reliable?” Paramotors aren’t fast, they take a lot of effort to launch, they require an associate degree in two stroke mechanics and don’t allow you to...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 14, 2019 | 12: Maintenance, Reviews: Safety Gear
After manual or automatic activation you must replace 3 parts, the bobbin, indicator tab and CO2 cartridge. The bobbin, which contains some type of paper, has a 3 year shelf life. You’re not allowed to carry CO2 cartridges on airliners so, if you travel, the...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 11, 2011 | Mx: Motor
For those in frigid climes, hibernation is fact of life; preparing your motor will avoid problems next spring. These tips, from long-time two-stroke expert Alex Varv (www.Aerocorsair.com) will help. This is like “Pickling” but of shorter duration. Here is...
by Jeff Goin | Oct 14, 2011 | Mx: Motor
Thanks to Rick Cavallaro for explaining and taking pictures (see PDF) Disclaimer: I am NOT an expert mechanic. If something looks or sounds wrong in these directions, it probably is. I’d be happy to receive any tips or feedback on how to improve this...
by Jeff Goin | May 12, 2010 | Mx: Paraglider
What to do if your paraglider goes in the water In May 2010 i recorded an interview with Elisabeth Guerin of Paratour’s glider shop about what happens when your wing gets dunked and what to do. She’s now had lots of experience dealing with wings that have...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 18, 2010 | Mx: Motor, Mx: Troubleshooting
The best thing to do if you suspect a carburetor problem is replace the carb with new. That way you can rule out the carb as a problem right away. Then, if you want to fix your carb, put it back on and start troubleshooting–at least now you know it’s the...
by Jeff Goin | Aug 30, 2008 | Mx: Motor
Permanent fix for PPG fuel tanks | Thanks to Alex Varv If your gas tank gets damaged, it’s frequently almost impossible to fix since no glue that we’re aware of permanently adheres to the polypropylene material. Epoxy Repair Various epoxies, such as JB...
by Jeff Goin | May 15, 2008 | Communications, Mx: Troubleshooting
How to get radios to work with PPG gear, Thanks to Robin Rumbolt, Nick Scholtes and others It’s rarely plug and play, especially when mixing and matching radios and helmets. Robin Rumbolt is an electronics engineer who has done extensive helmet mods and created...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 13, 2007 | 12: Maintenance
Thanks to Brian Del Campo Welders own the world. But it’s a surprisingly steep learning curve that our contributor, Brian Del Campo, has climbed. And when it comes to aluminum, not all shops can handle it. Assuming that you want to fly the weld being considered,...
by Jeff Goin | Mar 13, 2007 | Mx: Motor
Thanks to Brian Del Campo | Walbro Carbs | troubleshooting carbs. A carburetor’s job is to feed the engine a perfect mix of fuel and air as commanded by the pilot. There are two basic types of carburetors: Float bowl and Membrane. About 70% of all paramotors use...
by Jeff Goin | Jan 15, 2007 | 27: The Motor Unit, Mx: Harness Setup
What’s better, high or low hook-ins? A nearly religious fervor surrounds proponents of each system. But most pilots stick with what they learned on and enjoy it happily thereafter. 2019 Update: the vast majority of new machines are sold with low hookins using...
by Jeff Goin | Dec 2, 2006 | Mx: Motor
Remember, they’re made to be lightweight. So before the inevitable comparison with your starts-every-pull lawnmower, be thankful you don’t have to carry your 22 hp garden, 200 lb rider on your back. The most likely problems will be the cord breaking or the...
by Jeff Goin | Apr 25, 2006 | Mx: Motor
Long-term storage and resurrection, thanks to Brad Weiss | See also Alex Varv’s tips One of the worst abuses you can inflict on your paramotor is letting it sit unloved. Fuel degrades, Oil evaporates and dust gathers in places it ought not. Absent any protective...
