Balance Master

[jrevens]

...
As far as the BM being out of balance on startup... I bet the mercury is spun out on the crank before the engine is idling smooth.

I'm sure it is too, but during my testing it took much longer, as I noted, for things to get to a "respectable" level & as good as it was going to get, and then it varied throughout the run. I just tried to report accurately what my results were, and the test was only with my particular engine, propeller and spinner . I'm not saying it was "bad" with the BM, but just that it was better without it (with a good dynamic balancing job). If the BM had produced better results, or at least as good, believe me I would have kept it. I'm hoping it will make a good improvement for my buddy Stan, with his IVO prop and small "skull-cap" spinner - a set-up that is difficult to effectively add balance weights to.

Regarding the shut-down technique, it took me a little trial & error before getting it just right... the timing when shutting off the ignition in relation to the throttle movement seems to be the key.

[Shadowrider]

Understood John.

With regards to the “correct” technique. Even with “correct” technique....it’s like the Gerbals just stop running and get stuck in the wheel. Never being around a rotax, they raise eyebrows when shutdown.

[jrevens]

Yes they do!

[Maverick]

I took a bullet on this and bought a Balance Master. I have to say, I am impressed. But, let me be completely honest. I nosed my plane into the dirt and ruined my 72" IvoProp. I replaced it with a 70" and I put on the Balance Master at the same time. I was getting some vibration but it wasn't devastating. I just didn't get the smoothness I anticipated however, having put the subsequent prop on at the same time I decided to pull the prop and switch two of the blades around in position and bingo. I found a sweet spot. Now when I pull the power to descend it is smooth in most all RPM ranges and in the dreaded 2700-3300 range the vibration I get a far more comfortable experience. Climb and cruise is very much more pleasant. I think had a dyna-vibe been available to me, I would have gone for it but in the absence of one, I'd do the Balance Master again.

[efwd]

I did not buy the balance master. The dynavibe did a nice job as far as I can tell. If I recall, John had put up a post on his findings and I went with that. Dave put one on his KFS7 without using the Dynavibe and he was very pleased. He is using a Whirlwind IFA prop.

[Maverick]

Eddie, did you buy a Balance Master? If so, what is your opinion of the Balance Master? I have the IvoProp IFA. Were there any issues installing the flywheel? Would you do it again?

Fred