ROBINSON
MODEL R44
SECTION 7
SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION
REVISED: 21 FEB 2014 7-9
ENGINE CONTROLS (cont’d)
Correct throttle linkage adjustment may be verified during
preflight by rolling the twist-grip through the overtravel
spring and holding against the hard idle stop. The
carburetor throttle arm should just barely start to move
when the collective is raised full up.
Other engine controls include a mixture control located
forward and to the right of the cyclic center post and a
carburetor heat control located to the left of the cyclic.
Later R44s are equipped with Carb Heat Assist which is
described in Section 4.
CLUTCH ACTUATOR
After the engine is started, it is coupled to the rotor drive
system through vee-belts which are tensioned by raising
the upper drive sheave. An electric actuator, located
between the drive sheaves, raises the upper sheave when
the pilot engages the clutch switch. The actuator senses
compressive load (belt tension) and switches off when
the vee-belts are properly tensioned. The clutch caution
light illuminates whenever the actuator circuit is energized,
either engaging, disengaging, or retensioning the belts.
The light stays on until the belts are properly tensioned or
completely disengaged.
Belt slack during engine start should be adjusted such
that blades begin turning within five seconds of clutch
engagement. Excessive slack may cause belts to jump out
of sheave grooves during start. Periodic readjustment by a
mechanic may be required as belts wear in service.
A fuse located on the test switch panel prevents an
actuator motor overload from tripping the circuit breaker
and turning off the caution light prematurely.
CAUTION
Never take off while clutch caution light is on.
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