Ellison TBI trouble… and solution

Here is an information which might be useful to all of us using an Ellison Throttle Body Injector, whatever the engine:

I took off the Ellison TBI for some work on my Tigre engine, and did not modify any setting. Two months later everything was assembled again, but the engine would not start.

It easily burned the prime charge, but not more. Many attempts, no success: once more I was facing that kind of frustrating situation that all Tigre owners have sometimes encountered...

I checked that fuel actually came to the TBI and applied lung pressure in the regulator, as requested for Initial Engine Start (Product Manual, Section 3): no improvement. I checked the TBI filter: it was clean. I tried to open the inlet control valve with someone applying lung pressure in the regulator, when I was trying to breathe out in the fuel inlet: it obviously kept closed! I began resigning myself to sending the TBI to the manufacturer for an overhaul...

I transferred the information to Ellison Fluid Systems, and Ben Ellison, though ill and stuck at home for a few days, sent me almost immediately the following answer:

"Gilles,

It's possible that evaporating fuel residue has glued the inlet control
valve closed.  I suggest that you disconnect the fuel line from the EFS-4
and in its place connect an air hose.  Gradually increase the air pressure
until air can be heard flowing through the EFS-4, indicating that the valve
has been forced open.

Very Truly,
ELLISON FLUID SYSTEMS, INC.
Ben Ellison, President"

I did exactly what Ben Ellison says, and... IT WORKS! Immediate start at the first blade! Huge sigh of relief...

Thank you so much, Mr Ellison!

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