First gun not launching

Boom! The classic potato gun harnesses the combustion of flammable vapor.
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motowater
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I just went out to the store today and bought all the parts for a spud gun. I am using axe sprayed in the back of the combustion chamber as the fuel. I hooked the bbq spark plug up to two screws in the chamber, and I do see a spark. The combustion chamber does not even ignite. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

By the way, I used the following design for the gun, except I made the combustion chamber 2 feet long with 4 in. PVC tube, and the barrel is 6 feet of 2 in. PVC tube. http://www.instructables.com/id/EDFTHMSTCJEQ2W334L/
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wanimal
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add a potato? it usually helps me :P
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noname
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You need something in the barrel or all the fuel will leak out. Use a paper towel or something until you get the mixture down.
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hi
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im pretty sure he added potatos.....

anyway, most people have the common belief that the more fuel the better, which is totally wrong. from what you described it sounds like about a 1 second spray would work best, you just have to mess with it until you get it right. it usually takes me about an hour to get it perfect, just keep trying and you will get it.

be sure to post it in the showcase area, im sure it cool.

welcome to spudfiles.
"physics, gravity, and law enforcement are the only things that prevent me from operating at my full potential" - not sure, but i like the quote

you know you are not an engineer if you have to remind yourself "left loosy righty tighty"
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noname
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A two foot long 4" chamber should take about 3 seconds of most aerosol sprays to fuel well. An exact two seconds works perfectly in both of my combustions (3" x 12" chambers).
I have to get some ether.....I saw some the other day and the ingredients were Diethyl Ether and four hydrocarbons. Sounds pretty frickin' good!
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spudkilla
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motowater wrote:I just went out to the store today and bought all the parts for a spud gun. I am using axe sprayed in the back of the combustion chamber as the fuel. I hooked the bbq spark plug up to two screws in the chamber, and I do see a spark. The combustion chamber does not even ignite. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

By the way, I used the following design for the gun, except I made the combustion chamber 2 feet long with 4 in. PVC tube, and the barrel is 6 feet of 2 in. PVC tube. http://www.instructables.com/id/EDFTHMSTCJEQ2W334L/

Hmmmmm, If you bought it today, i wouldn't try to fire it tonight... let the glue dry overnight!
Why do I try to make a relevant post?
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Big-mac
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if you use to much spray it wont work go easy until u get it down
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motowater
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what do you guys recommend I use as a fuel for this setup? Is axe good, I havent tried hairspray, is it any better?
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