11
STARTING & LAUNCHING
There are several simple steps to starting the engine. It is a good
idea to have another person hold the boat in place while you start
the engine.
STARTING PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT:
The propeller will begin spinning as soon as the engine
starts! Be certain that the propeller is unobstructed; failure to do so
will damage the prop.
1. Turn on the transmitter and raise the antenna.
2. Turn on the boat’s receiver.
3. Fill the fuel tank with the appropriate gas to oil mixture.
4. Fill the cable oil reservoir with cable oil and
open the cable oil shut off clip.
5. Press the clear primer bulb on the carburetor until gas
begins to enter the bulb.
DO NOT OVER PRIME.
6. Choke the engine by rotating the choke
adjustment counter clockwise.
7. Pull the starter cord 3 times or until you
feel the engine pop or skip.
8. Open the choke by rotating the choke adjustment clockwise.
9. Pull the starter cord until the engine starts.
NOTE:
If the engine does not start by the 3rd or 4th pull
repeat the above procedure. Once the engine has started
put the cowl back in place and secure it with the cowl
locks.
Be carful not the touch the spinning prop.
TIPS & HINTS FOR DRIVING YOUR RIO 51Z
•
Turning the steering dual rate knob increases or decreases
the rudder movement. Your Rio 51Z does not require
a lot of steering movement to allow the boat to turn.
Keep this in mind as you learn to drive your boat.
•
Due to prop rotation, it is the nature of model
boats to make smoother right turns than left turns.
Unlike full-scale boats, model boats like the Rio 51Z
race and turn best in a clockwise direction.
•
Launch the boat in water that is at least 12” deep and free of
obstacles. Be sure to stay clear of the spinning prop during the
launch. It is best to have a buddy launch your boat for you.
•
Slowly advance the throttle and note if the boat has
a tendency to turn right or left. Adjust the steering
trim knob on your transmitter until the boat runs in a
straight line when the steering wheel is at neutral.
•
When fi nished running, push back on the throttle trigger to stop
the engine. Retrieve the boat, remove the cowl, lock the oil shut
off clip and turn off the receiver and transmitter (in that order).
•
Take caution to not overheat the engine. Keep an eye on the
water outlet on the port side of the boat. You should see water
exiting the outlet when the boat is underway. It is normal for
the water to take a few seconds to start fl owing after launch.
•
If your engine should ever become submerged, remove the
spark plug and pull the handle of the recoil starter several
times until water has been expelled from the engine. Once you
are positive that all water has been removed from the engine
and the spark plug is completely dry, reinstall the spark plug
and perform the starting procedure. This may take several
attempts. Make sure you get the engine running again as this
will remove any remaining water from the inside of the engine.
•
Be sure to keep your driveshaft well-lubricated. Failure
to do so may cause the cable to break. Remove and
relubricate the driveshaft after each day of running.
•
Do not use silicone fuel line as gasoline line. Use
vinyl or neoprene rubber gasoline line instead.
•
Total run time of the Rio 51Z is approximately 20 minutes
(assuming you begin with a full tank of fuel). When
you notice an increase in power, it means the fuel tank
is nearly empty and it’s time to head for shore.
•
Windy conditions cause rough water that will affect
the performance of your Rio 51Z and increase
the chances of capsizing. Take it easy in rough
water until you learn to drive the boat.
NEEDLE ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
Never run an R/C boat engine at full throttle (over
rev) with the boat out of the water. Damage can result.
Your engine comes preset from the factory, but
due to altitude changes and the fuel you are using,
your carburetor might need adjusting.
Always make high- and low-speed needle adjustments when
the boat is out of the water and with the engine
not
running.
A.
High-Speed Needle (HSN). The needle located on
the left when viewing the boat from the front.
B.
Low-Speed Needle (LSN). The needle located on the
right when viewing the boat from the front.
C.
Idle Adjustment Needle. It is located near
the bottom of the carburetor.
D.
Primer bulb.
E.
Choke lever, located on the back of the carburetor.
