ENGINE TUNING GUIDE
RUNNING THE ENGINE
STARTING THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT!
MAIN MIXTURE CONTROL NEEDLE
IDLE STOP SCREW
IDLE STOP
SCREW
MAIN MIXTURE
CONTROL NEEDLE
The main mixture control needle points upwards from the carburettor
(see image). It controls the fuel/air mixture supplied to the engine.
The needle is factory set for runningin, at 4 1/2 turns out (anti-clockwise)
from its fully closed position. Once run in, the main mixture control
needle would typically be set2 and 2-1/2 turns out from fully closed.
You should be aware that the main mixture control needle settings will
require small adjustment dependingon the temperature, humidity and
even the altitude above sea level.
The idle stop screw is located towards the rear of the carburettor
(see image). The purpose of this screw is to set the speed at which
the engine idles or “ticks over”. It has no effect on the mixture control
settings of the engine and has been pre-set at the factory to default
settings. With the air filter removed, you will be able to see the barrel
inside the carburettor. With the throttle set to idle, the gap visible on the
barrel should be around 1mm. Any changes to the idle speed of the engine
will require only very minor adjustment of this screw. We recommend that
the screw is set to allow the engine to idle at the lowest speed possible.
Running the engine with an excessively high idle speed could result in the
centrifugal clutch partially engaging. This could result in premature wear of the brakes or a
complete failure of the clutch assembly. After making any adjustments replace the air filter
immediately. Never operate the car without the air filter fitted to the carburettor.
1. Fill the fuel tank withfresh model “nitro” fuel containing no more than 20% nitromethane.
2. To prime the engine when cool, place your finger over the tuned pipes exhaust exit and
gently pull the pull start several times. You will notice that fuel will travel through the fuel
line towards the carburettor. Be careful not to over-prime. You should stop priming when
the fuel reaches the carburettor.
3. Ensure that your glow start (not included) is fully charged and attach to the glow plug
situated in the cylinder head of the engine.
4. With the throttle set to idle, start the engine by pulling the recoil starter handle using short,
quick pulls. Do not pull the recoil starter out to its maximum. If you do, it is most likely that
you will weaken the pull start return mechanism and it could fail entirely.This will not be
covered by the warranty on your car.You only need to pull the starter out to a maximum of
around 20cms or 8”. Sometimes when the engine is already hot, it can be easier to start the
engine at a higher throttle setting (1/4 to ½throttle). When the engine starts immediately
return the throttle setting to idle. Failure to do this can cause the engine to over –rev and
cause serious damage.
The radio system must always be switched on and operational when the engine
is started. Never switch off the transmitter or receiver with the engine running.
