8
en
engIne startIng and Break In
your first runs
If this is your first nitro vehicle, we highly recommend that you
have an experienced nitro tuner to help during the first startups
and runs. They will be able to help you properly adjust your engine
for reliable performance.
Before attempting to start your new buggy, be sure to read this
section and fully understand each step before starting your engine.
Pay particular attention to the needle settings recommended for
starting and to the break-in procedures suggested below.
Always use the proper fuel and glow plugs.
fuel and glow Plug
Using the proper fuel and glow plug is vital in achieving reliable
performance and long engine life. Only use fuel and glow plugs
that are specifically designed for model car use.
Never use any type of model airplane glow fuel.
We recommend a high-quality car fuel containing 20% nitro methane
(Blue Thunder
™
20% Sport Fuel is recommended). A glow plug is
included that is ideal for breaking in your new engine. During the
break-in process, it’s not uncommon to go through one or two glow
plugs, as microscopic particles of metal (from the cylinder/piston
wearing in) bond themselves to the plug element, causing glow plug
failure. We recommend the Dynamite
®
Sport Glow plug (DYN2500)
as the best replacement glow plug for this engine.
air filter
A clean, properly oiled air filter keeps dirt out of the engine.
Use the included air filter.
oPeratIon
Break-In
The first startups and the first 3 to 4 tanks of fuel while your engine is
running is the most critical of its life and, in many ways, dictates how
well it will perform and how long it will last.
During the first runs, when the engine starts, the exhaust should emit
blue/white smoke, indicating that the engine is rich (a good thing dur-
ing break-in). During the first tank of fuel, you may wish to set a higher
than normal idle speed in order to keep your engine from stalling. Drive
your buggy around while blipping the throttle and avoid operating the
engine at full throttle for more than 2–3 seconds at a time. Run the
entire first two tanks of fuel in this manner.
After the first two tanks, begin leaning out the high-speed needle valve
1/12 turn at a time. It usually take about 5 or 6 tanks of fuel before
you’d want to start leaning your engine for maximum power. Patience
will be rewarded after break-in with an engine that performs reliably
to its maximum power potential.
Remember, glow plug failure is a common occurrence when breaking
in a new engine. To test your plug, let the engine idle at a properly
adjusted low-speed setting with the glow igniter attached, then remove
the igniter. If you hear no appreciable change in engine rpm, the plug
is still good. If the engine loads up and the rpm decreases, it’s time
to replace the glow plug.
starting the engine
1. Fill the tank with fuel.
2. Turn on the transmitter and receiver and confirm that the radio
system is working properly.
3. Prime the engine.
4. Attach the glow driver to the glow plug.
5. Use short, quick pulls on the recoil to start the engine.
notIce:
When using a recoil starter, never pull the rope out to
its full length. Doing so may cause damage and recoil starter failure.
Using short, quick pulls of the recoil starter is the best technique.
Never extend the starter rope more than 12 inches.
IMPortant note aBout hydro-locked
(flooded) engInes:
Should the pull starter be extremely
difficult to pull (will not extend out of the assembly), the engine may
be flooded (hydro-locked). Excess fuel between the cylinder head
and piston will not allow the piston to travel through its full range
of compression, effectively “locking up” the engine. Should this
occur, remove the glow igniter from the plug. Use a glow plug
wrench (DYN2510) to remove the glow plug, then turn the model
upside down. Give the recoil starter a few short pulls to clear
out the fuel, reinstall the glow plug and start again.
startIng your engIne for the fIrst tIMe
PrIMIng the engIne
You will need to prime the engine each time you have run the tank out
of fuel. Priming the engine pulls the nitro fuel close to the carburetor,
making the engine is easier to start. If the engine and exhaust are hot,
always allow them to cool before priming the engine. NEVER attempt
to prime a hot engine.
cautIon:
Do not connect the glow igniter until you
have finished priming the engine.
1. Fill the fuel tank with 20% nitro car fuel.
2. Cover the exhaust pipe outlet with your thumb or a cloth.
3. While covering the exhaust, pull the engine starter.
4. You will be able to see the nitro fuel moving through the fuel
line. Stop pulling the engine recoil when the nitro fuel reaches
the carburetor.
5. Remove your thumb or the cloth from the exhaust pipe outlet.
6. Power on the receiver and attach the glow igniter to the glow
plug. Follow the instructions in Starting Your Engine for the
First Time to start the engine.
