A low charged igniter will make a glow plug glow, and a bad glow plug will still glow sometimes, but this does not guarantee that
either is operating at 100%. We have found that the most common reasons for engine starting failures are due to bad glow plugs
and/or igniter problems. A glow plug can go bad in less than one tank of fuel, so it is always wise to check this first if you are
having difficulty starting your engine.
When starting your engine, a small amount of throttle may be needed; usually “blipping” the throttle on and off in small amounts
(1/4 throttle or less) is recommended. Some of the more expensive radios are equipped with a push button feature that moves
the throttle to a pre-set opening; this is especially helpful when trying to start an engine by yourself. Once fuel reaches the
carburetor, the engine should start immediately. If it doesn’t, look at the fuel line to see if it contains fuel, check the needle valve
settings, and glow plug and/or glow plug igniter. Because of the high compression of your new engine, it is sometimes necessary
to loosen the glow plug 1/2 to 1 turn to relieve some of the engine’s compression; this will make it easier for the starter box or
pull start to crank over your engine. Only perform this procedure if you experience difficulty starting your engine during the initial
start up and first 2-3 tanks of fuel. After the first few tanks of fuel, the engine should be broken in sufficiently and will not require
this tactic again. Once the engine starts, make sure to tighten the glow plug quickly – within the first 10 seconds of running.
BREAK-IN (HEAT CYCLING)
As your engine starts for the first time – the break-in process begins. For most ABC-type engines it’s the most critical period of
their useful lives … but few operators pay much attention to the details.
In the old days, engine break-in consisted of running the iron or aluminum piston (ringed or lapped) within a steel cylinder-sleeve,
very rich with lots of lube for hours and hours. This was intended to wear-in the engine’s rough spots, reduce friction, and improve
power and longevity. Owners of modern ABC-type engines also demand peak power and longevity; fortunately, break-in is now
an abbreviated process, requiring much less time with our method. Improvements are largely the result of CNC (computer
numerical control) production machinery. These programmed robots make individual engine components that fit together almost
perfectly – every time! This results in very little if any rough spots to smooth out. Despite such accuracy, metal components
(primarily the piston and cylinder-sleeve) require heat-cycling to relieve the internal stresses due to their fabrication.
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