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Here’s how to perform the break-in procedure correctly:

1.Decide on a fuel brand and type of blend (nitro and oil content) that you want to use.

WARNING: Whichever type of fuel that you choose, use the same fuel for break-in and everyday operation, for the life of the
engine, especially the nitro content. Here’s why: By changing fuels, chances are that either the nitro and/or oil content will
change. Different ratios of nitro and/or oil in the fuel will cause combustion chamber temperatures to change. As combustion
chamber temperatures change, the expansion rate of the piston and cylinder-sleeve will also change slightly. During the
break-in process, primarily affected is the piston and sleeve size, which “seat” (fit) together at a certain expansion rate,
determined by the normal operating temperature. Nitro and oil content in different fuels have an effect on normal operating
temperature. By changing fuels after break-in, chances are the normal operating temperatures will change. These
temperature changes will change the perfect fit (established during break-in) between the piston and sleeve, usually causing
improper and/or greater piston and sleeve clearance, causing combustion “blow-by” (loss of compression). Also, by changing
nitro and/or oil contents, all needle settings will require readjustment.

2.Start your engine following the starting procedures previously covered. During the break-in period it is much easier if 

you have someone to help you, so that you can concentrate on keeping the engine running while your helper adjusts 
the needles and keeps track of the temperature of the engine. A temperature gun is especially important during the 
break-in period.

TUNING TIP: At any time (during and after break-in), when you first start your engine, rev the engine in quick intervals a few
times, before placing it on the ground. This helps clear out any excess fuel in the pipe, crankcase and combustion chamber
and helps get the engine warmed up quickly. It is very important to keep in mind that you should NOT fine-tune your needles
this way; this is only a quick warm-up procedure to clear the engine out and to get some quick heat into the engine. Optimal
carburetor settings will be set once the vehicle is placed on the ground and warmed up completely, following the “SETTING
THE NEEDLE VALVES FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE” section further in the manual.

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269. 649. 9583

Summary of Contents for FR21

Page 1: ...50201 SILVER STREET VICKSBURG MI 49097 PH 269 649 9583 FAX 269 649 9584 WWW FANTOMRACING COM...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...NE 22 ENGINE MAINTENANCE CAUTION STATEMENT 3 INSTALLING FR 21 27 23 NEWS WARRANTY 4 INSTALLING FR 21 27 24 FR 21 27 REPLACEMENT PARTS 5 INSTALLING FR 21 27 ENGINE OPTIONS 25 FR 21 27 REPLACEMENT PARTS...

Page 4: ...refer to your vehicle s instruction manual for any special instructions not covered in this manual 2 If applicable remove your old engine from the original engine mount and set it aside to use with y...

Page 5: ...leaking fuel tank can cause severe problems with your engine s performance Therefore inspect the tank for leaks and replace it if needed Install a new fuel line leaving plenty of extra length it will...

Page 6: ...they can order one for you from one of our distributors They are available in natural team finish part FAN20014 single stage or FAN20016 dual stage or shiny nickel finish part FAN20015 single stage o...

Page 7: ...figurations by referring to the following information and part numbers 1 Your FR21 or FR27 was built with a standard glow plug head button which is best suited for off road and or high torque applicat...

Page 8: ...il later in the manual in the Break In section The cooling fin area of the cylinder head regulates the temperature When a carburetor mixture is set properly the temperature of the engine should be of...

Page 9: ...for proper combustion chamber compression Excessive rubbing due to under expansion of the cylinder sleeve produces pinch zone wear Pinch zone wear produces combustion gas blow by when the engine is up...

Page 10: ...an Although not all are directly related to fuel the following list includes the most common causes for lean mixtures 1 The primary needle valve is set too lean 2 Incorrect gearing placing too much lo...

Page 11: ...dense air conditions this is why you will usually notice better engine performance in the spring and fall months IMPORTANT In cold weather conditions e g winter months and or certain regions in the wo...

Page 12: ...true of low elevations The higher you are above sea level the more you must lean the needle valve and vice versa The Effect of Operating Conditions Depending on your particular operating conditions yo...

Page 13: ...the engine by placing your finger over the exhaust outlet for a few seconds while turning the engine over with either a starter box or pull start depending on your engine model this will pressurize th...

Page 14: ...s 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...

Page 15: ...to rise This is normal since nitro is the primary power producing ingredient in the fuel s chemistry As the temperature increases so does the expansion of the piston and cylinder sleeve As described...

Page 16: ...with an interference fit or in other words the sleeve is actually tapered so that the piston is pinched at TDC top dead center when the piston reaches the top of its stroke Since ABC engines don t ha...

Page 17: ...y begin dialing in the high speed needle valve for maximum RPM performance during the first tank of fuel see more detailed information on setting the needles in the SETTING THE NEEDLE VALVES FOR OPTIM...

Page 18: ...after the engine has been brought up to normal operating temperature this is accomplished by running the vehicle for a minute or so IMPORTANT The needle valve settings will vary from day to day depend...

Page 19: ...s High speed needle 3 1 4 to 3 1 2 turns counter clockwise CCW out from closed Low speed needle see illustration 1 approximately 2 1 4 to 2 1 2 turns CCW Idle adjustment throttle stop should be set so...

Page 20: ...hrottle Sluggish acceleration with excessive blue smoke coming from the exhaust Excessive unburned fuel exiting exhaust 4 Signs of overly lean mixture Sagging and or erratic engine response Sudden los...

Page 21: ...ine rpm This setting is a personal preference adjustment we like to set ours so that the engine idles just below clutch engagement ENGINE MAINTENANCE Proper care is necessary for maintaining engine lo...

Page 22: ...e frequency of plug changes will vary depending on products and operating conditions Some of these include Glow plug brand Needle valve settings Weather conditions Checking the Glow Plug s Condition U...

Page 23: ...pose it s a hygroscopic agent it attracts rust producing moisture For stubborn dirt and grime an old toothbrush will help Be careful not to allow any dirt or grime to be washed into the engine through...

Page 24: ...property if not handled properly Use caution and exercise courtesy when operating your vehicle around people and property Children should ALWAYS be under adult supervision when operating nitro powered...

Page 25: ...ormal wear are not covered under warranty Any warranty repairs will be at the discretion of Fantom upon inspection of the engine Any modifications to the engine will void all of this warranty If it is...

Page 26: ...sold separately FAN10414 21 27 Gasket Set FAN10415 21 Head Shim pack of 3 FAN10416 21 27 Exhaust Header Seal pack of 2 FAN10418 21 27 Replacement Head Bolts pack of 6 FAN10419 21 27 Rear Plate SHC Sc...

Page 27: ...REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST CONT FAN10406 21 27 Pull Start Assembly FAN10407 21 27 Pull Start One Way Bearing FAN10408 21 27 Pull Start One Way Bearing Shaft FAN10409 21 27 Rear Plate for Pull Start FAN10...

Page 28: ...High Speed Needle Assembly with Gasket FAN10425 21 27 Low Speed Needle Assembly FAN10426 21 27 Idle Screw with O Ring FAN10427 21 27 Carburetor Securing Pin with Washer Nut FAN10428 21 27 Fuel Inlet N...

Page 29: ...FR21 FR27 MANUAL ADDENDUM EXTREMELY IMPORTANT READ BEFORE STARTING ENGINE WWW FANTOMRACING COM...

Page 30: ...est way to tell if you have a 2004 or 2005 model FR21 or FR27 is to look at the crankcase nose area around the crankshaft bearing 2005 models are machined in this area from the front edge to approxima...

Page 31: ...et standard glow plug is O Donnell 100 part ODO100 FAN10603 FR21 FR27 standard glow plug for off road applications common aftermarket standard glow plug is O Donnell 99 part ODO99 BASELINE NEEDLE SETT...

Page 32: ...of the rings to create compression in the combustion chamber The most critical aspect of a model nitro engine is compression because without it an engine will not run properly and is nearly impossible...

Page 33: ...r responsibility to operate your engine properly to obtain the longest usable life possible WARNING Do not let the engine sit and idle for its break in Proper operating temperatures will not be obtain...

Page 34: ...nd sleeve usually causing improper and or greater piston and sleeve clearance causing combustion blow by loss of compression Also by changing nitro and or oil contents all needle settings will require...

Page 35: ...an1 8 turn As you lean the needle each tank you should notice that the engine s temperature and performance will also increase Once you are ready for the 5th tank of fuel ideally your Main needle shou...

Page 36: ...ng from the pipe and noting its power and acceleration characteristics while driving Once you learn your engine s operating characteristics a temperature gun can be very useful in referencing operatin...

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