SECTION 7 CARE OF YOUR RCV
NORMAL MAINTENANCE
At the end of each days flying it is recommended that a few squirts of clean machine oil are introduced
into the crankcase via the crank breather.
If the engine is to be removed from the model and laid up for any significant period, we recommend that
the engine should be flushed out with after-run oil.
Some owners may prefer to strip the engine and clean using methanol or straight fuel, for instructions
see next section.
REPLACING THE STARTER
The RCV is supplied with a spare starter cap screw which may become worn. When this occurs it
should be removed using a 5 mm Allen key and replaced with the spare supplied.
The engine can be prevented from rotating when the screw is removed or tightened by holding the
propeller.
SPLITTING THE RCV
RCV Engines Ltd strongly recommends that the engine should not be dismantled unless it is absolutely
necessary and the guarantee does not cover any defects caused by the dismantling and re-assembly
operation.
However there are some circumstances where it may be necessary to split the engine:-
1.
To clean
it prior to laying it up for a period when it is not being
used
.
2.
To rotate the top half of the engine relative to the bottom half of the engine to make it more
suitable to fit inside a particular cowling.
DISMANTLING PROCEDURE
Remove the carburettor and exhaust. Remove the four Allen headed M3 screws holding the cylinder
jacket to the crankcase. Carefully ease the cylinder jacket off the crankcase, ensuring the small plastic
pad (R60208) is not mislaid.
NO FURTHER DISMANTLING IS NOW NECESSARY.
Cooling Requirements
When running in a cowled model, it is essential to arrange a deflection duct to scoop air over the
engine. A diagram of such a duct is shown below.
A good guideline to follow when deciding on the necessary air outlet / inlet requirements is 2:1 or if
possible 3:1. This enables hot air to escape from the cowl which is one of the main causes of
overheating.
1"
2"
Deflection
Duct
Metal Plate
Nuts x 4
Bolts
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This engine is subject to Global Patents and Design copyrights
SECTION 4
MOUNTING & STARTING PROCEDURE
INSTALLING THE ENGINE IN A TEST STAND
•
A template of the backplate (including centre line position) is included with the spares leaflet.
•
Mount the engine in a conventional radial fashion on a suitable bulkhead. Attach the engine using M4
nuts and bolts and the reinforcing metal plate (
See SECTION 6
). Do not use wood screws or
self-tapping screws.
•
WARNING. ENSURE YOU HAVE GOOD ACCESS FROM BEHIND THE ENGINE. You must ensure
that starting and adjusting the engine can all be done from behind.
•
Ensure that the bench that the engine is attached to will not be pulled over by the thrust of the engine.
More specific advice on the test stand specifications can be obtained from RCV, alternatively see our
website for details
.
•
Fit a suitable sized propeller for running in. RCV recommend: APC type 18 x 12 (2-bladed propeller)
GLOW PLUG CONNECTION
DO NOT USE A CONVENTIONAL GLOW PLUG CLIP ON CONNECTOR. This is very important. The
glow plug is extremely close to the prop, It MUST ALWAYS BE WIRED UP TO A REMOTE CONNECTOR
some distance from the prop.
STARTING METHOD
STARTING MUST ALWAYS BE CARRIED OUT FROM BEHIND THE PROPELLER USING A HIGH
POWERED MODEL ENGINE ELECTRIC STARTER (
DO NOT USE A DRILL
) APPLIED TO THE
CRANKSHAFT. A starter adapter fitting most starter motors is available from RCV Engines Ltd.
TIPS & HINTS FOR THE BEHIND THE PROP STARTING PROCEDURE –
1. Always work from behind the engine. Eye protection should always be worn when starting and running
your engine.
2. The crankshaft must be rotated clockwise (i.e.) the opposite direction to normal propeller
rotation. This will require the starter connections to be the opposite way around to normal.
3. On a new engine or if very cold, the engine will feel quite stiff to the turn and until the engine has had a
tank or two of fuel passed through it, anything less than a good 12 volt battery and a quality starter will
baulk at turning the engine over compression. It is however possible to reduce the load on the starter
by carrying out the following procedure:- Firstly WITH THE GLOW OFF choke the engine and turn the
prop over a few times by hand to get fresh fuel and lubricant into the engine. Secondly immediately
before trying to start the engine WITH THE GLOW OFF turn the prop until the engine is just past
compression. This allows the starter to get the engine spinning before it hits the next compression
stroke.
4. For initial starting purposes, we recommend needle should be 2 turns open. At all times ensure that
the engine is on a low throttle setting when you start it (1/8-1/4). High throttle will make the engine
difficult to turn over, and when it starts may occasionally cause the starter screw to slip out of the
starter socket.
5. When you have set up the starting arrangement as described above you can now start the engine.
Turn the glow on. Ensure fuel is getting through to the carb. and that the needle is open the correct
amount. Carefully insert the starter adapter into the starter screw, angling it backwards slightly to
ensure you are well clear of the prop. Hold the starter very firmly but without pressing down. Press the
starter button. The engine should immediately turn over rapidly and fire within a few seconds.
6. Under No circumstances should you keep turning the engine over if it does not fire as this may
cause damage to the engine.
From the earliest prototypes the RCV engine has always been an
excellent starter. If the engine will not start there is always a logical reason for it. In particular check
that the glow is adequate, and that fuel is getting through. If fuel doesn't appear to be getting through,
unscrew the idle needle by a ½ turn.
7. If the starter will not turn the engine over remove the starter, turn the glow off, turn the prop back to top
dead centre, close the throttle slightly to reduce the compression load on the starter, turn the glow on
and try again. If you do experience problems starting your engine contact RCV and we will be happy
to assist
8. When starting the engine in a new plane for the first time it is best to initially try without the cowl fitted
in order to get used to it. If you are starting through a hole in a cowling it is a good idea to fasten a
metal reinforcing ring (washer or similar) around the inside of the starting hole. Then on the rare
occasions the starter adapter does slip out of the starter screw it will not damage the cowl.
Issue 2 01/06/2004 © RCV Engines Ltd
Page 3
This engine is subject to Global Patents and Design copyrights
