32
Install an in-line fuel filter between the tank
and carburetor to prevent dirt and foreign
matter in the tank from entering the
carburetor.
If these precautions are neglected, restriction
of fuel flow may cause the engine to cut out,
or the fuel/air mixture to become too lean
causing the engine to overheat.
Clean these filters periodically.
The use of modern high-performance alcohol
based model engine fuels, while promoting
cooler running, improved anti-detonation
combustion and increased power, have the
disadvantage of causing corrosion due to the
acid by-products of combustion.
The use of nitromethane in the fuel can also
contribute to the problem.
Do not close the needle-valve and mixture
control valve too far as this will cause a lean
setting and over heating of the engine. This
can, in turn, create nitromethane oxide
leading to internal rusting of the engine.
Always adjust the needlevalve slightly on the
rich side of peak rpm.
Do not leave unused fuel in the engine at the
conclusion of a day’s flying. Accepted
practice is to cut off the fuel supply while the
engine is still running at full throttle, then
expel as much fuel residue as possible by
turning the engine over 5-10 seconds with
the electric starter.
Finally, inject some after-run oil through the
glowplug hole and turn the engine over
several times by hand.
33
When the engine is not to be used for some
months (for example, as between flying
seasons), a worthwhile precaution is to
remove it from the airframe and, after
washing off the exterior with alcohol (not
gasoline nor kerosene), remove carefully the
carburetor with intake pipe, glow plug and all
silicone tubing and put them safely aside.
Then, immerse the engine in a container of
alcohol. Rotate the crankshaft while the
engine is immersed. If foreign matter is
visible in the alcohol, rinse the engine again
in clean alcohol. Finally, shake off and dry
the alcohol ,and inject some after-run oil in
the glowplug hole and rotate the crankshaft
several times by hand. Reinstall the
carburetor with intake pipe and glowplug on
the engine and keep it in a dry place after
putting in a vinyl bag.
