14
NOTES CONCERNING THE RECOIL STARTER
REMINDER!
Do not attempt to disassemble the recoil
starter. If you do so, the very strong
spring inside will be suddenly ejected.
This can be very dangerous.
Do not extend the starter cord more than
45cm(18"). Do not abruptly release the
operating handle. Allow the cord to
rewind smoothly while still holding the
handle.
Pull the operating handle straight out
when starting the engine, so that the
cord does not rub against the vehicle
body or engine.This will help prevent the
cord from being damaged by abrasion or
engine heat.
NOTE: Because, in the interests of
personal safety, dismantling of the starter
mechanism is strongly discouraged, the
Recoil Starter is available for replacement
only as a pre-assembled unit. However,
some related parts, such as Starting Shaft
and Rear Adaptor, are obtainable
separately. (See Parts List.)
Try to avoid spilling fuel over the starter
unit and its cord. Some fuels have a
detrimental effect on these parts.
The starter prevents the engine from
being rotated in the wrong direction. The
unit will be damaged if you attempt to
force the flywheel in the opposite
direction (i.e. clockwise when viewed
from the crankshaft end).
(18CV-RMX ONLY)
15
GLOWPLUG
Since the glowplug and fuel combination used may
have a marked effect on performance and reliability, it
would be worthwhile to experiment with different plug
types. An O.S. No.8 glowplug is supplied with the
engine. Another Recommended O.S. plug is A5 .
Carefully install plug finger-tight, before final tighten-
ing with the correct size plug wrench.
Glowplug life
Particularly in the case of very high performance
engines, glowplugs must be regarded as expendable
items.
Install a plug suitable for the engine.
Use fuel containing a moderate percentage of
nitromethane unless more is essential for racing
events.
Do not run the engine too lean and do not leave the
battery connected while adjusting the needle.
However, plug life can be extended and engine
performance maintained by careful use, i.e.:
The role of the glowplug
With a glowplug engine, ignition is initiated by the
application of a 1.5-volt power source. When the
battery is disconnected, the heat retained within the
combustion chamber remains sufficient to keep the
plug filament glowing, thereby continuing to keep the
engine running. Ignition timing is 'automatic' : under
reduced load, allowing higher rpm, the plug becomes
hotter and, appropriately, fires the fuel/air charge
earlier; conversely, at reduced rpm, the plug become
cooler and ignition is retarded.
Apart from when actually burned out, a plug may
need to be replaced because it no longer delivers its
best performance, such as when:
When to replace the glowplug
Filament surface has roughened and turned white.
Filament coil has become distorted.
Foreign matter has adhered to filament or plug
body has corroded.
Engine tends to cut out when idling.
Starting qualities deteriorate.
