Here are highlights of how pros break
in and tune their nitro engines.
For more info, please visit their websites.
Also follow the engine
manufacturers' procedure on how to break in specific engines as these
vary from each other.
HPI Racing
Adam
Drake (www.losi.com)
Tuning
the GRP engine.
Break
in with engine
installed in the car.
Heat
engine to 160-180
degrees with a heat gun before starting the break in process.
Start
engine in rich
condition, with glow plug starter connected, wheels freely turning off
the ground for a few minutes.
Idle
engine for 4 - 5
tanks of fuel.
Occasionally
turn
model on side to drain excess residue in the pipe.
Now
run on track or
street.
Run
very
rich for 3
fuel tanks.
Close
high speed
needle a third of a turn, run for 2 more fuel tanks.
Consume
at least 6
tanks of fuel.
Recommend
to use
Nitrotane 20% or 30% race fuel to break in engine.
Use
same nitro content
and brand during break in and when racing.
Proper
temp range for
GRP engines is 170-200 degrees F.
Always
run with an
oiled air filter. Change on regular basis.
Ofna
(www.ofna.com)
Get
a temperature probe,
preferrably one
that mounts on chassis of the car with a lead connecting to the head of
the nitro engine to monitor the temperature.
If
engine is too rich, temp
will be colder
than desired operating range.
If
engine is too lean, temp
will be higher
than deisred operating range,
Run
with top end rich, should
see heavy
smoke on the straightaway.
Run
for a few laps to get
engine up to
running temp before tuning.
If
temp shows engine is rich
(cold), lean
out using by turning top end screw 1/12 turn at a time
clockwise.
If
temp shows engine is lean
(hot), richen
by turning top end screw 1/12 turn at a time counterclockwise.
Never
try to tune a cold engine!
Adjust
top end first.
Always
tune from rich to lean. If in doubt, richen it up first.
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