How To Tune A Nitro Engine

The first thing you should check is to make sure that when you pull full throttle the carburetor is fully opening. If you take the air filter off and pull the trigger all the way back it should open completely. You should always keep the engine within its intended operating temperature. Going above these could and most likely will cause damage. As you lean the engine out, it will run faster and faster till you hit a point where it will overheat. When this has happened it will start to stutter, hesitate, or even stall. The engine will over heat very quickly when the mixture has been set too lean. Check the engine often when leaning it out to make sure its not overheating.

The simplest way to test for over heating is to put a drop of water or spite on top of the engine head. If it boils away instantly shut the engine down and let it cool off. If it takes 5-7 seconds for the water to evaporate away, then the engine is running at a good temperature.

When you have the mixture set correctly you will hear the engine running smoothly and have a strong-sounding high pitch when you let it wind out. Running the engine a little "rich" is always a lot better then running it to "lean".

Once again: Lean = less fuel
Rich = more fuel

The high-speed mixture will affect the way engine runs at mid and high R.P.M.s. This is the main needle that you will adjust the most. Once you get you engine running good, this will be the only needle that you should have to mess with.

Run the car on a smooth flat surface with enough room to let the model get up to top speed. Keep track of the speed as you slowly (1/8 of a turn at a time) lean the engine. You can lean it as long as you continue to have thick blue smoke coming out of the pipe. If the engine gets up to top speed and looses power most likely you have "leaned" it too much. You want the high-speed mixture to be lean enough to get good power and still keep the engine cool. Use a temperature gun or the water test to check the temperature of your engine. Remember, you want the engine to run around 270' or water to sit on the head for around 5-7 seconds.

How To Run In Your RC Nitro Car

The engine has to be Run-in before full-time use. It is very important that this procedure is carried out. Not doing so will shorten the life and reduce the overall performance of your engine.

There are two different methods people use to run their engines in. The first one is simpler and is also safer in that you are less likely to burn your clutch out or something if you get it wrong. With the second method it is more complicated but if done correctly will give a little more life to your engine.

To run your car in, take your finished model and roll it back and forth to be certain the car’s wheels can turn freely. Place the car in a position so that the wheels are off the ground, for example on a heavy box or brick, and follow the starting procedure which can be found on our help page. Use good quality fuel with around 10 - 20% mix. Its best to break-in the engine using the same nitro content as you plan to use for everyday use. The engine should be broken-in on a smooth hard surface. For a boat engines, try to find smooth calm water. Try to avoid breaking-in the engine on very hot, or humid days. Ensure that the idle speed is not to high or else you will burn your clutch out or snap the con rod, and also make sure that the brake is not applied.

Always break-in your engine without the body on the car, you want as much airflow as you can get to keep the engine cool. Do not run the engine too lean or you will over heat it and cause permanent damage to the internal components of the engine.

It is normal for the engine to consume a lot of fuel during break-in. This is because you are running it "richer" than you normally would to keep the engine cool and to flush out the engine as the parts "seat" themselves. Because of the richer than normal setting the performance of the engine will be limited. After break-in, you will then lean it out to gain performance.

It's always a good idea to get an extra glow plug (short, cold plug). It is normal to have to replace it after break-in because of the deposits left on in from the break-in process. Glow plugs are a normal item that needs replacing. Because they have such a huge influence on they way your engine runs it best to always have a few spares on hand.

Method 1:

Once it starts and is idleing slowly place it on the ground and drive it slowly on a flat surface. For the first use do not let the engine run for more then 3 minutes. Carry on running slowly for short periods until you have gone through 2 - 3 tanks of fuel.

Method 2:

With method 2 start the car in the same way but when it starts instead of placing it on the ground keep it off the ground and let the engine idle through 2 - 3 tanks of fuel. Let the engine cool down in between each tank and lean the engine off as needed. Do NOT rev the engine while it is running in and be careful not to lean it off to much or else you will burn your engine which would not be covered by the warranty.

Do not over accelerate at all during this procedure, as it can severly damage the engine. After each idling time, let the car rest for about 10 minutes between each tank. Running in makes sure that the engine is operating correctly before you take it out for a proper run. Never accelerate the engine while all four wheels are off the ground, as this will break the conrod or other important components.

One important thing to remember when breaking in a new engine, it will appear to not run correctly. It will stall, operate very inconsistently, and may even foul glow plugs. Don't get frustrated with it. Just keep working with it and it will become a smooth running engine. These experiences are what can be called "break-in pains". Every new engine has to go through this. When you get the engine started, be sure to keep it running by giving it throttle when it sounds like it's going to stall. Pulling the throttle quickly can also stall the engine. After a couple of tanks your patience will pay off with a very strong, reliable running engine.

Acme Condor 1/10 Scale Nitro Buggy Kit (Self Build it Yourself)

 Christmas Best Seller Year After Year

By popular demand we are now stocking a range of unbuilt nitro radio controlled car kits for those who enjoy building models as much as using them! Forget lego etc, these self build kits provide hours of fun and when they are finished they are actually fun to use! For the hours of use and enjoyment you will get from first building and then racing them these kits are amazing value for money. If you are new to nitro rc cars then buying a self build kit is a great way to learn about the hobby and see how they work before going out and racing them. We sell some of these models to schools as they are educational and a great introduction to mechanics and engineering. There is no other product on the market that gives such a complete all in the box kit like this.

Unlike other self build kits on the market that only include the basic chassis and none of the electronics etc, these kits include everything needed to complete and even the tools you need to build them! Team Infinity 18 engine, pistol type radio equipment, grease, oil etc - everything is there. Construction will take around 8 - 12 hours on average and is recommended for ages 14+  Visit our website for more information and great value rc cars.