someone explain starting older nitro engine

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S - 20 Jun 2005 18:34 GMT

So digging through an old parts box i found a glow-engine with "40" written
on the side (does this mean .40?) at any rate it has the glow plug attached
and all the parts still move so its not seized. How would i go about
starting it assuming i can get my hands on a 12v DC motor to use as a
starter? How is voltage (and what voltage) connected to the glow-plug? is
the voltage applied just till it turns over or does the voltage need to be
applied continuously? Also, what fuel is used for these--do i just go to
ther hobby shop and ask for glow engine fuel (same as nitro?)

any help to a gas newbie would be appreciated!

Stu

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kenji - 20 Jun 2005 22:42 GMT

> any help to a gas newbie would be appreciated!

Take it to a local hobby shop that specializes in nitro engines. They'll
sell you what you need to get it started and offer further advice.

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The Raven - 21 Jun 2005 11:30 GMT

> So digging through an old parts box i found a glow-engine with "40"
> written
> on the side (does this mean .40?)

0.40 of a cubic inch. What most people refer to as "40 sized".

> at any rate it has the glow plug attached
> and all the parts still move so its not seized.

Lucky you if it's been stored for a long time.

> How would i go about
> starting it assuming i can get my hands on a 12v DC motor to use as a
> starter?

What type of engine is this, aircraft or car? I assume car.

If it's an aircraft engine, don't even consider running it without a prop.
You can hand start these but some engines are easier than others. Get it
wrong and it will cut you up without warning (backfire, high speed start).

> How is voltage (and what voltage) connected to the glow-plug?

1.5V at a reasonable amperage. Negative to plug body, positive to tip. It's
DC so it really doesn't matter...

> is
> the voltage applied just till it turns over or does the voltage need to be
> applied continuously?

Take the plug out, apply 1.5V DC to the plug and see that the element glows.
You need some amperage here so don't assume a little AA will light it up. If
the plug doesn't glow you either haven't got enough power or the plug is
burnt out.

Once the engine is running you can remove the power to the plug. Give it a
few seconds to warm up before pulling the power.

> Also, what fuel is used for these--do i just go to
> ther hobby shop and ask for glow engine fuel (same as nitro?)

For an unknown engine of indertimate age and condition use a low (or zero)
nitro fuel. Yes, standard glow engine fuel.

> any help to a gas newbie would be appreciated!

If you haven't someone experienced to guide you starting and running the
engine you could easily damage it or hurt yourself. It's not rocket science
but without some knowledge/experience you're asking for trouble.

Any idea as to brand name or type of motor?

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The Raven
http://www.80scartoons.co.uk/batfinkquote.mp3
** Now I will bring chaos to the world!

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kenji - 21 Jun 2005 17:10 GMT

> Once the engine is running you can remove the power to the plug. Give it a
> few seconds to warm up before pulling the power.

shouldn't the engine be mounted in a vehicle or aircraft before starting
or some kind of bench setup?

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the_atomic_punk - 28 Jun 2005 05:02 GMT

First off completly rebuild the engine.Dissasemble the entire
engine(dissasemble all needles). Soak all components into denatured
alchohol for a few hours,then scrub the misc parts,then scour with
tooth brush.Rinse with and clean some more with dish detergent. Dry
with hair dryer. Whipe clean block and components,then lube with a good
water displacer (WD-40)
Then re-assemble block, Dont over tighten any of the needle valves,then
unturn the big needle valve to about 2 1/2 turns.Set idle and (if)
there is a low speed idle mixture set to the head is flush.
If the motor is an airplane model? Get a block stand and anchore
it...Any motor if that matters?

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / June 2005

someone explain starting older nitro engine