Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / May 2006

James,

Have you only adjusted the high-speed needle or have you adjusted the
low-speed needle as well?

I would replace the glow plug with an OS A3 or OS #8, return the needle
settings to factory and start over.  If you're new to the hobby get yourself
an MIP on-board temp gauge or Duratrax IR temp gauge to use as a tuning aid.
Some will say this is unecessary, but for a newb with no one on-site to
assist you it will be a huge help.  Don't tune for a specific temp, but
rather use it along with smoke trail, fuel consumption and engine sound to
properly tune the engine.

With factory needle settings (rich) you will probably have to open the
throttle 1/8 to get it to start and idle.  Use the radio trim control to
keep the idle high enough so she runs consistantly.  It should be sloppy
rich with tons of smoke and oil or raw fuel coming out of the pipe.  If it
isn't, richen the HSN until it is and start tuning from there.

Slowly lean the HSN, 1/8 turn at a time until you get decent top speed with
a good smoke trail.  After HSN is set, adjust LSN so vehicle takes off hard
w/o a bog (rich) or sputter (lean) from a dead stop.  Once your HSN and LSN
are set, adjust idle stop screw to get a nice idle.

Every motor runs at different temps, but anywhere between 200*-300* is safe.
Any cooler is too rich, any hotter is too lean.  The leaner it is the hotter
it will run, the richer it is the cooler it will run.  Over 300* will
overheat and flame out on you.

HTH,

Doc