While writing the CEN Matrix RTR review we had the idea for a quick 'How-to' feature on how to perform the first start of a new nitro engine. This is something many beginners fear as they think they can break something or it is to difficult to do on their own. This is not the case. The secret of a successful first run of a nitro engine is: preparation.
1. Charge batteries. When the engine you want to break in has a recoil starter: charger the glow igniter batteries. If the engine you want to break in has no recoil starter: charge the glow igniter batteries, the starterbox batteries or the hand held starter batteries. Simple as that.
2. Check engine for lubrication. Sometimes the piston and liner inside the motor are completely dry for some strange reason. We don't know why but it happens. Also sometimes there are some small metal parts from machining left inside. To overcome both problems take the glow plug out of the engine and wash the inside with a bit of RC-Car fuel. Just spill something inside with the help of a fuel bottle and let it flow out again. Then screw in the glow plug again and you are ready to go.
3. Fill it up. When on the track, fill the tank with suitable RC-Car fuel, take off the air filter and spill some drops of fuel in the carburetor. Attach the air filter again.
4. Prep everything. With the tank and carburetor prepped it's time to start the engine. First up actuate the engine without the igniter a couple of seconds. This can be done with the recoil starter, the startbox or the hand held unit. Additionally close the exhaust pipe with one finger to produce an overpressure that presses fuel from the tank into the carburetor.
When you see the fuel has reached the carb (easily to spot when using transparent fuel lines) attach the igniter, open the carburetor with the servo about half the way and start the engine. When the preparation was done properly the engine should start on the first or second pull/rotation.
5. Block. If the engine is not willing to start and blocks, stop trying to start it! The problem can either be too much compression or a flooded combustion camber due to too much fuel. If the latter is the case: unscrew the glow plug, let the excessive fuel low out and try to start again. If too much compression is the problem: unscrew the glow lug by a 1/8 turn (not more!) and try again.
6. Yeehaaa! When the engine finally came to life tighten the glow plug (in case you had to loosen it), and store the car/buggy on a car stand to make sure the tyros to not touch the ground. Try to let the engine idle with increased RPM so the engines does not stall or run with too high RPM.
7. Second tank. When the first tank of fuel wen through the engine let it cool down and restart it by doing the above again. There are some more secrets in treating a brand new engine that we report about very soon!
