Breaking-in the Engine

Breaking-in the Engine

Notice: CEN/EXCEED high performance engines must be correctly broken-in for maximum performance and life! Rushing this process can result in premature engine failure.



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.

Break-in should be done using at least 4-5 tanks of fuel. Please don't take short cuts and run less tanks. Don't listen to your friends that tell you that it doesn't really matter, IT DOES!

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 clam water. Try to avoid breaking-in the engine on very hot, or humid days.

Turning the mixture screws clockwise will "lean" the air/fuel mixture. This will increase power and increase engine temperature. Turning the screws to the left counter-clockwise will "richen" the air/fuel mixture. This will cool the engine and make it last longer. When adjusting the idle screw, turning to the left will lower the idle and right will raise the idle. Remember to open the carburetor a little whenever you tighten the idle screw to prevent breaking off the tip of the screw.

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.

Start your engine, drive the car slowly around to let the engine heat up. Ease the throttle on and off slowly. Don't let the car stay still for long periods of time, this will heat up the clutch bell and could damage it. The idle speed should be set as low as possible to keep the engine running when the car is stopped. 3. The final settings on the top end needle will vary slightly from engine to engine. Look for the following performance signs: Engine should accelerate quickly. Blue/white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. If no blue smoke it coming out, you need to "richen" the top end needle. Alternate driving at low to medium speeds, with short periods of high speed running When the engine reaches normal running temperature, it will pick up speed and performance will improve. When the tank is close to running out bring in the car and shut off the engine. Let it cool completely, then refuel and run again. Part of the break-in process is also to heat cycle the parts in side the engine. Remember always run the engine with a clean air filter.

Should I get an electric or nitro powered radio-controlled car?

This is one of the most important questions that most beginners over look. Nitro powered cars are a lot faster and required more driving skill to control. There is also more Maintenance required because of the nitro engine. The user will need to learn and understand engine tuning and mechanics of basic hobby engines. Strong parental supervision is recommended for users under 16 years of age. Electric powered cars are much simpler and require less maintenance than nitro. The user simply charges the batteries and run the car. Very little adjusting is needed. Recommended for beginners.

W If my engine is running hot what do I do?

If your engine is running too hot you need to richen up the fuel mixture. This means the engine needs more fuel to lower the temperature.

Why will my car not start?

99% of the time when our customers cant get there engines to start is because they didn't charge or install a fresh battery into there glow igniter.

How do I stop/stall my engine?

The best way to stall the engine is to simply run it out of fuel. To stall the engine quickly, simply cut-off the exhaust with a rag or your finger. Be careful the pipe may be hot.

My electric car rolls slowly or does not stop in neutral?

You need to adjust your throttle trim. Turning the knob in one direction will make the car roll faster, turning the knob the other way will make the car stop.

What % of fuel should I use?

We highly recommend using 20% fuel.