RedKirsten

Hi guys, I have been reading through here for some tips and there is some great info in here but unfortunately I just can't get my head around what screw is what!
I got my first ever nitro car - a truggy, a hsp gladiator - I hadnt realised how difficult they were. When I couldn't get it started a lad I know had a look at it, fiddled with screws with no joy - afterwards he told me well I don't know anything about car engines so don't know why I would be able to do this! I then took the car to a hobby shop for help - he didn't sell nitro cars but glow starters, fuel etc so assumed he would be ok. He eventually got the car started left it running for about 2 minutes by which point it was smoking out of every hole possible and stunk! I don't know if he turned it off or it cut off because he then gave it back to me saying he got it started so its fine and that it takes ages to tune them so just to take it home, get it started then leave it as it is for a full tank of fuel which will then be the engine run in and then I can start to tune. I got it home and haven't been able to start it at all!! It's not glow plug as I bought a couple of spares (that's the only thing I am confident with on the car - checking and changing glow plug)! I was assuming if I then got a car with an electric starter it would be easier so I bought a car and yay it started so very easily I let it run a tank of fuel, then stupidly I touched things that I have absolutely no comprehension off!! Anyway to cut a long story short, I got the car to start again but it cut out with a pop after a couple of seconds so I turned the gold screw (I believe that is the high end mixture valve/high speed mixture valve) now my car starts but as soon as I remove the glow plug starter it instantly cuts out. I have no idea looking at my manual what is what - I've even bought a Haynes manual but I just don't get it. Has anyone got any advice for me please apart from don't touch what you don't know? Also if I take a pic would anyone be able to write on the pic what part/screw is what for me please?
I'm now left with 2 cars and can't play with either

nitroexpress

I believe your engine is a Vertex VX 18


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38X6rBDz9Ag

RCNUT1975

iTrader: (26)

i would be more than willing to help you out but i need a little more info like a pic of your engine more specific the carborator to see what you are dealling with i have been in the hobbie for many years and i have several engines that would run great and others that would give me fits every time i wanted to run i hope to help

EatYoLegs

iTrader: (1)

I believe you have touched the screws pre maturely. But if it starts with the glow ignitor on than leave it on and idle it for a few tanks. Read the tuning bible and listen to it but keep in mind when tuning a needle you hardly move. Imagine an hour on a clock face. Just moving the needle that far does a lot. Watch videos on YouTube to get a feel of how the engine should sound, and get a tempgun so you can keep track of your temps! Also you might have an easier time starting your car with a heat gun so you can warm up your engine casing. Once I got a heat gun for my car it started so easily!

Anyway, good luck!

petevette

iTrader: (13)

Look at the manual for the engine or google the factory setting for the needles. Then screw the needles all the way in "clockwise" until they bottom out. Becareful not to be to aggressive when screw them all the way in. They back them out "counterclockwise" the number of turns that the manufacturer suggests. For example 3 1/2 turns out on the top needle.

One you have reset the engine back to factory settings it should start but will probably run a bit rich which is good. After you put a few tanks through the engine you can slowly start leaning the engine out to get a better tune. You might also have to readjust your idle screw if you touched that one also again use factory specs. Try that and then let us know what happens and we will try to help some more. I am assuming you have good fresh fuel and that your fuel and vacuum lines are okay.

gordybe

Hi did you manage to sort out your issues? I have just bought one and the manula is hopeless. There are better ones available on MYRC. The manula does not cover the Transmitter so everything on there is guesswork. I found some youtube site showing the set up and runin process which seem s quite comprehensive and relatively straightforward.

Zerodefect

-get the biggest Hotshot Glow Ignitor there is. Charge it fully. Newbs allways start with some POS ignitor that can barely glow a plug.

-find your local nitro tracks forum. Ask if anyone can help you tune at that track before a race or practice day.

-read up on tuning, but your car should run smokey and terrible if you are still breaking it in.

-get a hotter glow plug

-use Dubro fuel line

-make sure the clutch isn't stuck

-air bubbles in fuel line?