What is the temp. range for the os 18? And how do you warm up a nitro vehicle?

Engines usually come with recommendations from the factory regarding correct operating temperatures. Nitro engines can run well anywhere between 190F and 290F, depending on climate, humidity, fuel, height above sea level etc etc.

Just for example, in cooler climates, the engine's temperature may seem low, but leaning the mixture to increase the temps to match those recommended by an expert who lives near the equator may actually prove detrimental - the engine still needs lubrication remember, but by achieving the 'target temp', you'ld have to be running considerbly leaner to achieve the same reading.

Likewise, using a fuel with a higher oil content may result in higher running temps, even though your engine is actually better protected. Engine temps can be very mis-leading if they are used as the sole indicator for carb tuning.

Tune your engine such that it picks up well, revs cleanly at full throttle and with a visible misty blue smoke plume and then if you have a temp gun, record the temperature at which it runs well - take a note of the weather - this will then be a good temp guide for your engine, with that fuel, in your area, for that kind of weather.

Don't forget that some temp guns come supplied to give temps in degrees C by default. Lots of people have made that mistake!!

To answer your question 'how do you warm up a nitro vehicle':

Nitro engines generate their own heat. However, when an engine is new and tight, and still requires running-in, a hair-dryer can be used to get the engine up to a suitable starting temperature. This is especially helpful with competition engines which are VERY tight from new, or when trying to start an engine in cold conditions. Once an engine is run-in, generally you'll not need to use a hair-dryer.

Thereafter, how hot the engine runs is determined by the needle settings on the carb. The leaner the mixtures, the hotter the engine will run. The richer the mixtures, the cooler the engine will run. Gearing also determines how much work the engine has to do. The gearing needs to be appropriate for the conditions/amount of space you have to run in, to avoid over-revving the engine. From a track point of view, your gearing/mixtures will need to be slightly different for a tight, twisty track layout compared to a fast, open layout. Engine temps will reflect this fact.

Hope this helps.