Having problems starting my O.S Vpec in my Losi 8ight Please help
 

Hi guys,

Is it normal for this engine to be so hard to turn over even without the glow plug in that the starter box chews its wheel up on the flywheel?

I am using the Mugen 1/8 pro starter box, with 2 matched 4200 race packs powering it at present ( wanted max power to make sure it would start ) and i cant get it to turn over without just either bogging down the starter box or just spinning and shredding the starter wheel... The box is aligned PERFECT have apent a lot of time doing so.

The engine is brand new and hasnt been started yet, i heated it up with a heat gun to about 160 or so degrees before i cranked it over and it still wouldnt turn. I can remove the glow plug and i still cant turn it over....

I thought the Mugen box was one of the more powerfull boxes out there and had no problems turning a Vspec over? Has anyone got any suggestions or had the same dramas? I dont want to damage my starter wheel as its already getting a slight groove in it.

use the heat gun to get it closer to 190-200, hell 220, make sure it's primed with fuel, and loosen the plug a little bit until it's running then tighten the plug while blipping the throttle.

A lipo pack for the starter box will also give your box a lot more power. I just broke a speed in and didn't even have to heat it up to get it to turn over with the same box your using.

I had the same problem with my Vspec when I was using a 2x550 starter box. the flywheel would get stuck and I had to force the flywheel over to loosen it. i realize that there's a technic to get the engine broken in. Get the starter wheel to run upto speed and then hit the flywheel down.
Otherwise, get the OFNA truggy starter box that has the 2x775 motors. Sweet....and no problems. ;)

Just my inputs

Thanks for the inputs guys, i might have to look into upgrading the 2x motors in the Mugen box, i havent ever heard of others having a problem with the power of the Mugen box before though.... will see how it goes, any other inputs are appreciated please guys. Thanks.

the problem you are having is called mechanical pinch because the engine is new it is very tight, your just gonna have to fight through it....get the box running at full speed and smack the frywheel down onto it to get maximum pressure on the wheel....it only takes a few engine revolutions to get the engine to start, so hang in there youll get it running....

Just make sure the piston isn't stuck in the pinch when you are trying to start it. With new engines, especially engines like a v-spec, the piston will get stuck at top dead center. If it does reset it back to the bottom of the stroke by hand before trying the box.

Like others have already said preheat it to 200* and get the box spinng before making contact with the flywheel. Also make sure your starter box batteries are fully charged. I'm sure you can get it started without upgrading the box.

I found that if you get the starter box up to speed and bump the flywheel up and down on the starter box , you create more torque for each bump, and it starts right up. It's a fast up and down motion that allows the starter box to spin at max RPM's. Always make sure your Piston is at the bottom of it's rotation, It might get stuck a few times, but it will start. I use a single motor associated box and have no problems with it. I've broken all my motor in on it, so I know the bump method works.

Patience is needed....... ;)
You'll get it started.

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Will have another go in the next day or so.

I was disappointed with the motors that came with the Mugen box. I put two E-Maxx motors in it and a LiPo pack. Now it throws the car in the dirt if I don't hang onto it tight! :lol:

To help save the starter wheel, you could install the updated Losi flywheel which has a wider knurled area on it. Much easier on the starter wheel!

Hi guys, Just thought i would let you all know that i got the car running and all is good. Did exactly what everyone suggested and it started up no worries, heated it up to around 180ish degrees piston at BDC and bumped it down and it was alive :) Thanks again fella`s.

Good to hear that. Have fun :)