Originally Posted by
Rtebbetts
Guys, I also havnt only done one tank and called it done. Ive run 6 tanks through it already with the break in instructions handy. Today later in the day when its close to 40 degrees out, I am going to run 2 more tanks through and call the break in process done. That would be 8 tanks through it. Again, if Im doing it all wrong, Im replacing the engine once it becomes springtime so Im not worrying too much about trashing it. When I ran it on the last tank (6th) 2 days ago, it seems to run less blubbery after I leaned it a couple of 1/8th turns. It just stalls because of the temps after idling for about 10-20 seconds. Do you think THAT is just the idle screw and I need to adjust it to idle faster?
I started using the O'Donnell method for breaking in all of my engines, after I got on the team, and spoke to Steve O. It's 10-12 tanks, then left a little rich for the first couple of qualifiers (5 min each). After that, it's run it at race tune, and let it rip.....you've got 8 or so tanks on your RTR engine. It's fine to start leaning on it a little.
If you wrap the head during cooler months, you won't have to worry about hosing up your engine during break in because it will expand properly without leaning the mixture out too much. As far as running in colder weather, just wrap the lower half of the head with foil, and a foam tire. That will also allow the engine to heat up properly.
Don't try to tune to a specific temp though. Listen to the engine, and judge it's performance. Smoke, sound, and performance are the three things you need to tune an engine properly. Temp is a good reference point, or a gauge to make sure you're not way too hot, but that's all it is, a reference point.
If your engine is running strong, had good smoke, and sounds like it's clearing out well, and it's only at 220, don't lean it out to reach 250.
Also, plan on toasting a few of the RTR engines while you're learning how to tune. Traxxas has a good exchange program. Once you are decent at tuning, invest in a good motor.....it's a world of difference (much better).
