the engine in my nitro rs4 rtr3 is tuned relatively well, (bluish smoke, good rpm's, etc) but the pull start taked forever to start it cold. after i run it, even if only for a minute, it starts right up, but after sitting for even a little while, it needs 30+ pulls to start. i try priming it with the thing on the fuel tank 15-20 times, but it's still hell to start. i know my glow plug and ignitor work... any ideas? thanx.

I'm sorry I don't understand your meaning clearly. But I guessed....Do you mean your engine refuse to start when it hot?

If so,that is caused by the carburettor over-heat. Do a test,when it happen next time,use air gun to spray the carburettor. If you can easy to start your engine,that's carburettor over-heat. Your engine is too lean.

how do you stop your engine? because if you flood it it could take a while to start it whith a pullstart

Either stop your engine by putting your finger on the flywheel from under the chassis, or just put your finger over the exhaust stinger.

i want to see your fingers especially after you put your finger over the stinger !

when it is cold check to make sure the fuel is in the line IE if you have colored or non transparent fuelline use some clear line to see the fuel. The primer on my HPI tank sometimes is sketchy so if it can't push the fuel through the line (if it goes up then back down) put your finger over the Stinger on the pipe and pull the pullstart slowly until fuel reaches the carb then pull a little in like maybe 1-2 " of rope then try to start it (that is an alternate way to prime the carb.)

if you turn it off putting your finginger on the stinger sometimes its a little harder to start the engine the next time (at least thats been my experience) also you could try heating your engine with a air blowing things for the hair before starting it.

just my opinion but I think you should get a starter box They sure made my life easier and no more acking popey arm

I would sooner put my finger on the flywheel then put a circular blister on the top of my finger any day.

well the "proper way" is to pinch the fuel line or stop the flywheel with your finger or foot but in an emercency(such as when My car sped out of control) you can plug the stinger or rip the filter off and put your finger over the carb collar. I just pinch the fuel line or plug the stinger

i would say flood the plug to make the engine die will avoid putting much stress to the conrod. i.e. mtx3 kid's method...

I see people doin it all the time at my club, even 8th scale. I would think that starter boxes would put more pressure on the con-rod then just lightly putting your finger on the flywheel

sorry if i was unclear... i meant that the engine is hard to start cold, but starts right up after being run recently (5-10 mins).
i think the problem is like what Smoke21 said, with not enough fuel getting to the carb or bubbles in the line.


btw: i always stop the engine by pinching the fuel line and it seems to work well.