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How to Run a Nitro Engine

Nitro powered RC engines can be a little tricky to start. Like all internal combustion engines they require three essentials; fuel, air and an ignition source. The throttle position and the fuel to air mixture affect how easily a nitro powered engine will be to start. Humidity and air temperature also have an effect on the engine; what fuel to air mixture worked one day may not work the next. Follow these simple steps and you will have your engine running smooth and strong.

Things You'll Need

Glow plug lighter
Nitro fuel
Chicken stick
Electric starter

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the fuel tank with fresh nitro fuel. Nitro methane evaporates quickly; old fuel may not have enough nitro methane to start the engine or keep it running smoothly.
- 2
  Turn on the RC transmitter then the receiver. Move the stick that controls the throttle, left-hand stick for most modelers, to the full throttle position.
- 3
  Open the needle valve located on the carburetor or mounted to the side of the engine, two and a half turns. Turn the needle counterclockwise open the valve. This allows fuel to flow into the carburetor.
- 4
  Prime the engine by covering the carburetor with your thumb and turning the prop counterclockwise a few revolutions. You should see the fuel being drawn through the fuel line and into the carburetor.
- 5
  Attach the glow plug lighter to the glow plug. Make sure the lighter has a good grip on the glow plug. Move the throttle stick on the transmitter to one-quarter throttle.
- 6
  Turn the prop counterclockwise with an electric starter or a chicken stick. When the engine starts to run, move the throttle stick to the full throttle position.
- 7
  Close the needle valve slowly by turning it clockwise. When the engine sounds like it has reached its maximum speed, open the needle valve four or five clicks.
- 8
  Remove the glow plug lighter and move the throttle stick down to the idle position.

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