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How to Start an RC Gas Engine

A remote controlled vehicle is only as powerful as the engine at its core. The more energy provided by that engine, the more capable your RC vehicle is in terms of both speed and maneuverability. For all vehicle types, from cars to boats to airplanes, the most powerful engines available are gas engines. These engines, built along the same principles as full\-sized combustion engines, require an external starting mechanism. This mechanism, a glow igniter, provides the initial spark necessary to start the engine running. While it's a quick starting process, it must be carried out in a specific manner in order to be successful.

Things You'll Need

Nitro fuel
Glow plug igniter

Instructions

- 1
  Charge your glow igniter using the plug provided by the manufacturer. Charge times may vary, but 15 minutes will likely give your igniter a full charge, making it ready for use with your RC engine.
- 2
  Place batteries into the RC transmitter and receiver. Turn on the transmitter first, followed by the receiver, and check that the connection is established by moving the sticks on your transmitter and watching for reaction form the vehicle --- for example, movement of the wing flaps on airplanes, or changing wheel direction on cars.
- 3
  Fill the gas tank of the vehicle with a nitro fuel formulated for use with gas-powered RC engines.
- 4
  Remove the pressure line from the exhaust pipe and blow air into the line to push fuel into the carburetor. Watch the fuel move through the line and stop blowing once it reaches the carburetor. Reattach the pressure line to the exhaust pipe by slipping it over the end of the pipe.
- 5
  Attach the glow plug igniter to the screw-like glow plug located on the engine cylinder head by clipping the plug over the screw.
- 6
  Turn the throttle trim knob slightly to the open position. Pull the engine starter cord sharply to start the engine.
- 7
  Unclip the glow plug igniter from the glow plug once the engine starts to drive the car.

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