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Nitro: Breaking In

How To Break-in Your New Radio Controlled Nitro Vehicle's Engine.  Download 
 
Engine Break-In Procedure
The purpose of the break-in procedure is to thoroughly prepare the engine and its components for consistent and lasting performance. In order to allow for a smooth break-in, we recommend you follow these operating guidelines outlined for the first 5 tanks of fuel.

Caution: High speed running is not recommended until the engine has been broken by using the 5 tank guideline outlined below. Failure to do so can result in permanent engine damage.

Once broken-in, you will need to "tune" the engine by adjusting the carburetor settings, which is also outlined in this manual. This will allow the nitro vehicle to operate efficiently, as well as maximize its performance capabilities giving you the most out of your RC.

Things to keep in mind during the break-in procedure :

  • Fuel Level: Be mindful of the fuel level. Allowing the vehicle to run on an empty fuel tank can result in a damaged fuel plug or engine damage caused by high engine temperatures.
  • Location: It is advised that the break-in procedures be performed on a flat and clean surface since this part of the break-in procedure will be performed without the car body. This environment will minimize dirt build-up and accidental damage that may occur without the body present.
  • Throttle Control: Braking and throttle should be applied gently. Sudden breaking and acceleration may cause the engine to stall and increase the chances of damaging the RC vehicle.
  • Batteries: Before operating your nitro vehicle, check the strength of the batteries in both the receiver and controller.

Tank 1 – Guidelines

  • Body: Drive the vehicle with the body removed. This will allow for proper cooling.
  • Driving Procedure: Gently pull back the throttle to the ¼ position, over a 2 second count. Then, gently apply the brake to stop. Repeat this "start and stop" procedure until the first tank of fuel is nearly empty.
  • Signals: If there is a nice trail of smoke coming from the exhaust, then your engine is being lubricated and the fuel mixture is properly set. If this smoke is absent, richen the high speed fuel mixture a ¼ turn counterclockwise until the smoke is present.
  • Shutdown: Shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line to the carburetor. Before your next tank, let the car cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Tank 2

  • Driving Procedure: Gently pull back the throttle to the ½ position over a 2 second count. Then, gently apply the brake to stop. Repeat this "start and stop" procedure until the second tank of fuel is nearly empty.
  • Shutdown: Shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line to the carburetor. Before your next tank, let the car cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Tank 3

  • Driving Procedure: Gently pull back the throttle to the ½ position, over a 3 second count. Then, gently apply the brake to stop. Repeat this "start and stop" procedure until the third tank of fuel is nearly empty.
  • Idle Speed Adjustment: As the engine loosens and the break-in procedure progresses, the idle speed may increase, causing the car to move forward without any input from the throttle. If this occurs, you may have to reduce the idle speed by turning the idle adjustment (underneath the oil filter) on the carburetor counterclockwise until the car no longer moves on its own.
  • Shutdown: Shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line to the carburetor. Before your next tank, let the car cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Tank 4

  • Driving Procedure: Gently pull back the throttle to the full position, over a 3 second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Repeat this "start and stop" procedure until the fourth tank of fuel is nearly empty.
  • Always make sure to apply the throttle slowly. Keep your driving smooth and consistent.
  • Shutdown: Shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line to the carburetor. Before your next tank, let the car cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Tank 5

  • Driving Procedure: Gently pull back the throttle to the full position, over a 3 second count. Then, hold for 2 seconds, and gently apply the brake to stop. Repeat this "start and stop" procedure until the fifth tank of fuel is nearly empty. Shut off the engine and refuel. It is now time to "tune" the engine.
  • Shutdown: Shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line to the carburetor. Before your next tank, let the car cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Tank 6

At this stage, the engine is now "broken in." It is now time to tune the engine for general performance. Please visit our Nitro Tuning Guide for more information.

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We hope you found this information useful and enjoyed our easy to use tutorial guide. For more tutorials, how-to guides, FAQs, and much more, please visit our Learning Center at XenonProject.com

Copyright © The Xenon Project, LLC. Any duplication, copying, or use without prior written consent is illegal.

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