11-09-2005, 11:53 AM
This is the method I use and is generally regarded as the most common method. Now if its the best I am not sure, but my engine runs great. It is known as the Heat Cycling method. I got this info from Nitro Dan over at http://www.affordablenitrotech.com, seller of reasonably price Novarossi mills. I have also included a link to a tuning guide that was written by the famous Ron Paris of Paris Racing.
The first procedure is called "heat cycling", this is the most important part of break-in and almost no one does it. Start the engine and let it idle, after 1-2 minutes feel the cylinder head, you want it to be hot enough so you can't grab on to it for more than 10 seconds at the base of the head. Stop the engine, make sure the piston is at the bottom of the stroke, let it completely cool down, back to stone cold. Repeat this process at least 10 times !!! I usually dedicate the first tank of fuel to this process. It's going to take some time to do this so be patient.
Now you can take it out and run it. Open the main needle one full turn. The next 4 tanks, run at no more than 1/2 throttle and vary the speed up and down. Let it completely cool down between runs and always make sure the piston is at the bottom of the stroke while it is cooling. Try to run the engine in the 200 degree range during this period.
Now 4 more tanks running up to 3/4 throttle, run it in the same manner as before.
Now you can go wide open, make sure to run it on the rich side for another 6 tanks. Don't try to grab a lot of ponies yet. ( this is easier said than done !!)
Now you can let it rip. These engines run best at temps 220 to 240 degrees. There should always be a VISABLE line of smoke coming from the exhaust stinger.
Good luck with your break-in. Take your time and do it right and you will be rewarded with an engine that runs stronger and lasts longer than you have ever seen. I highly recommend Blue Thunder RACE FORMULA 20% nitro fuel. I burn about 3 cases of it a year and have never had a problem with it. Make sure it is the RACE formula as it has extra castor oil added. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I will answer as soon as I can.
Dan
Paris Racing Tuning Guide
The first procedure is called "heat cycling", this is the most important part of break-in and almost no one does it. Start the engine and let it idle, after 1-2 minutes feel the cylinder head, you want it to be hot enough so you can't grab on to it for more than 10 seconds at the base of the head. Stop the engine, make sure the piston is at the bottom of the stroke, let it completely cool down, back to stone cold. Repeat this process at least 10 times !!! I usually dedicate the first tank of fuel to this process. It's going to take some time to do this so be patient.
Now you can take it out and run it. Open the main needle one full turn. The next 4 tanks, run at no more than 1/2 throttle and vary the speed up and down. Let it completely cool down between runs and always make sure the piston is at the bottom of the stroke while it is cooling. Try to run the engine in the 200 degree range during this period.
Now 4 more tanks running up to 3/4 throttle, run it in the same manner as before.
Now you can go wide open, make sure to run it on the rich side for another 6 tanks. Don't try to grab a lot of ponies yet. ( this is easier said than done !!)
Now you can let it rip. These engines run best at temps 220 to 240 degrees. There should always be a VISABLE line of smoke coming from the exhaust stinger.
Good luck with your break-in. Take your time and do it right and you will be rewarded with an engine that runs stronger and lasts longer than you have ever seen. I highly recommend Blue Thunder RACE FORMULA 20% nitro fuel. I burn about 3 cases of it a year and have never had a problem with it. Make sure it is the RACE formula as it has extra castor oil added. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I will answer as soon as I can.
Dan
Paris Racing Tuning Guide