Running-In your new RC Car Engine

Each day we get asked about the 'running-in' of a new engine.
Is it absolutely necessary?
Do I really need to do it?
What happens if I don't?
Let's try and answer these questions for you.

Q: Is it absolutely necessary?

A: YES!
A new engine incorrectly run-in or not run-in at all will appear
to run well but……..not for long
Incorrect or no run-in at all will seriously shorten the life of
your engine

Q:Do I really need to do it?
A:YES!
Bearing in mind the answer to the question above, a
correctly run-in engine will provide possibly years of superb performance.
Top speeds, responsiveness, good fuel economy and
reliability are the rewards of a well run-in engine

Q:What happens if I don't?
A: Your engine's life will be shortened dramatically.
You may face erratic starting problems, high fuel
consumption and lack of performance if you thrash your engine from new.

Q: How do I run it in?
A: We consider a 10% nitro mix to be ideal for the
running in period and jn fact, there's no reason why you can't continue to use 10% nitro after the running in process.
Straight from the box, your new car's engine will be set
to run 'rich'. That's to say, the carburettor settings will be
set to allow higher than normal volumes of fuel through to the cylinder.
The reason for this is to ensure the engine runs cool and
receives sufficient oil to 'seat' the new engine components.
A common problem when running in a new engine is the
frustration of the engine continually cutting out.
This is normal. The engine is having to cope with more
fuel than is normal and so is to be expected. Persevere.

Also, you may suffer from another common new
car problem - tight engine! When starting a new engine,
it can be beneficial to 'crack open' the glow plug slightly
to allow some of the compression out. Then, once the
engine has been started, nip the glowplug back up.

If you hear the engine slowing, apply a little more
throttle. Take care not to 'blip' the throttle too much because
this can have a tendency to stall a rich engine also.
Keep the engine out of its upper throttle range though.
You will find that after a couple of tanks that the engine will run more readily without cutting out all of the time.
It is advisable to have to hand at least one spare glow
plug as the running in process can tend to foul the plugs
and you may need to change it at least once.

Commonly known as 'break-in pains', the symptoms of a
rich engine can make you wonder if it will ever get better.
Be patient and persevere, the benefits will far outweigh the teething problems.

Don't take any notice of your mates who tell you not to bother.
“It'll be fine, I didn't run mine in”. It's not their engine.
It's yours and it cost you a lot of money so do it right.
Consider your engine 'broken-in' after at least 6-10 tanks of fuel and not before. In actual fact, the more tanks you put through the engine during the break in period, the better.