MikeGoesFlying.com: Tuning Glow Engines

MikeGloesFlying.com, the new home of Magnum Engines, shares five easy steps to tuning your glow engines!

MikeGoesFlying.com says to start, redefine how you think of the idle needle. "It's really a misnomer. Unlike a lawnmower engine, the "idle needle" really controls the transition."
Armed with that important knowledge, follow these five steps for a perfectly-tuned engine! Step 1: Ensure the idle needle is not set too lean! Many engines can be set so that NO FUEL flows through the carb if it's too lean. I connect fuel line to the carburetor, set the barrel to the idle position, and blow air through the fuel tube. If I can hear air, it is "rich" but will allow fuel through the carb. This is a great starting point, especially if you are unfamiliar with the engine.
Step 2: Run the engine at full throttle, set the high speed to about 2-4 clicks on the rich-side of "fully leaned out".
Step 3: While the engine is still running, close the carburetor as far as it will go and the engine will still run. It does not matter how slow or fast that is. Hold that position for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Now GUN the throttle. Run it to full throttle and watch and listen. If a bunch of smoke comes out of the exhaust and it bogs down, Idle needle is too rich. If it just quits suddenly with no smoke, idle needle is too lean. Now stop the engine.
Step 5: Make small adjustment to idle needle. No more than 1/8th of a turn. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until the engine transitions smoothly.

Still have questions?

Email the great people at MikeGoesFlying.com at [email protected] or visit their website www.mikegoesflying.com!